Bathroom remodelling - Help !!!

[Leora Efeira]

I'm in the beginning stage of bath remodeling. I remodelled the bath somewhat 9 years ago which later turned out to an awful disaster. This time I'm gonna be pretty careful. I've thought of replacing the old cracked sink   with this console sink

Last time we had got body sprays and shower bench installed for no reason that no one ever used. I guess, The architect was being "creative" and at the time, we agreed. Awful. 

I' actually having a difficult time making decisions for our bathroom remodel This will be the first and only remodel for our bathroom, so we hate to mess up.

Before I proceed I would like to hear some very good advice and suggestions. Would appreciate any words of wisdom or advice. What was your best decision concerning the bathroom?

[Richard Rolle]

What stands out for me is the line "first and only" remodel.  I will presume you are keeping the house long-term, maybe your forever home?  If that is the case, I recommend keeping your style more "classic". Timeless  vs. trendy is where I'm going.  Will it look good in 20 years vs. oh, they did this in 2017?  

I flip houses, so I do whats hot, cause buyers want on trend, new and clean. They love DIY Channel.  I've done remodels that look great today, but I know if I went back five years from now, I might be shaking my head.  Think full mosaic glass back splashes in the early 2000's that look over the top to me now or tile counter tops with the dirty grout lines.  Great ideas then, not so great now.

IMO the most important things are those you cannot easily change.  Like the base of most bathrooms, the tile.  Things to consider are tile size (timeless 8x8, 12x12, 16x16, subway, vs trendy 6x24, large plank tiles, etc.) textures (trendy fabric look) and colors.  With a great "base" you can always refresh your look with new fixtures, handles/knobs on cabinets, etc.  You can dramatically change a bathroom by going from brushed nickel to oil rubbed bronze or like the picture in your example, gold to any other finish easily later on.

Some ideas I personally have done and love:

Heated floors.  Nothing better than getting out of bed and walking on a warm floor in the bathroom.  Tip- install a spare thermostat sensor.  If it the primary goes out, you are already wired to keep your system running for years.  Only a few dollars now, save hundreds/thousands later if it goes out.

Add an outlet by the commode.  Allows upgrade to bidet toilet seats later.  They will change your life! (see Toto or Brondell)  Also make sure you use "comfort height" (17") toilets. 

Install 3/4 or 1" water supply lines to the shower.  If you ever want to upgrade or change to high flow shower heads or add a shower panel later, you'll be glad you have all the water pressure you can handle available.

Age-proof your bathroom.  If you don't really love to take baths, use the space for a large walk in shower. No curbs if possible. Will make it wheelchair accessible and prevent issues in retirement.  

Install automatic moisture sensing fans or a switch that turns them on when moisture is present.  Prevent any mold/moisture issues if everyone isn't great at turning them on before a shower.  Also choose the low sone fans.  Worth the investment.   

If you have a large vanity, install an outlet behind a bottom drawer.  Allows the ladys to plug in hair dyers, irons etc and leave them in the draw instead of pulling them out and leaving them on the counter.  Clean and convenient.  

Hope this gives you some ideas.