Transform Your Bathroom into a Health-Focused Haven With a Few Changes

Living in an evolving city like Canberra means that you’ve got to be under the government’s radar for taking care of your health. Like the recent ACT Preventive Health Plan that encourages a healthy and active lifestyle for both adults and kids. Well, the government can introduce many policies, but the reality is that the concept of a healthy lifestyle originates from your home.

Your home, primarily your bathroom, is a reflection of how seriously you take cleanliness and a healthy lifestyle. These bathrooms, which were once considered for their functionality are now being transformed by bathroom renovation experts into a nurturing and healthy space. If you are expecting an upcoming bathroom, you must know that your design and material choices can certainly impact your well-being. Here is a list of things you can share with your tradie to bring your version of a bathroom that elevates your overall lifestyle.

To start, you need to ensure that your loo has the right airflow. Canberra has sharp weather with moist winters and super-humid summers. This wet and sticky climate is the home for mould and mildew to multiply. They may seem small, but can really mess up your respiratory health, if you leave the space unattended for long.

Talk to your contractor about the different ventilation options available according to the size and structure of your bathroom. While there are many options like exhaust fans, vents, and windows to eliminate stale air from the space, it is about finding the most suitable one.

For instance, a large exhaust may not be a convenient choice for a smaller bathroom, and a skylight window may not be a choice for people living in an apartment.

Most professional bathroom renovation specialists in the ACT also suggest their clients use humidity sensors; these are pretty smart devices that turn on your exhaust when your bathroom starts getting a bit too damp. 

Outdated bathrooms are not just unattractive — they can be a serious health hazard, as most of them were smeared with traditional paint and adhesives that released VOCs. Volatile Organic Compounds can contribute to allergies and respiratory issues in the long run.

But this changes today. Ask your tradie to source low-VOC and eco-friendly paints and adhesives. These may be somewhat expensive compared to the conventional products, but the extra few dollars to pay at the expense of health should not be a huge issue.

You can also totally avoid the painting part by going with materials like stone and porcelain, which resist bacterial build-up and make cleaning much easier.

We all want a well-lit and spacious bathroom that affects your mood and circadian rhythm — the key concepts to achieving overall well-being. If your current bathroom does not have a single ray of natural light passing through it, then perhaps it’s time for a change.

Discuss with your tradie about allowing natural light in the bathroom. You can go with glass panels. Small windows and glass vents near the ceiling, or a skylight, are all good examples of what you can do to create a natural inflow of light in your sad and gloomy loo.

To make things aesthetic, install dimmable LED lights to set the mood.

Your bathroom should have an accessible and clean layout that is safe for everyone. Talk to your tradie about placing the fixtures in a way that makes everything easy to access and doesn’t add a lot of stress on you.

A textured tile floor or matte finish prevents slips, making it easier to move around in a wet bathroom. You must also invest in grab rails by the tub and toilet seat for assistance. The changes are particularly beneficial when you have children and seniors in the house.

Even better, you can use wall-mount fixtures to transform your bathroom into one much bigger than it is in reality. It is also more convenient to maintain cleanliness.

Sustainability should also be a part of your plan when improving your lifestyle. Although not legally binding, incorporating sustainable practices can really help you contribute good towards the planet.

Talking about bathrooms, certain fixtures and fittings can help you save water, without much compromise on the water pressure. For example, dual-flush toilets and low-flow faucets use less water, but give results that are better than conventional fixtures. With these installations, not only do you get optimised flow, but also a considerable reduction in your energy bills.

Thermostats can also be added to the mix while we are on the subject of sustainability. They ensure that water immediately comes to the temperature that you like before usage to reduce any excess bills, such as the heating system running constantly.

As compared to your conventional fixtures and add-ons, these changes are pricier. But considering that you are making health-friendly changes and saving up on bills while reducing the carbon footprint, it's actually a good deal.

A cluttered and unorganised bathroom can be defined in two words: unattractive and mentally straining. Like why would anyone want to use a bathroom that causes visual strain and discomfort the moment you enter? You need custom storage solutions for the bathroom to look clean and comfy.

Discuss with your contractor about the smart storage solutions you can incorporate in your bathroom without looking clunky and weird. For those who can't afford a hefty redesign and carpentry work in their budget, it's totally okay. You can invest in wall-mounted organisers to declutter your loo. These options are available at very reasonable prices and can really help you achieve that much-needed change.

A healthy lifestyle originates from the bathroom of your house because if you can keep it clean and decluttered, you can do the same for the rest of your house as well. Plus, a well-kept bathroom also reduces physical and mental stress on your mind and body.

A well-kept bathroom can improve your quality of life and living standards. So, when you are up for a renovation, it is best to do some research and plan according to the newly set standards of wellness. Your tradie might also throw his two cents in the hat for better and long-lasting upgrades.