Breathe New Life Into Your Bathroom: Design & Renovation Tips for Every Home — Merrill Construction Group

Breathe New Life Into Your Bathroom: Design & Renovation Tips for Every Home

April 22, 2025

When it comes to home improvement, few projects have as big of an impact as a bathroom renovation. Whether you’re working with a tiny powder room or a master ensuite, a thoughtfully designed bathroom can elevate your entire home experience. From boosting property value to creating a peaceful retreat, here’s everything you need to know to start your bathroom renovation journey.

Step 1: Know Your “Why”

Before picking out tiles or fixtures, ask yourself why you’re renovating. Is it to improve functionality, fix dated finishes, increase storage, or create a spa-like sanctuary? Defining your goal early helps keep decisions focused and aligned with your budget.

Step 2: Think Function First

Beautiful bathrooms are great, but if they don’t function well, you’ll notice quickly. Ask yourself:

Is the layout efficient?

Do you need more storage?

Is ventilation adequate?

Do multiple people need to use it at once?

Upgrades like double vanities, built-in niches, heated floors, or walk-in showers can improve both function and style.

Step 3: Design for Your Style (and the Future)

When it comes to design, aim for a balance of personality and longevity. Trendy elements (like colored grout or bold wallpaper) can add flair, but use them in ways that are easy to swap out later.

Popular bathroom styles include:

Modern minimalist: Sleek lines, neutral tones, floating vanities.

Scandinavian: White, wood, and natural light with simple elegance.

Farmhouse: Vintage-inspired fixtures, shiplap walls, matte black hardware.

Luxury spa: Freestanding tubs, marble finishes, rainfall showers.

Final Thoughts: Plan Well, Enjoy More

Bathroom renovations don’t have to be overwhelming. With a clear vision, the right team, and attention to both form and function, you’ll be stepping into your dream bathroom in no time. And trust us—there’s nothing quite like a beautiful bathroom to start and end your day on the right note. Explore our portfolio of bathroom projects and contact us today to learn more about our process.

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They walked in to an unfinished problem, and took it to completion quickly, on budget, and at a very high quality.
Julia

We hired Merrill Construction Group for a total master bath and closet renovation. Hilson and his team are very professional and were quick to respond to all our questions and requests. His crew kept the site clean, showed up when they said they would and did excellent work. We highly recommend Merrill Construction Group and look forward to working with them again on future projects
Kim

Professional work. Very well done in a timely manner. I would recommend this company to anyone. Very pleased with the final results.
Dayton H

I can’t say enough good things about our renovation process with Merrill Construction Group. The team is comprised of the best of the best. The attention to detail and project management throughout our seven-month project exceeded all expectations. We’re thrilled with how everything turned out and would recommend them to anyone.
Susannah

Hilson Merrill is very professional & his quality of work is a reflection of his high standards. He and Thomas are friendly and easily accessible to set appointments to complete projects.
Kristal

We hired Hilson Merrill to help us add a screened porch to the back of our home as well as add a new roof on our home and porch. The project was completed on time and within budget. Our porch is by far our favorite “room” in our home. It was beautifully designed with the help of a draftsman that Hilson recommended. Hilson was responsive to all of my emails, questions, and requests throughout the project. He is honest and upfront about the building process. We would highly recommend this company!
Laura

Last year Merrill Construction Group remodeled a master bath, a studio and enclosed a hot patio for us. We are enjoying these improvements to our home so much! They did an excellent job. The sub-contractors were very fine workers with above average skills. They were on the job and we were finished very close to the time that was allotted for the work. Love this company and highly recommend!
Anne

They are reliable, wonderful crew and very friendly. I would recommend them any day. They always put customers first, before anything else.
John

Merrill Construction Group had done a fireplace and a kitchen redo for my neighbor, who was very happy with the job. I felt Mr. Merrill was neat and professional, always took and returned my calls on time and had some good ideas for my fireplace so I accepted his bid to perform the job. I liked the fact that everything was written down and that the supervisor, Thomas, was intelligent and professional. They did a marvelous job. It is beautiful and took less than a week start to finish. Everything was left neat and clean, and Merrill Construction Group even lowered the amount they originally thought it would cost because it took less time than they had thought it would.
Jeanne

Originally remodeled two bathrooms and did a great job. Recently remodeled our downstairs including the kitchen. They started exactly when they said they would. They finished on time and on budget. They were respectful and kept our needs in mind. I would always use them for projects in the future.
Janis

We did a master suite addition, with a screened-in porch and two covered porches. Merrill Construction Group did an excellent job on the addition and we were especially impressed with how they made the addition fit into our existing home. You cannot even tell that there is a new part. We love our renovation and thought they did a fantastic job.
Stephanie

Merrill Construction Group completed my major kitchen renovation, and I was very pleased. A few things that I really appreciated: #1 – Hilson and his team are great at communicating on a daily basis about the project; #2 – Hilson and his team are very nice and trust-worthy guys; #3 – I was pleased that the project wasn’t delayed or come in over the quote.
Camellia

Great Job! Very professional and great communication. Everything happened on schedule and in budget. I highly recommend Merrill Construction Group. Thanks, Hilson!
Dillon

Merrill Construction Group was of the highest quality for my home renovation. The workmanship was excellent. The crew was helpful and the contractor was available when needed and had great ideas or solutions to questions I had. I have hired them more than once and would readily do so again.
Pam

Merrill Construction Company remodeled two bathrooms in our 1920s house as well as a laundry room. We were more than satisfied with every aspect of the project from the design consultation at the beginning to the outstanding workmanship of the tile layers, painters, plumbers and electricians. The project was even finished on time and under budget.
George

Hilson and his team are professional and timely (something not common in this industry!). Went above and beyond to make sure everything was up to our standards/liking. Would definitely recommend him to anyone needing something built/remodeled at their home.
Bryan

Our remodeling experience with Merrill Construction Group was fantastic. Mr. Merrill gave us an estimated cost and gave us a plan for both the builder and homeowner to move step by step through the process. It was always very professional. We never wondered what we needed to do next or when work would be finished. Deadlines were set and met. Every question along the way was answered very quickly. The quality of the work exceeded our expectations. If we had an idea, we worked together for the most positive outcome. His subcontractors and staff were terrific!
Lucianne

I have worked with Merrill Construction Group for a number of years. They have completed renovations large and small in our house, including a full bathroom remodel (see most recent floor install in picture), an update to our kitchen and even exterior house painting and repair. Hilson Merrill is always professional and courteous throughout the job. I trust him, his crew and project managers to keep me updated on the project and let me know when problems arise – which is inevitable with a historic 100-year-old home! They stay on budget and are transparent throughout the process. I highly recommend the company and will use them again!
Sara

Hilson’s crew is extremely professional and great to work with. We used them for two projects within the last 18 months and both times they delivered on time and under budget. I would highly recommend him for your next home project.
Drew