Master bathroom Walker Woodworking BM Chantilly Lace finish Inset cabinets Shelby door Greenbrook Design cabinet designer make up vanity area

Design Notes

The Ultimate Bathroom Remodeling Checklist

Bathrooms may be smaller than kitchens, but they require just as much planning.

Plumbing, cabinetry, countertops, tile, lighting, ventilation, storage, and fixtures must all fit within a relatively compact footprint.

Before beginning your bathroom renovation, work through this checklist.

1. Determine What’s Not Working

Start with your current bathroom.

Do you need more storage? Better lighting? A larger shower? Two sinks? More countertop space?

Solve those problems before focusing on finishes.

Walker Woodworking cutom cabinets reeded cabinets quarter sawn white oak cabinets dovetail drawers bathroom designer modern masterbath intergrated hardware

2. Decide Whether the Layout Needs to Change

Keeping plumbing locations can simplify a renovation, but sometimes changing the layout produces a dramatically better room.

Evaluate function first.

3. Plan the Vanity

Consider:

  • Single vs. double sinks
  • Drawer storage
  • Countertop space
  • Electrical outlets
  • Makeup storage
  • Medicine cabinets
  • Linen storage
Masterbath bathroom designer double vanity Rubio Inset Walker Woodworking custom cabinets bathroom cabinets vanity drawer organizer QSWO Shelby door

4. Design the Shower

Think beyond tile.

Consider niches, benches, glass placement, shower controls, and storage for everyday products.

5. Select Countertops

Bathroom countertops should coordinate with cabinetry and tile while lasting through everyday use.

6. Coordinate Tile

Bathrooms may contain several tile surfaces.

Floor tile, shower walls, shower floors, and accent areas should work together without competing.

7. Layer Your Lighting

Include overall illumination plus appropriate vanity lighting.

Decorative fixtures can add another layer of personality.

Bathroom designer Greenbrook Design Shelby NC Walker Woodworking custom cabinets reeded doors rounded vanity floating vanity freestanding tub floor mount faucet bathroom sconces

8. Plan Electrical

Think about hair dryers, styling tools, toothbrushes, and other devices.

Convenient outlet placement matters.

9. Think About Ventilation

Proper ventilation helps manage moisture and should be part of bathroom planning.

10. Don’t Forget Hardware

Cabinet hardware, faucets, shower fixtures, towel bars, and lighting should feel coordinated.

11. Add Storage Wherever Possible

A beautiful bathroom becomes frustrating quickly if everyday products have nowhere to go.

12. Create a Cohesive Palette

View cabinetry, countertops, tile, paint, plumbing, and hardware selections together before committing.

Bathroom Remodeling Starts With Planning

Greenbrook Design helps homeowners coordinate the many decisions involved in bathroom design—from cabinetry and countertops to tile, flooring and interior selections.

The goal is a bathroom that’s beautiful at 8 a.m. on a busy Monday—not just in photographs.

We are honored to share that Greenbrook Design has been featured in the January/February 2026 issue of Kitchen & Bath Design News, appearing on page 66. Being recognized in one of the industry’s most respected national publications is an incredible milestone for our team and a testament to the craftsmanship, creativity, and collaboration behind every project we design and build.

Taylor Walker presented with the 30 under 30 award at KBIS – Kitchen and Bath Industry Show.

Our very own hometown talent, nationally recognized photographer Randy McNeilly, has earned multiple prestigious awards for his exceptional artwork—proudly on display in the Greenbrook Design showroom.