1. I will give myself enough leg room

Separate toilet rooms are highly sought after in new homes, as they add an element of privacy to a shared bath. The problem is, some builders don’t factor in enough room in front of the toilet. You don’t want to have to move your knees to close the door, or bump your feet into another fixture when you sit in your water closet.

2. I will update my floors wisely

There was a time when a polished marble floor in a bathroom was a hot luxury look. In my opinion, they’re a broken hip waiting to happen. Slip-resistant tiles are a much better solution for a floor you often step on with wet feet.

3. I will kick my heavy-metal habit

If you’re updating your bathroom, go frameless. It’s a cleaner, crisper look that lets your shower tile be the star.

4. Bathroom Resolution No. 4: I will bench myself next season

One of the things you lose when you replace a tub with a stand-alone shower is a place to sit. A shower bench replaces the tub ledge for seated washing or leg shaving. Be sure to design one into your shower plans, even if it’s just a small corner bench.

5. I will take matters into my own hands next year

A handshower is a real boon to any shower, but especiallly for accident-prone sports enthusiasts and seniors. It is best positioned within reach of your shower bench for total accessibility.

6. I’ll give myself enough elbow room

Bathroom storage towers are a great way to add storage to a bathroom, as these do. If, however, you’re cramped for space, skip this option. Use the extra space to put a soap dish or dispenser and have room left over for your contact lens holders.

7. I will start thinking “straight” next year

This isn’t a slam on anyone’s preferences or thought processes! But straight-style linear drains are the best shower innovation to come along in years, and it’s crazy not to consider including one when updating your shower.

They’re available in numerous metal finishes, as shown here, or in tile-ready format (you barely see these at all). In addition to enhancing the style of your shower, they can also improve its safety and add flexibility in drain placement.