Plan enough space for each fixture and function. For example, plan for a place to dry off when stepping out of the shower. Plan a convenient place, and enough wall space, to hang towels within easy reach of the shower and tub. Make sure there is room to stand at the sink and not get hit with the door when your partner comes into the room. Think about where things will be stored near your sink. Is there enough countertop area? Do you need things plugged in for power? Can drawers open and close without hitting other things? Make sure to have enough room to maneuver around the toilet. If the toilet is in a separate room or “closet,” is there room to step in and comfortable close the door behind you? Consider how you would move if you have restricted mobility in later years.
Plan for daylight and privacy. A good bathroom design, like any room, benefits from natural light. Getting natural light into your bathroom while maintaining privacy from the neighbors requires good planning. Think about what’s around your house when placing your bathroom windows. One way to gain natural light with privacy is to create a private outdoor garden space with a privacy wall around it. You can then have windows without shades or even patio doors into the garden and never need to worry about prying eyes.
Think through your daily routine. If you and your partner need to get ready in the morning at the same time, you might want a bathroom that is split into zones. I call this a compartmentalized bathroom design. You could separate the vanities and sinks from the bathing area so one person could shower while the other is fixing their hair. Think about where you place the toilet. You don’t want to walk farther than necessary in the middle of the night.
Plan how your bathroom relates to the bedroom and closets. Some people prefer to have their closet accessible directly from the bathroom. They feel it makes dressing easier. Other people like to separate the bath and closet. They prefer to enter the closet only from the bedroom. Design your bathroom-bedroom-closet arrangement to suit the way you really live.
Consider your mechanical and electrical needs. Don’t place shower valves on exterior walls. They are more susceptible to freezing and harder to repair if they ever leak. Plan for access to whirlpool tub motors and isolate them for better sound control, if possible. Provide good ventilation for odors and humidity. Design in the lighting from the beginning. Light for the vanity should come from two directions, if possible. This will allow one light to fill in shadows cast by the other.
Plan for your future needs. Yes, we do all grow older. If you’re going to the expense and effort to remodel or build your ideal bathroom, make sure it will still be ideal when you are less mobile, susceptible to falling, and need more light for good vision. Make sure there is enough floor space to move freely. Make sure your doorways are wide enough. They don’t have to be huge to work. But a 24” wide door is not wide enough for a wheelchair. Plan for the placement of grab bars and other wall-mounted accessories. It’s easy to install wood blocking now to be sure these items are solidly anchored when they are installed later.
Think about your luxuries. Do you want heated floors or towel bars? Do you want a steam shower? Do you want a spa experience in the shower with body sprays and a rain-head shower? Should your perfect bathroom include music, a television, a fireplace, or aromatherapy? This is your chance to make your bathroom design exactly what you've dreamed of.
Consider cleaning and maintenance. What type of flooring, countertop, and wall finishes are best for you? Some finishes look great but require constant maintenance. Make sure you know all of the characteristics of each of your selections before finalizing your choices. Chances are you’ll make different choices for your master bathroom than you might for your children’s bathroom.
Your other bathrooms require proper planning and design, too. Even though they might be less elaborate, don’t neglect them. Every bathroom design is important, including the powder room. And doing it right will make your house better.
