Remember the 3 Elements of Bathroom Design
for Your Bathroom Renovation Project
Since the bathroom is one of the most frequently used rooms in
the house, it is also one of the rooms most visible to guests. The
privacy afforded when using the bathroom allows guests the opportunity
for close examination. Bathrooms are frequently used to gauge the
rest of the house. Consequently, bathroom design is a high priority
for many homeowners.
The 3 Basic Elements of Bathroom Design
Whether updating bathroom design with new fixtures or doing a tear-out
and complete bathroom renovation, homeowners should consider three
elements:
What Type is Right for You?
Three basic types of a bathroom are guest bathroom (or half
bath), family, and master bath. A guest bathroom or powder
room is designed for visitor use. They can be as small as 20 sq.
ft. and normally have just a toilet and vanity. If a shower is included,
more space is necessary and it is called a three-quarter bath.
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A family bathroom requires more space, and is usually located close
to the bedroom areas of the home. It is used by multiple family
members, and usually contains larger amounts of storage space for
linens, toiletries, supplies, etc.
A typical family bath would include at least one toilet and vanity
sink, (some have multiples) and a tub and shower. Family
bathrooms used by small children should have special safety features
and be designed for easy adaptations as children grow. Fixtures
and finishes should be low maintenance, with highly durable materials
such as ceramic tile.
The master bathroom is usually quite large, with separated areas for
features such as Jacuzzi tub, shower, sauna, partitioned toilet, multiple
sinks, and even a dressing area. A master bathroom is usually only
accessible from the master bedroom, serving as a private sanctuary
for the homeowners. Master bathrooms often feature custom cabinets,
ceramic or exotic stone tile, and upper-end fixtures such as gilded
bathroom faucets and inlaid countertops.
In determining bathroom type for a bathroom idea, give consideration
to who will be using the bathroom and how often. Consider location,
desired features, and perhaps incorporating a universal bathroom
design for handicap accessibility.
Style is a Preference
The second element to consider for bathroom remodeling or renovation
is style. The bathroom is one of the most lived-in areas of the
home, and should reflect the overall theme of the interior design.
Some popular styles are American, English, Southwestern, Victorian,
and Country.
Magazines, home shows, open houses, or consulting with a design
professional are good ways to find a style that best suits your
bathroom decorating idea.
Blend a Bathroom Design With Color
The final element tying everything together is color. This is usually
influenced by the bathroom type and style selected. Again, the style
and theme of the home should blend in with that of the bathroom
design.
Children grow up; a bathroom design trend can quickly become outdated,
so try to project how the bathroom will function in the future.
A good option may be neutral colored fixtures and tile, for ease
of updating color accents with paint, wallpaper, towels, and draperies.
Deciding on Your Dream Plan
A bathroom renovation project requires a lot of planning and thought
before deciding on a final plan. Many times a bathroom floor plan
is determined not only by wants, but also by budget and space restrictions.
Sometimes you can take space from adjacent rooms or closets and
re-use existing fixtures, shelving and lighting. A whole new look
and feel can be accomplished by re-arranging fixtures and improving
traffic flow.
You may want to keep a notebook for ideas; a bathroom designer can
help you visualize usable space in new ways.
Once you have decided on a design, you will need a detailed floor
plan on paper; including fixtures, plumbing, wiring, and HVAC connections,
with all dimensions to scale. Moving existing plumbing such as drains
and vents can add considerable cost and difficulty to the project.
Compile a complete materials list, formulate a timetable, and determine
what work, if any, you will complete yourself, and what work you
will contract out.
Bathroom Design Codes and Standards
Consult with your local building inspector and provide copies of
the plans for review, so you can get applicable building code approval,
any building permits required, and final project approval. Once
final project approval has been given and permits are issued, work
can begin. The building inspector will inspect the work as it progresses
to insure each phase is up to code requirements.
The following are basic bathroom design standards to keep in mind
for your bathroom renovation plans:
- Provide ample floor space on both sides of a door; at least
door width on the push side, and more than door width on the pull
side
- Incorporate countertops and other surfaces with edges that are
smoothed, clipped, or radiused.
- Use only tempered or safety glass for all glass doors and partitions
- Shower doors should swing open into the bathroom, not the shower
- Showers and tubs should have safety rails and grab bars
- When possible, avoid steps around showers and tubs
- Faucets should be accessible from outside the tub or shower,
and should include anti-scald devices
- Include access panels for all electrical, plumbing, and HVAC
system connections
- Provide ample clearance from centerline of sinks to any sidewalls,
15” minimum
- Toilet enclosures should be at least 36” wide, and 66”
deep; enclosure doors should sweep away from the toilet into the
room
- Toilet tissue holders should be 26” above the floor, and
located towards the front of the toilet
- Total window area should equal to at least 10% of floor space
- All activity centers should be illuminated with both ambient
and task lighting
By utilizing the three elements of bathroom design and keeping
these standards in mind for your bathroom renovation design plans,
you will enjoy your new bathroom for years to come.
Many aspects of a complete bathroom remodeling or renovation project
will require the services of a builder contractor, or specialty
contractor handymen such as a bathroom cabinet contractor.
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