Dream bathrooms galore!
I’m a sucker for a good bathroom. I love a good soak, especially in the winter, and now with a toddler, my bathroom is a well-needed refuge. The perfect bathroom isn’t achieved through one element, rather the combination of a great layout, adequate bathroom storage, well-considered materials, easy to use fixtures, and lastly the decoration used to personalize it. The amount of choices you’ll have to make when planning a bathroom can be overwhelming: pedestal sinks, double vanities, freestanding tubs, and corner shower stalls abound! Hopefully the bathroom guide below can be a little help or at least provide some inspiration!
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Bathroom Layout
To begin with, your bathroom layouts need to be efficient because they are often tighter on space than other rooms in the home. Not space for a freestanding tub and a corner shower means you will need to plan for a bathtub shower combo. A good place to start is the National Kitchen and Bath Association for planning guidelines, and of course, your favorite internet sources for inspiration. If you have a large family, separating the toilet from the shower and sink area allows multiple people use of the bathroom at the same time.
A double vanity tucked in a corner provides space for a beautiful walk-in shower, which are usually space hogs. Wall space is utilized by a large mirror, reflecting more light into the space.
2. Adequate Bathroom Storage
Secondly, Especially important if you have a small or even normal-sized bathroom is making sure you have storage! The smaller your bathroom, the more creative you will have to be at coming up with storage solutions. This is where the internet will be your friend. Try to find ways to utilize your vertical (wall) space. Built in shelves, hanging shelves, mountable cabinets, you name it. Whatever solutions will get things off of the floor are your friends!
The narrow vertical shelves behind the door and and the build in shelves in the shower create much needed storage space for towels, toiletries, and other bathroom necessities. Isn’t the gray marble tile absolutely beautiful?
Nothing beats the bathroom vanity when it comes to adding under-sink storage, but don’t forget is can also create wall storage also! Look into vanities or cabinetry to go on the side of your mirror and above the sides of the sink.
3. Materials
Since one can only get so creative with the layout of your bathroom – toilet in the shower?? No thanks.., materials are where you can really stand out with your bathroom design. Tiles come in such a wide variety of colors and styles these days. Backsplashes aren’t just for kitchens, you can add sophistication through a backsplash behind your bathroom sink. HATE cleaning grout? Consider stone or granite in your shower. Materials also includes hardware, for which there is no shortage of variety these days either. Cabinet knobs, come in every style and finish, lighting comes in every style and finish, and then faucets and shower heads also come in a never-ending array of styles and finishes. Whatever you go with, make sure that the materials and finishes match your lifestyle. If you know you won’t be able to keep grout mildew-free or shiny finishes polished, than chose a finish and material that are smudge-resistant and/or more resistant to mildew.
4. Decoration
Lastly, This is where you really get to have fun. Since decor is generally less expensive, you don’t have to worry that your decisions are set in stone. Artwork, mats, and towels can be changed with the seasons if you desire. Don’t forget paint colors as well! Keep this in mind when decorating a child’s bathroom. Since children grow up all to quickly, decor that is easy to change out or grows with them will be another choice you’ll have to make.
This bathroom goes from pretty and patterned to dramatic with a glossy forest green ceiling. The glass cabinet is a perfect way to add style and storage to this bathroom.
Honeycomb patterned penny tile takes centerstage along with a mod chandelier. The freestanding clawfoot tub with gold finishes also lends itself to the elegant aesthetic. The floor to ceiling drapes, 3/4 height tile, and navy wall also all add to the elegance and sophistication to the bathroom.
I love the layering of textures in this bathroom. The ornate tiles with the oriental rug over them ads a lot of bohemian charm.
This post in partnership with Decoraport International
