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Functional Bathroom Design Ideas

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Plans and Designs for a bathroom

The bathroom is among the most critical rooms in a house from a design perspective. It is one of the most frequently used functional spaces in a home and therefore requires the correct layout. When you incorporate a functional layout into the bathroom design, you reduce chaos and bring calmness and order to the space.

Whether you are doing bathroom remodeling or adding an additional bathroom in your Reno, NV, or Sacramento, CA home, integrating the perfect layout requires some thoughtful planning. As you read further, you will find guidelines and tips for planning a bathroom layout for a functional space.

Functional Zoning

When you organize functional zones around a central space, you allow your bathroom to have adequate space regardless of its size.

Below are the functional areas you should incorporate in the design.

1.  Vanity area

The vanity zone consists of the sink, countertop, and storage. It has a mirror typically enclosed in a frame in modern-day designs, unlike some older design styles that involved mirror walls and large mirror slabs. Some homeowners are no longer using dual sinks as they seek to get more counter space. However, dual sinks are still a great option to ensure that all those who share the bathroom have all the necessary space they need.

2.  Tub

Bathtubs are one of the most traditional fixtures in a bathroom, but many don’t know that your tub can be just as original as you; with a wide variety of colors and styles, your bathtub and surrounding area can be a focal point of your bathroom.  

Take your bathing experience to the next level with Kohler® walk-in bathtubs. Walk-in tubs are a fantastic bathroom accessibility fixture for homeowners of all ages and has incredible features like hydrotherapy and adjustable BubbleMassage™ air jets, Multifunction Handshower, Fast-Drain Technology, Bask® Heated Surfaces, and Easy‑to‑Grip Handrails.

3.  Shower and tub combination

The shower and tub combination is an old standby and still functional for any full bathroom. It is a generally affordable option that can save space while adding utility and versatility.

4.  Tub to Shower Conversion

Many modern homeowners are converting their existing tubs to showers, as a shower can be more accessible for many homeowners and family members, and when done right, luxurious and comfortable. Consider a shower that has enough space to stretch out without bumping into shower walls and curtains. Design options for feature showers are almost limitless, so your bathroom can be personalized to suit your dreams.

5.  Toilet

Being the most used feature in the bathroom, you don’t want to position it as the design focal point. When given the choice and opportunity, most homeowners choose to place it behind a vanity wall or in an enclosed water closet for the most privacy.

Pulling it All Together

When executing a bathroom layout, you must also consider regulations and safety. You must adhere to certain regulations when putting fixtures in the space, including space allowances for the shower, tub, sink, and toilet. For safety, consider proper lighting, slip-resistant surfaces, and features such as attractive grab bars for support in case a person loses balance.

Some tips for creating a bathroom layout for a functional space include:

1.  Let the toilet be your guide

The location of the toilet sets the tone for the design. This is because you must keep the 4-inch stack drain close to the toilet. If you decide to move it, the cost of your bathroom remodeling project in Sacramento, CA, will go up.

2.  Know the expected number of users

The expected number of people who will use the space will help determine the vanity sinks needed, the number of cabinets and drawers for storage, and whether a tub and shower are necessary or not.

3.  Keep storage in mind

If you have to store towels and linens in the bathroom, consider the storage you need for every person who uses the bathroom.

4.  Space out

Avoid jamming too many fixtures into a small space. Give each fixture the required space as per rules and regulations. For instance, the United States Residential Building Code requires 15-inches of clearance on each side of the toilet (this is measured from the center of the toilet) and 21-inches in front of the toilet, while the minimum for a shower is 30×30-inches.

5.  Consider overlapping spaces

You can consider overlapping spaces to adhere to the space allowances. For example, the floor space leading to the tub can double up as part of the clear floor zone around the toilet.

6.  Keep the space open

Open spaces appear to be large, and you can use the same trick for your bathroom. You can have a particle wall or a frosted glass panel to partition the spaces. The frosted glass gives a sense of privacy and separation without feeling confined.

Questions to Ask Yourself When Planning a Bathroom Layout

The following questions will help you customize your bathroom layout for convenience.

Who will use the bathroom?

  • Will two adults use the main bathroom simultaneously? 
  • Is the bathroom meant for occasional guests?
  • Are children who need assistance the primary users?
  • Will your pet bathe in the tub?

How will it be used?

  • What activities will the different parts of the room accommodate?
  • Will you need a place to sit and apply makeup?
  • Do you expect to have laundry facilities in the room?
  • How many people will the tub accommodate?

How to Plan Your Bathroom Remodel

Planning a bathroom layout for a functional space requires you to look beyond that space itself. You need to optimize the space for all the intended functions while ensuring it does not turn into an eyesore. Renovating a bathroom in your home to suit both lifestyle and taste requires creativity, expertise, and an eye for elegance. At USA Bath California Remodeling, we have years of experience remodeling bathrooms for Reno, NV, and Sacramento, CA residents. Contact us today for your bathroom remodeling project.

Image Source: Andy Dean Photography / Shutterstock