Knowing that there’s no such thing as a typical family, clearly there’s no pre-set formula to design a perfect, “one-fits-all” family bathroom. Ideally, a shared bathroom needs to be custom tailored to the specific demands of an individual family.
Simply because it’s commonly the smallest room in the house, but a much-needed one, it deserves special care and attention. A well-designed, practical and functional bathroom design that has a well-thought layout, lots of storage and details, can truly ease the painful daily reality of having to share the space with other family members.
Here are several ideas on how to take every aspect into consideration and create a bathroom that speaks to everyone.
Layout
The best way to design a family-friendly bathroom is to consider each member of the family who will use it and how they will do it. All the information you gather will help you choose the best layout that will cater to everyone’s needs. It might mean you’ll need to incorporate a new and bigger mirror, add another sink, increase storage, bring in new sanitaryware or remove some old and unused one, or even add a stand-up shower in addition to the tub. This kind of information in your planning stage will ensure you come up with the best design solution for your family. If your wall or sink is too weak to support a larger glass mirror you can opt for a acrylic mirror cut to size which is lightweight and appears exactly like glass.
Storage
One thing that will guarantee success in any bathroom design is ample storage. It’s absolutely crucial that you provide enough storage space for each family member. There’s no such a thing as going overboard with storage, so use every nook and corner to store all the toiletries, towels, bath toys, detergents. Don’t forget to include a laundry basket so that dirty towels and clothes can be put away immediately where they belong and not end up on the bathroom floor.
Choice of sanitary items
When choosing the best sanitaryware for your bathroom, make sure it’s durable, easy to clean and safe for children, with no sharp edges.
No family bathroom is complete without great freestanding or concealed baths, especially if you have small children. With storage solutions around, a bathtub is ideal for managing the evening bath time chaos. If your space allows it, include a shower as well since it is a very convenient addition that will enable you and your family members to freshen up quickly when there’s no time for long relaxing baths.
Make sure you choose sinks, tubs and toilets that drain well. Install water-efficient faucets and low-flow showerheads to save both water and money in the long run. Also, make sure to have a double vanity so that everyone can have enough room for their beauty routine.
Materials
Remember that everything changes and kids grow fast. It’s better that you avoid installing kid-friendly features as they will quickly outgrow them. Stick to a clean, timeless bathroom design that works perfectly for adults but that can be easily accessorized with fun and practical elements so that kids can reach what they need and have fun.
Choose materials and finishes that are durable and easy to clean. Tiles are the best choice for walls and flooring as they last longer, are easy to maintain and come in all kinds of attractive designs and textures. Make sure your floor choice is slip-resistant, such as mosaic tiles that have a lot of grout lines or apply anti-slip glaze on your existing floor in order to avoid serious injuries.
Accessories
The saying that “the devil’s in the detail” is particularly true for bathrooms so make use of accessories to add both practicality and style to the space. For instance, heated towel racks are a great choice, as they dry our towels after use but also provide extra hanging space. Putting up a robe hook for each family member is a good idea and an oversized mirror that is mounted low will offer all members of the family, from the tallest to the shortest, to have a great view.
Play with colour and add brightly-coloured artwork on the walls, mismatched towels, funky shower curtains and quirky soap dispensers. This will all add a playful touch to your bathroom and it can all be removed or hidden if necessary.
Even though the number one priority for bathrooms is their functionality and efficiency, it doesn’t necessarily mean that you must sacrifice the style. Whether you have a traditional or contemporary bathroom, with tips and ideas listed here, you’ll be able to create a design that is timeless, gender and age neutral, and appealing to all family members.