ten common bathroom design mistakes
are you considering bringing your bathroom design ideas to life?
Choosing fixtures, lighting, and other elements can seem overwhelming, with so many decisions to make. While some homeowners use their bathrooms as a canvas for creativity, others prefer a more functional approach.
Understanding common challenges can help you tackle your renovation project effectively. Bathroom remodels can be complex and costly, often requiring professional help for plumbing and lighting, which can stretch your budget.
If you have bathroom ideas in mind, here’s what you should know to avoid common design pitfalls.
It’s easy to overlook your bathroom spaces, but they play a crucial role in your home. Not only are they used daily by your family, but they also serve as a key focal point for potential homebuyers.
Bathroom renovations are among the most popular home upgrades that can boost property value, with the average renovation costing anywhere from $20,000 up to $50,000 or more. Whether you're renovating to sell or simply looking to make practical improvements, the bathroom is a prime area to focus on.
Transforming your bathroom design ideas into reality can seem challenging, but you don’t have to tackle it on your own.
Enlisting the help of a local designer can provide valuable expertise and ensure your vision comes to life seamlessly.
Don’t have the budget for a designer? Check out our Source-Studio Kits that provide a foolproof way to achieve a professionally designed room without hiring a designer!
10 common bathroom design
pitfalls to avoid
NO WINDOWS
No one likes a dark, damp bathroom with bad circulation — it’s no fun spending time in a space like that. If you’re building or relocating a bathroom, try to site it on an outside wall with windows. While visibility through a bathroom window depends on the home's location, natural light provides psychological comfort and contributes to a sense of well-being. If a wall window isn’t feasible, a skylight or solar tube can still offer the benefits of nourishing natural light. An operable skylight also aids in air circulation, which is crucial for a bathroom.
When natural light isn't an option, selecting the right light fixtures becomes essential. Poor lighting or inadequate placement can result in dark corners and shadows, making grooming and makeup application difficult. To ensure effective illumination, use a mix of ambient, task, and accent lighting.
Here’s how to avoid inadequate lighting:
Install layered lighting with overhead, wall-mounted, and vanity fixtures for comprehensive illumination.
Position lights strategically to reduce shadows and ensure even lighting throughout the bathroom.
Use dimmer switches to adjust light intensity according to your needs and mood.
Enhance natural light by using sheer curtains or frosted glass for windows
Install layered lighting with overhead, wall-mounted, and vanity fixtures for comprehensive illumination.
IN DIRECT VIEW TO PUBLIC SPACES
Whenever possible, avoid placing the bathroom directly adjacent to public areas of the home, such as the kitchen, living room, or dining room. You’ll want to ensure your bathroom is out of view from main areas like the dining room and kitchen to maintain privacy. Instead of relying solely on distance for separation, use walls and other design elements to discreetly conceal your bathrooms.
Think about their locations: Are they easily accessible for guests? Are they conveniently located near bedrooms to avoid long nighttime trips across the house? You don’t need a long hallway, but it's helpful to create some form of separation to disrupt the line of sight. The last thing you want is to be relaxing in the living room and have a direct view into the bathroom.
TOILET AS THE FOCAL POINT
Try not to make the toilet the first thing visible in the bathroom, and avoid sightlines to it from adjacent rooms. Relocating fixtures can be costly, as moving water lines requires a plumber's expertise. However, reconfiguring fixture placement can significantly enhance the design and flow of your bathroom. For better privacy and functionality, consider placing fixtures like the toilet and shower in separate areas. This design approach is particularly effective for shared bathrooms or master bathrooms where multiple people may use the space simultaneously.
SIZE DOES MATTER
Bigger isn’t always better! Whether you’re designing a spacious master bathroom for your dream home or adding an extra bathroom for your growing family, the key is to ensure it has a design that meets your specific needs and functions efficiently for your lifestyle.
Ultimately, great design is less about the appearance of a bathroom—though a great look is always a bonus—and more about its functionality. If a new bathroom looks fantastic but doesn’t function well, it can be a letdown. It’s more important to design a bathroom that meets your specific needs and is built with quality materials and proper waterproofing than to focus solely on aesthetics. Collaborate with a designer to meticulously plan and review every detail; these discussions can prevent issues like choosing a bowl sink when an undermount sink would better suit your needs.
INSUFFICIENT STORAGE
Who needs bathroom storage? The truth is, most of us do. This mistake frequently occurs alongside #4. Consider everything you keep in your bathroom, from face moisturizer to extra toilet paper—everything needs a place. That’s why it’s essential to plan your storage and counter space carefully. Insufficient space for essential bathroom items can quickly become frustrating, and the solutions implemented afterward often lack visual appeal. Think about your current storage needs and anticipate what you might require in the future. Aim to design a space that not only meets your present needs but can also adapt as those needs evolve.
CHOOSING INCOMPATIBLE FIXTURES
Proportionality is crucial in bathroom design. While a large soaking tub might seem perfect, it can become impractical if there isn’t enough space around it for cleaning, or if it’s too close to the vanity or toilet, making the area feel cramped and uncomfortable. Ensure that all elements are in scale and that there’s adequate room for both movement and cleaning.
Always measure twice before choosing fittings and fixtures for your bathroom to ensure they fit properly. Consider how doors and drawers will open and how you'll navigate the space. Your designer can also assist with this process.
DOOR SWING… OR NOT?
Poor space planning occurs when an entry door swings into a vanity, toilet, or tub, or when you have to squeeze past objects to enter or exit. Ensure there’s enough space for each element to function properly. For instance, a 28” bathroom door requires 28” of floor space from the hinge to open fully. If you lack this space, consider alternatives like a pocket door or a sliding door mounted on the outside wall.
TO CURB OR NOT TO CURB
Your shower that is! A curbless shower not only makes a bathroom feel more spacious and appear cleaner but is also highly practical for aging-in-place homeowners, as it aligns with accessible design principles. This feature is relatively straightforward to incorporate in either a new bathroom or a remodel—just be sure to discuss it with your architect or contractor before construction begins.
IMPROPER VENTILATION
While ventilation might not be the most glamorous aspect of bathroom design, it’s essential. Bathrooms are inherently moist environments, and without proper ventilation, you risk mold, peeling paint, and other issues. Ensure your bathroom has an exhaust fan vented to the outside, and consider adding operable windows to help with air circulation. Ideally, both features are best, but having one or the other is still beneficial.
Here are some tips to ensure proper ventilation:
Ensure your exhaust fan system is adequate for the bathroom size.
Install windows if possible to enhance airflow.
Keep bathrooms away from high-traffic areas like living rooms and kitchens.
These steps can greatly improve your bathroom’s comfort and functionality. Proper ventilation is key to creating a pleasant and functional space.
INAPPROPRIATE MATERIALS
Not all materials are suitable for bathroom design. Given the high moisture levels in bathrooms—whether from showers, sinks, or splashing water—it's important to choose materials that can handle this environment.
Porous or absorbent materials can quickly become problematic, leading to potential mold and mildew issues over time. Selecting the right materials is crucial to avoid these long-term problems
Paint finishes may flake and peel in a very short time. Wallpaper may be pourous and not designed for moisture. Look for moisture-resistant paints, and wallpapers specifically treated for bathrooms.
When choosing bathroom fixtures for your home, it is essential to consider durability, maintenance and upkeep. A quality fixture should be able to withstand wear and tear and span the test of time. It should require minimal maintenance and be easy to clean.
how to avoid making these mistakes?
Even if you're a highly experienced DIYer, certain renovation tasks are best left to professionals. Proper plumbing is crucial and can be complex and it's wise to consult an expert before starting your project. Many bathroom retailers, have design teams that can help you refine your plans and address potential issues.
In some cases, seeking professional advice is essential. For major changes like removing walls, adding or relocating windows, or installing new joists, you'll need to consult your local building department to determine if you require building or renovation permits.
Hiring a designer could save you time, stress & money in the long run.
