Pretty much everyone says the kitchen is the most important room in the home. Everyone but me that is. For me, bathrooms rule. Maybe it’s because there are few things in life I appreciate more than a hot bath on a cold winter’s night. I don’t think I could live in a home that didn’t have a bathtub. At least not happily. I’ve visited countless homes that had beautiful bathtubs that were rarely used. Breaks my heart I tell ya’!
I’ve only designed two bathrooms from scratch, but I’ve learned quite a bit in the process and thought I’d pass along a few tidbits of what I’ve done that I would do again, and what I wouldn’t do again, and why.
Here’s a picture of our current bathroom that was built in 2002.
While there are a few things we might do differently, overall even 10 years later we’re pleased with the design. We choose neutral colors in classic finishes which suits our personal style and doesn’t seem dated even years later. Here are the do’s and don’ts for this space:
Do
- Make your tub the focal point. The first picture is the view from the bedroom, and obviously it’s the first thing you see. If that’s not possible, then make your vanity the focal point. Anything but the toilet, please!
- Choose an oval tub if you’re going for a classic, feminine look. Curved lines are visually more soothing.
- Have lots of natural light if possible. We were very lucky in that we were able to have two walls of windows in this space.
- Bring a chandelier into the space. Nothing adds drama quite like a sparkly chandy.
- Have plenty of storage so NOTHING needs to be on the counter. It helps to have storage at eye level, such as you see here, or behind a mirrored medicine cabinet.
Don’t
- Tile the front of your tub the way we did. It looks nice, but we can’t access the plumbing without destroying the tile work. We kinda figured that out when our tub faucet was damaged and we couldn’t repair/replace it.
- Have only one electrical outlet. If possible, have at least two and hide them in the cabinets if you’re able.
- Skimpy window treatments are a no-no. I love the shutters, but the swag should be beefed up a bit.
Here’s our bathroom at our cabin, which we designed in 2008. While we designed it with ‘weekend’ use in mind and it works just fine, if we were to live here for any extended period of time there are definitely some things that might get on my nerves after a while.
Do’s
- Even for a weekend home, if you have the space, create double vanities. It’s always a good investment!
- Make sure you plan for easy towel access near the sinks.
- Always have some kind of storage at eye level…no matter what your hubby says 😉
Don’t
- Buy a slipper tub. They’re not practical. Because of their shape, you can’t fill them up enough to cover your shoulders without the rest of the tub overflowing. Bummer.
- Buy a cheap towel warmer. Towel warmers are great, but this is definitely a case of you will get what you pay for.
- Have your exhaust attached to your electrical for the light fixture, or else you’ll end up with an ugly ceiling light that you can’t do much about. (Sorry I don’t have a picture yet, but I’ll get one and show you what I mean.) Suggestions anyone???
- A neutral color scheme. If you must have color, try to incorporate it with items that can be changed easily like paint, towels, flowers or accessories.
- Plenty of storage
- Generously sized mirrors
- Good lighting
- Extra outlets
Partying At
Throwback Thursday
Kathy Moody says
Oh, your bathroom is gorgeous!! You did a great job designing it. You have some really helpful do’s and dont’s, too! If I had that dreamy bathroom in the last photo, I don’t think I would ever leave. LOL Thank you so much for sharing again this week at A Bouquet of Talent. Have a wonderful week and a very Happy Thanksgiving!! HUGS
Poppy says
Both bathrooms are beautiful, Doreen! What an amazing job you did! Although both are suited to their natural surroundings, the cabin bathroom is simply charming; I’d have a difficult time getting out of that bubbly bathtub, wanting to just take in all the prettiness around me!
Poppy
Doreen@househoneys says
Thank you for resurrecting this post Poppy and commenting :). I tried to check out your bathroom post but I notice you don’t have a search feature. I would love to see it if you care to share the link.