Learn the Eight Golden Rules of Bathroom Design

The Golden Rules For Successful Bathroom Design

Along with the kitchen, the second most commonly remodeled room in the home is the bathroom. Today, bathrooms are so varied that almost anything goes. You're really only limited by your creativity and your budget. 

Whether your taste leans to a more traditional classic style, or you're more into creating a dramatic, trendy look, there are some basic rules and principles that you should follow to ensure a successful bathroom design.

In this blog post, we're going to look at the eight golden rules that are the key to creating a fabulous, functional bathroom design, no matter its size or style.

1. Don't Squeeze in Too Much!

Most bathrooms are often designed to fit into the smallest space possible. Yet homeowners still want a tub, twin sinks, a toilet, and a separate shower. That's an awful lot to fit into any bathroom space! Only go for a separate tub and shower if there is absolutely enough room. If not, combine the two, or eliminate the tub. Remember, you still need room to stand, dry off, and turn around.

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The bathroom should be a sanctuary where you relax and renew. If it's crammed full of fixtures, it will feel cramped and uncomfortable.

2. Don't Neglect the Storage

this small condo bathroom maximizes storage by using cabinets above the toilet, and open shelving with baskets that step back from the toilet for access and cleanliness.

Clutter on the bathroom counter can undo all of your design work if you're trying to create a relaxing space. The solution? Don't neglect the storage! 

The key is planning. Think through what you need to store, then design your storage to accommodate it. Some items are best kept in a drawer, some in a mirrored medicine cabinet, and others in a closet. Consider how to incorporate storage solutions into your design that will work as a part of the entire room.

3. Consider the Details

Even the most expensive and luxurious fixtures will look disjointed if you don't consider the details of your design. For example, if you're short of space, adding a glass shower screen can be a solution that helps you make the room feel larger. 

However, if the screen comes too close to the side of the vanity, it might look great from one angle, but what do you see of the vanity through the glass? Can dirt get in between the surfaces, and will it be difficult to remove it?

4. Focus on Functionality

First and foremost, a bathroom must be functional. That means it should feel natural to use, easy to clean, and all of the essential elements must be well functioning and properly lit. No matter what design you choose, never let style trump function.

5. Feature Natural Light Whenever Possible

a well placed and carefully waterproofed window in a shower can provide plenty of natural light to a bathroom.

Daylight can be a great magnifier of space, and it's essential in a smaller space. Bathrooms often get shorted when laying out a home. Bedrooms often take the best spots and the most windows. 

Consider other options for letting in natural light, like adding a skylight. The most intense daylight comes from above. Adding a skylight is a great way to introduce natural light from above, saving the wall space for furniture and fixtures.

6. Supplement Natural Light by Adding Layers of Artificial Light

We talked about adding natural light, but many bathrooms may not be able to accommodate a skylight, and some don't have a window. So you'll need to consider artificial lighting. 

A good lighting design incorporates ambient and task lighting in combination. Use task lighting to illuminate the vanity. Prevent shadowing with two fixtures flanking the mirror to provide cross illumination. Accent lighting can add depth and dimension to the room. Use it to highlight plants, artwork, or architectural details giving the space a warm glow.

7. Play up the Planes

this bathroom illustrates “play up the planes” with the different horizontal lines of the countertops interrupted by the vertical drawer stack, as well as the linear nature of the trim, tile, and shower door header. it also illustrates “add a focal point” with the twin shower niches and shower heads.

Your bathroom is a series of horizontal and vertical planes: wall planes, floor planes, planes of tiles, planes of glass-like shelves or shower screens, planes the enclose plumbing. Create a design that takes advantage of these planes. Consider materials, textures, and colors. Working the planes can help create a serene organized feeling.

8. Add a Focal Point to Your Bathroom Design

Don't just play it safe with your bathroom design. Many homeowners keep their bathrooms simple, playing it safe with white and cream. Make your space more exciting by adding a focal point. It's sometimes difficult to get the balance right – for every safe, boring bathroom, there's another that's so frenetic that it gives to a headache.

A great way to create a stunning design is to choose a single feature that fits the room's scale. It could be almost any feature like an interesting mirror, unique tile, or feature color.

Good bathroom design is a balance between functionality and style. Following these basic design principles can help you to achieve a bathroom that is not only aesthetically beautiful and functional but will also become the perfect place to get ready in the morning or relax and renew at the end of a tough day. 

If you live in the greater Madison, Wisconsin area and are planning a bathroom design and remodeling project, give the Degnan Design-Build-Remodel experts a call at (608) 846-5963. Their award-winning design team is ready to help you realize your creative vision. Call today and arrange a free consultation to discuss your upcoming project.

This article was updated by Abe Degnan on 9/27/2022.