Terrible bathroom needs a temporary solution

8 years ago

We are in the process of buying a house. We have a 2 year plan to do some type of an addition that will add a master bathroom. For now the house has 1 bathroom in the bedroom area and it has a terrible layout. Clearly we will want to move the tub to the wall with the window, but it seems it makes the most sense to do that when we are putting in the master bath to minimize the cost associated with the moving of the plumbing. In the mean time this bathroom needs to work for 2 adults and 2 small children. I have considered a corner vanity, or a narrow vanity like Ikea's Silveran (https://www.ikea.com/ca/en/images/products/silveran-lillangen-sink-cabinet-with-doors-white__0289867_PH017177_S4.JPG). I would prefer it not across from the toilet as that crowds everyone to the back during teeth brushing and the like. I have also considered doing a bump out for the vanity into the next room, but if we are moving walls it seems we should just do the proper layout. The current vanity is 12.5" with a 16" bowl. The space between the tub and wall is just over 30". What arrangement will be the most functional. Is there an idea I have not though of?

Featured Answer

Susan
Original Author

8 years ago

An update. I felt like I had to do something, so we replaced the vanity with a compact, not the smallest, Ikea cabinet and sink and added a vanity area to the master bedroom. still a work in progress and we have a cabinet to add over the toilet but I am liking it so far. the few inches we gained seem critical.

Sort by:Oldest

Comments (6)

Janie Gibbs-BRING SOPHIE BACK
8 years ago
Hi Susan,

Congrat on your new house!

I'm so sorry, the pic of your bathroom is cracking me up, OMG!

I honestly would leave it as it is until you're ready for your remodel if you need a sink for 4 ppl in one bathroom, the Ikea sink is too small for you (I have an Ikea bathroom sink, I get it) make the hubs brush his teeth in the kitchen or something ;)
PRO
RappArchitecture
8 years ago
Pretty tough for 4 people to use this bathroom for 2 years. There's no need to wait for the master addition to fix this bathroom, though, just upgrade the bath with the new master arrangement in mind. This probably means hiring an architect to make sure everything will work together and that you're not wasting time and money.

Good luck!
Related Professionals
Concord Interior Designers & Decorators · Fort Wayne Interior Designers & Decorators · Albuquerque Interior Designers & Decorators · Tallahassee Architects & Building Designers · Gaithersburg Architects & Building Designers · Toms River Architects & Building Designers · Juneau Architects & Building Designers · Manhattan Kitchen & Bathroom Designers · Sedalia Kitchen & Bathroom Designers · Escanaba Kitchen & Bathroom Designers · Cape Girardeau Bathroom Remodelers · Joplin Bathroom Remodelers · Auburn Bathroom Remodelers · Carson City Bathroom Remodelers · Toronto Tile and Stone Contractors
apple_pie_order
8 years ago
While you are waiting to remodel: Look at adding a sink in one of the bedrooms like some college dorm rooms have, perhaps the bedroom that backs onto the current sink wall. It can reduce the traffic in the main bathroom in the morning. Also, buy a second toothbrush for each kid to keep in their room in case they have to brush their teeth in the kitchen.
happyleg
8 years ago
I like the lay out. Windows in showers can be a problem. Mine is. Constant cleaning. Add three shelves left of sink on window wall. Add a narrow over toilet cabinet. Hooks behind door for clothes/robe.
miss lindsey (She/Her)
8 years ago
How old are your kids? Will anyone be in a hair and makeup age now or in the foreseeable future? I ask because you might get more mileage out of adding a long narrow floating shelf across from the tub, with a mirror or two above it. Even 8" deep will give someone a landing spot for curling iron, blow dryer, etc. It will relieve pressure around the sink, as one can brush teeth while another blowdries for example.

Then hang an over the door hook set on the door for towels and robes.

Each person could have a shower caddy that they bring back and forth from bathroom to bedroom to minimize the clutter of toothbrushes, hairbrushes, shavers, special shower gel that Little Brother is not allowed to touch, rubber duckies that no one wants to be stepping on, blah blah blah.

It's a very tight space but I think you will all adjust, and learn to compromise and also share when there is no issue of privacy. And the end game is a beautiful new bathroom, well worth a few years of patience! I'd approach it as though you are in a college dorm (great training for the kids!) or travelling.