What do you mean "by code" for the position of the toilet? Can you move it to the other side of the shower instead of right next to the vanity? You're going to be standing at the vanity much more than you'll be in the tub, so I'm not sure what you mean about hiding it.

Just buy a good looking toilet! A nice skirted toilet that is easy to clean, no reason to try to 'hide' it.

Keep the lid down. If you have the clearance for code (toilet) The end of the vanity could be higher so you would create “some” semblance of privacy. Finish the sink side with countertop material, and just paint the side toward the toilet.

I don't care for that pony wall - it seems odd... it's not blocking the toilet, it's not creating any privacy so why put it there...

Not sure how to reply to anyone but I updated the post to hopefully help answer some of the great discussion points you bring up.

thank you and i look forward to learning more and appreciate every comment so much!

Easy solution - buy an attractive skirted toilet and set up the bath so that you look at the wall opposite the toilet.

I can see my toilets when I walk into the bathrooms - it doesn't disturb me anymore than looking at a sink. I wouldn't want to come upon someone unexpectedly sitting on the toilet but I have no horror of viewing a clean toilet in a bathroom.

My toilets are attractive Toto models - one piece; skirted and the one in my bath has a lid that goes up and down automatically as I approach and leave.

You're overthinking this. When you're in the tub or shower, do you "mind" seeing the toilet? Do you even notice? I would be more concerned with limiting the space around the toilet. What if someone using a walker or wheelchair needs to go? I would also consider moving the toilet a bit further away from the side of the vanity for that purpose.

I’m not a pro by any means but I am a home owner who recently made the same mistake (expensive mistake) and I’m regretting it every single day! My advice, REDESIGN THE BATHROOM NOW! I did the same thing and I wish I would have spent the extra money to change things around BEFORE it became financially impossible. The toilet needs to be separated all together and you’re going to wish you had more storage/vanity space. Move the toilet enclose it with a pocket door. The toilet can sit alone and won’t take up much space. I have the exact layout that you’re considering and I hate it! My husband hates it! Forget about resale value...this layout screams “my builder messed up” and we took the pony wall short-cut. Don’t do it! Suck it up and redesign before you start tiling. You’ll be glad you did. I hate my “new” bathroom.

The pony wall diminishes the look of your big, nice open bathroom. It makes it looked cramped and forced. Get a nice toilet and forget about it.

Instead of the pony wall you might consider using a narrow storage unit or have a skinny cabinet built. You would end up with a bit more storage, maybe for TP and if you don't care for it it's moveable.

Thank you so much! We are going to get rid of that pony wall and I just thought to put a nice planter as a way to divide the space beautifully! We got a nice Kohler toilet that is super nice.

I disagree with Ashley 1000%

Toilets in their own room without a sink are terribly unsanitary, you are fiddling with a door, and a pocket door which is a hassle in and of itself with hands that have been you-know-where and haven't been washed.

Disgusting and totally unsanitary.

Furthermore, pocket doors are not only a hassle, they become more and more difficult as you get older. Not a good idea if you plan to stay in that home.

Here is something to really think about.

How often does your partner come in to use the toilet while you are taking a bath anyway?

Isn't there another toilet in the home?

I would have the spouse use another toilet if there is one and forget about the pony wall, your bathroom is just too small.

And another thing to think about.

Do you both really get ready at the exact same time? You can't stagger a half hour?

The heck with the two big plants on each side of the tub.

I would awaken earlier to get the bathroom all to my sweet self and get a vanity table for the bedroom and put on my war paint in there and have only one sink in the bathroom, but a long counter with lots of storage underneath.

Nobody needs to see, hear, or smell anyone else's bodily functions.

Which only increase with age.

@loobab

I laughed, only because it's true! All that you said! I detest those little toilet rooms.

I'll just add there needs to be more space around the toilet no matter where it is for those who age in place and will need a wheelchair later on. Might as well plan on it now. And if you are large (and if you aren't large now, you might get injured and gain weight from inactivity), more space is ALWAYS more comfortable, for women anyway (just because of our anatomy and the way we go to the bathroom and clean ourselves afterwards). Even for small/average sizes, more space is not uncomfortable, like not enough space is for larger people. And don't put the toilet paper holder right next to where your thighs are when you are sitting on the "throne". Ouch.

A few observations. I really like how the tub is centered under the window. As a lover of a long soak in the tub, I think some people are missing the point of trying to make this area as pleasant as possible. Large plants, beautiful tile, dimmable lighting, scented candles, a pretty teak stool or bench nearby all add to the experience. Staring at a toilet, not so much. But, it sounds like you have moved on from the pony wall idea. I think your best bet is to make sure the head of the tub is such that you are facing your closet area while soaking.
Also, I think the shower wall being pushed out to be nearly even with the door to the bedroom crowds the area in front of the vanity unnecessarily. I'd narrow the shower to around 4 or 4.5 feet to create more openess in the vanity area. Likewise, I would put the door at the end by the closet area. This way, if someone is at the vanity while someone is exiting the shower, each person has their space.
Just some food for thought!

Love this @Amy Lynn

loobab-

If what you describe is representative of your experiences with pocket doors, all I can say is that they were installed by an incompetent using cheap/flimsy hardware. I've had pocket doors in evey home I've ever owned and never had a problem. My current home is 20 years old and has four pocket doors....never a problem, and I love them. Even my first home -- which is now almost 70 years old -- has a pocket door that has been in daily use and is still functioning just fine. Quality/sturdy hardware isn't even that expensive, but it makes a difference between a trouble-free door and one that can be a problem.

Ashley R - I hear you! I agree with you 1000%.

I truly never realized the the mere sight of a "terlet," as Archie Bunker called it, was so revolting! (Unless it's a TOTO™.)

And here when the latest trend is to incorporate the main bath into the main suite!

I genuinely don't understand the numerous threads on Houzz.com in which seeing a toilet in a bathroom is treated as terrifying and to be avoided.

There are quite attractive toilets that aren't eyesores - or no more eyesores than most fixtures - especially since bathrooms don't actually look like magazine pictures when one lives in them anyway - the stray washcloth hanging out to dry - the assortment of bottles and tubes that don't necessarily match - a hair brush or dryer left on a counter in the morning's rush.

What exactly is the issue? I expect to see a toilet when I am in the bathroom. Granted there are toilets which are disgusting because they aren't cleaned but what is wrong with a clean nice looking toilet?

Any recommendations on what software can be used to make 2-D images of your space?

Helen- I share your mystification. To me a bathroom is a functional space. As long as it’s clean, that’s all that matters. I have a hard time getting excited about toilet room vs. no toilet room, or toilet “plumes,” or where I place the outlet for my hair dryer.

;-)

Google Sketchup is the program we used for the modeling

Here are some ideas to think about. You want storage for items like towels, candles, TP, etc. What about a free standing cabinet? Part (or all) can be glass fronted where towels, candles, bath bombs, even TP and less attractive things can be stored in baskets. By putting the shower door opening toward the vanity, this would free up the area at the tub end of the shower. An attractive cabinet against the wall next to the closet door would be a good location (see my edits). Then, a nice bench can be placed next to the tub to hold a burning candle, a fresh towel, a book, and a glass of wine to enjoy your bath with.
What mystifies me is when people comment that the toilet is being seen as something terrifying or revolting. Nobody here said that about this toilet. There was just a desire to minimize it's view while using the tub to improve the tub area aesthetic. No need for such hyperbole.

Another thing for you to consider. We currently have a soaking tub surrounded by a generous tub deck. When we remodel our master bath, I want to replace that situation with the smaller footprint of a free standing tub, but I want to keep some surface to put some plants, a candle, bath salts, etc. I came across the concept of a ledge running behind the tub. I am leaning toward this idea for my remodel. Maybe it's something you'd be interested in.

If you can find a spot for it in the tub area, it would be lovely to have pretty storage, like a vintage china hutch where you can store candles, towels, bath salts etc.

Here are two examples. Some glass door storage for the pretty things, some closed storage for the less pretty items.

If you went to a furniture consignment or second hand store, I bet you can find something that could be painted or used as is, depending on the look you like. You mentioned modern farmhouse theme, and I think either painted or wood could work with that.

vintage china hutch - Google Search · More Info

vintage china hutch - Google Search · More Info

Also, with regards to the shower door swing.....could you instead use a sliding glass shower door, on a barn door style roller? This would negate the swing space issue. I have one similar and they are easy to slide and easy to clean.

Here is an example.

Great ideas. Is that a window over tub? I have similar freestanding tub plan and contractor said NO to plumbing on outside wall like that but I’m in Northeast so might not be a problem for you. I used a Kohler tub filler attached thru floor instead of outside wall.