Bathroom Design
10 Dos and Don’ts for Designing Your Dream Bathroom
Pros share their essential tips for getting the layout, materials and features right in a primary bathroom
Whether you’re upgrading your primary bathroom or building it from scratch, it’s worth taking the time to get it right. After all, this is one space in your home that’s all about you. Here, bathroom-design experts share their dos and don’ts for designing a dream bathroom. Illustrating the text are photos of bathrooms that do it well.
2. Do Include Wood for Warmth and Natural Appeal
“En suites tend to be quite clinical spaces with a focus on ease of cleaning,” says architect Kirsten Johnstone. “I like to include wood veneer on drawer fronts to add natural warmth. Drawer and cupboard fronts do not require the cleaning of, say, a shower recess or mirror so they are the perfect spot to use something tactile.” Johnstone suggests matching the wood finish with wood used elsewhere for visual cohesion.
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“En suites tend to be quite clinical spaces with a focus on ease of cleaning,” says architect Kirsten Johnstone. “I like to include wood veneer on drawer fronts to add natural warmth. Drawer and cupboard fronts do not require the cleaning of, say, a shower recess or mirror so they are the perfect spot to use something tactile.” Johnstone suggests matching the wood finish with wood used elsewhere for visual cohesion.
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3. Don’t Forget Natural Light
Natural light is an essential ingredient in any successful en suite,” Johnstone says. “If your location doesn’t allow for an exterior window, consider a skylight. An operable skylight is ideal to aide natural ventilation, but a fixed skylight will provide invaluable daylight if your budget doesn’t extend that far.”
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Natural light is an essential ingredient in any successful en suite,” Johnstone says. “If your location doesn’t allow for an exterior window, consider a skylight. An operable skylight is ideal to aide natural ventilation, but a fixed skylight will provide invaluable daylight if your budget doesn’t extend that far.”
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4. Do Use LED Lights to Add Affordable Drama
“I sometimes use LED lights across the top of the mirror cabinet or along the underside as an additional light source. It provides visual interest without a huge outlay,” Johnstone says.
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“I sometimes use LED lights across the top of the mirror cabinet or along the underside as an additional light source. It provides visual interest without a huge outlay,” Johnstone says.
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5. Do Make Smart Design Choices to Keep the Budget Down
Interior designer Cook suggests making budget-friendly choices where they make sense. These might include keeping water features and plumbing in existing places and avoiding moving walls to prevent extra carpentry and tiling costs. Another option is to use the same porcelain stone-look floor and wall tiles to create the luxe look of natural stone without the huge price tag.
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Interior designer Cook suggests making budget-friendly choices where they make sense. These might include keeping water features and plumbing in existing places and avoiding moving walls to prevent extra carpentry and tiling costs. Another option is to use the same porcelain stone-look floor and wall tiles to create the luxe look of natural stone without the huge price tag.
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6. But Don’t Be Afraid to Indulge Yourself a Bit
“An en suite is your retreat — the space you can disappear to from friends and family — so don’t be afraid to spoil yourself a little,” says designer Laura Merlin of Origin Bathrooms. Choose something you’ll appreciate every time you use the space, whether it be underfloor heating, fancy faucets or luxurious tiles.
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“An en suite is your retreat — the space you can disappear to from friends and family — so don’t be afraid to spoil yourself a little,” says designer Laura Merlin of Origin Bathrooms. Choose something you’ll appreciate every time you use the space, whether it be underfloor heating, fancy faucets or luxurious tiles.
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7. Do Include a Shower Ledge or Recessed Alcove
A generous shower ledge or alcove gives you plenty of room to store shampoo and soap, says architect Johnstone. Extend it across the full width of the shower to visually elongate the room and create a generous feeling in the space.
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A generous shower ledge or alcove gives you plenty of room to store shampoo and soap, says architect Johnstone. Extend it across the full width of the shower to visually elongate the room and create a generous feeling in the space.
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8. Don’t Forget Towel Bars and Hooks
Towel bars and hooks are an easily overlooked essential, Johnston says. Be sure to position them close to the shower or bath. If you are considering a heated towel rail, you will need to factor it into your design early and hire an electrician to install it.
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Towel bars and hooks are an easily overlooked essential, Johnston says. Be sure to position them close to the shower or bath. If you are considering a heated towel rail, you will need to factor it into your design early and hire an electrician to install it.
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9. Do Add Electrical Outlets in Practical Spots
Ask your electrician to install an electrical outlet inside your mirror cabinet. They enable you to have an electric toothbrush or shaver charged and ready to go, and it looks neater than outlets on the wall tiles, Johnstone says. You may also be able to include a power outlet or two in a vanity drawer for hair dryers and digital devices.
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Ask your electrician to install an electrical outlet inside your mirror cabinet. They enable you to have an electric toothbrush or shaver charged and ready to go, and it looks neater than outlets on the wall tiles, Johnstone says. You may also be able to include a power outlet or two in a vanity drawer for hair dryers and digital devices.
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10. Do Hire Professionals for the Project
Never do the design or construction work on a primary bathroom renovation yourself without having the proper qualifications. Instead, check out the Houzz pro directory for bathroom design and construction professionals to hire in your area.
“Bathrooms sell houses. If yours is poorly executed, it will not only look unattractive, it will devalue your home,” Cook says.
Your turn: What are your do’s and don’ts for a dream bathroom? Share in the Comments.
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Never do the design or construction work on a primary bathroom renovation yourself without having the proper qualifications. Instead, check out the Houzz pro directory for bathroom design and construction professionals to hire in your area.
“Bathrooms sell houses. If yours is poorly executed, it will not only look unattractive, it will devalue your home,” Cook says.
Your turn: What are your do’s and don’ts for a dream bathroom? Share in the Comments.
More on Houzz
Read more bathroom stories
Browse bathroom photos for ideas
Find a bathroom remodeler
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“For many of us, an en suite is somewhere to relax, unwind and refresh at the end of the day,” says interior designer Vanessa Cook of SmarterBathrooms+. “If you have the space, look to include a generous shower and enhance the experience by incorporating a shower head with customizable showering options — you’ll find ones that allow you to choose a relaxing rain shower, an invigorating massage spray and more — and even a bench seat.”
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