9 Bathroom Design Features Pros Always Recommend
Use these key design elements and you’re almost certain to end up with a bathroom you love
Bathroom renovation specialists know a thing or two about which design features make homeowners really happy. So we asked 50 design and building professionals to share the bathroom elements they confidently recommend to everyone. Here are nine bathroom details that came up again and again.
The right lighting
Attention to lighting is also high on bathroom renovation pros’ recommendation lists. They encourage a layered approach, with overhead lights, accent lights such as sconces, and decorative lighting, such as chandeliers.
If you get up frequently during the night, don’t forget to include a nightlight. “I like to do these at the toe kick or underside of a floating vanity,” designer Jamie Leonard of Vertical Interior Design says. “This light is set on a sensor so it’s only on at night or when the room’s dark. This helps with those middle-of-the-night bathroom breaks so you don’t blind yourself.”
If possible, a skylight over the shower, preferably operable for ventilation, is something you’ll never regret. And a dimmer switch for light fixtures is a must, pros say. “Sometimes you want it to be dim; sometimes you need to shave or put on make-up,” architect Tim Barber says. “We strive for several different choices of lighting to set a mood.”
And be sure to cast yourself in the best light. “Always install lighting on the sides of the mirror, so there aren’t shadows on your face,” designer Tiffany Waugh says.
Attention to lighting is also high on bathroom renovation pros’ recommendation lists. They encourage a layered approach, with overhead lights, accent lights such as sconces, and decorative lighting, such as chandeliers.
If you get up frequently during the night, don’t forget to include a nightlight. “I like to do these at the toe kick or underside of a floating vanity,” designer Jamie Leonard of Vertical Interior Design says. “This light is set on a sensor so it’s only on at night or when the room’s dark. This helps with those middle-of-the-night bathroom breaks so you don’t blind yourself.”
If possible, a skylight over the shower, preferably operable for ventilation, is something you’ll never regret. And a dimmer switch for light fixtures is a must, pros say. “Sometimes you want it to be dim; sometimes you need to shave or put on make-up,” architect Tim Barber says. “We strive for several different choices of lighting to set a mood.”
And be sure to cast yourself in the best light. “Always install lighting on the sides of the mirror, so there aren’t shadows on your face,” designer Tiffany Waugh says.
Storage, storage, storage
A bathroom can’t function without proper storage. And most pros recommend a mix of open, closed, drawer, cabinet, niche or any other necessary solutions. “You always need a lot of storage for towels and other bathroom accessories, and there are so many ways to include bathroom storage in a beautiful and functional way with gorgeous cabinetry,” designer Christie Veres of CDV Interiors says.
Designer Melvin Stoltzfus often recommends a hidden laundry basket near a shower, either in a vanity unit or linen cabinet, to prevent dirty clothes and towels from piling up.
Ready to renovate? Find a bathroom designer in your area in the Houzz Professionals Directory.
A bathroom can’t function without proper storage. And most pros recommend a mix of open, closed, drawer, cabinet, niche or any other necessary solutions. “You always need a lot of storage for towels and other bathroom accessories, and there are so many ways to include bathroom storage in a beautiful and functional way with gorgeous cabinetry,” designer Christie Veres of CDV Interiors says.
Designer Melvin Stoltzfus often recommends a hidden laundry basket near a shower, either in a vanity unit or linen cabinet, to prevent dirty clothes and towels from piling up.
Ready to renovate? Find a bathroom designer in your area in the Houzz Professionals Directory.
A shower niche
Speaking of storage, few pros these days design and build showers without dedicated space for shampoo bottles and other products. And a niche recessed into a shower wall is by far the most popular solution.
There are many different designs to consider, but you’ll want to make sure the dimensions can accommodate the height and amount of products you typically keep in the shower, and maybe a little extra room for overflow.
“I recommend that clients include a middle shelf inside the typical rectangular cutout, but place it in the bottom third of the space to create a smaller compartment for soap and razors,” designer Sheila Mayden says. “The upper shelf is for taller items like shampoo, conditioner and body wash.”
A niche also offers an opportunity to introduce some extra style into the shower with a contrasting accent tile or other material.
Speaking of storage, few pros these days design and build showers without dedicated space for shampoo bottles and other products. And a niche recessed into a shower wall is by far the most popular solution.
There are many different designs to consider, but you’ll want to make sure the dimensions can accommodate the height and amount of products you typically keep in the shower, and maybe a little extra room for overflow.
“I recommend that clients include a middle shelf inside the typical rectangular cutout, but place it in the bottom third of the space to create a smaller compartment for soap and razors,” designer Sheila Mayden says. “The upper shelf is for taller items like shampoo, conditioner and body wash.”
A niche also offers an opportunity to introduce some extra style into the shower with a contrasting accent tile or other material.
Natural materials
Many people feel, either consciously or subconsciously, that natural materials have an inherent quality that’s hard to put into words. They provide a feel-good something that seems absent in synthetic materials.
“Our bathrooms represent rest, relaxation and self care,” designer Kymberlea Earnshaw says. “For these spaces, I always look to nature. I recommend using natural materials whenever possible – real stone, wood, plants, etc. The earthy elements balance out the water element, and together they create that spa-like feel that’s so nourishing for the mind, body and soul.”
Consider a wood vanity unit, natural woven elements or, many pros’ favourite, marble. “Marble is our number one favourite material,” designer Tracy Huntington says. “If a client can enjoy a few marks and some wear, marble patinas beautifully over time. It’s a total classic. You can’t go wrong with marble.”
Many people feel, either consciously or subconsciously, that natural materials have an inherent quality that’s hard to put into words. They provide a feel-good something that seems absent in synthetic materials.
“Our bathrooms represent rest, relaxation and self care,” designer Kymberlea Earnshaw says. “For these spaces, I always look to nature. I recommend using natural materials whenever possible – real stone, wood, plants, etc. The earthy elements balance out the water element, and together they create that spa-like feel that’s so nourishing for the mind, body and soul.”
Consider a wood vanity unit, natural woven elements or, many pros’ favourite, marble. “Marble is our number one favourite material,” designer Tracy Huntington says. “If a client can enjoy a few marks and some wear, marble patinas beautifully over time. It’s a total classic. You can’t go wrong with marble.”
A handheld shower head
A handheld sprayer might seem like a small detail, but its inclusion can have an enormous effect on the shower experience. They’re great for rinsing shaved legs, cleaning shower walls and more. “I always recommend adding a handheld in the shower,” designer Chloe Rideout of Cummings Architecture + Interiors says. “It makes cleaning pets, kids or the walls so much easier.”
You might also enjoy How to Plan for a Bathroom Renovation.
A handheld sprayer might seem like a small detail, but its inclusion can have an enormous effect on the shower experience. They’re great for rinsing shaved legs, cleaning shower walls and more. “I always recommend adding a handheld in the shower,” designer Chloe Rideout of Cummings Architecture + Interiors says. “It makes cleaning pets, kids or the walls so much easier.”
You might also enjoy How to Plan for a Bathroom Renovation.
A ‘wow’ moment
Every space needs a focal point or feature that makes you smile or say “wow” every time you see it. It could be a wall treatment, a decorative light fixture, graphic floor tiles, a standout vanity unit, or anything else that keeps things interesting.
“I always try to incorporate something unexpected,” designer Whitley Wirkkala of Oak & Linen Interiors says. “This could be wallpaper or a funky light fixture. It keeps the room fresh and brings in a little flair.”
Every space needs a focal point or feature that makes you smile or say “wow” every time you see it. It could be a wall treatment, a decorative light fixture, graphic floor tiles, a standout vanity unit, or anything else that keeps things interesting.
“I always try to incorporate something unexpected,” designer Whitley Wirkkala of Oak & Linen Interiors says. “This could be wallpaper or a funky light fixture. It keeps the room fresh and brings in a little flair.”
Quality plumbing
Don’t judge taps and other plumbing fixtures on looks alone. The inner components are vital to how these pieces function and how long they’ll last. Poorly made fixtures often have plastic gaskets and other pieces inside that quickly break down, affecting water flow and other performance features.
“High-quality plumbing fixtures are an absolute must,” designer Carmit Oron says. “This is not an area where it’s wise to save money. I usually explain this to my clients during our initial meeting, which takes place in a plumbing showroom. For me, quality plumbing is the starting point for everything, and where my design process begins.”
Don’t judge taps and other plumbing fixtures on looks alone. The inner components are vital to how these pieces function and how long they’ll last. Poorly made fixtures often have plastic gaskets and other pieces inside that quickly break down, affecting water flow and other performance features.
“High-quality plumbing fixtures are an absolute must,” designer Carmit Oron says. “This is not an area where it’s wise to save money. I usually explain this to my clients during our initial meeting, which takes place in a plumbing showroom. For me, quality plumbing is the starting point for everything, and where my design process begins.”
Shower controls near the entrance
Nobody likes getting sprayed with cold water when reaching in to turn on the shower. Placing the controls on the opposite side of the shower head will add some extra expense to a renovation, but it’s a feature you’ll appreciate every day.
Tell us…
Will you include any of these features in your bathroom? Is there anything we’ve missed? Share your thoughts in the Comments.
Nobody likes getting sprayed with cold water when reaching in to turn on the shower. Placing the controls on the opposite side of the shower head will add some extra expense to a renovation, but it’s a feature you’ll appreciate every day.
Tell us…
Will you include any of these features in your bathroom? Is there anything we’ve missed? Share your thoughts in the Comments.
The most recommended bathroom feature from design and building pros by far is underfloor heating. “Most people would assume the must-have bathroom amenity is a giant tiled shower or a freestanding tub,” home builder Stephen Alexander says. “We do recommend those, but the one feature that’s always overlooked is the cold tile floor that can diminish the spa experience, so we always specify heated floors.”
Many pros say the feature is relatively inexpensive and easy to install. “Every client who makes the investment absolutely loves the feature and will never go back to cold floors if they build again,” designer Kathryn Chaplow says.