BATHROOM FLOOR PLAN - BEFORE AND AFTER - SMALL CHANGES WITH BIG IMPROVEMENTS
I often get asked questions about how much space should be allotted for specific rooms. Is 20 ft x 25 ft a good size for a great room? Would a space 14 ft x 16 ft feel generous enough for a primary bedroom? And what about for our kids’ bedrooms, would 12 ft x 10 ft be too small?
SPECIFIC DIMENSIONS
It might surprise you to learn that I actually don’t see or design space based on specific dimensions. There are just too many variables and nuanced factors that come into play when creating successful floor plans. In actuality, no room or space exits independent from one another but instead they are like puzzle pieces that adjoin and connect, and this connection is even more significant to the quality of a floor plan, than the amount of square footage that was given to each space.
ISOLATED BATHROOM FLOOR PLAN FROM A FLOOR PLAN REVIEW
To help illustrate this important point, I’m sharing an isolated bathroom floor plan from a recent Floor Plan Review that I did for a remodel / addition project, for a virtual client. We’ll start by going over the design problems with the bathroom floor plan that was submitted for the review and then we’ll examine the proposed plan, outlining and describing the solutions. So without any further adieu, let’s get started.
SIDE NOTE
Like with every Floor Plan Review, before meeting with the virtual clients, I prepared redline notes for the entire set of floor plans, pointing out the troublesome areas, as well as overlay sketches showing potential ways each problem could be solved.
For the purposes of this post, I cleaned up the overlay sketch presented to the virtual client by having a design assistant draw my suggestions in CAD. Please note, this was done after the fact and for teaching purposes only. The deliverables for the Floor Plan Review service include loose overlay floor plan sketches showing potential solutions rather than drawings prepared in CAD. Computer aided drawings are reserved only for full-service projects.
BATHROOM FLOOR PLAN - DESIGN CHALLENGES
DESIGN PROBLEMS
Take a look at the before floor plan shown below, then scroll down to see the corresponding numbers and descriptions of the design problems with how the original bathroom floor plan was designed.
.01
PROBLEM
Notice the wasted space between the bathtub and sink cabinet. To achieve a well designed bathroom, the layout of the fixtures and cabinets should facilitate the best use and function out of the space - all while avoiding odd transitions.
If the bathroom design was left as shown, the space between the tub and cabinet would make it hard to access it easily, creating a dead-zone for dropped items as well as a lint and hair trap.
Additionally, it would only be a matter of time before the side of the cabinet starts to show damage from water splashes.
.02
PROBLEM
As shown, the width of the cabinets doesn’t allow for proper bathroom storage and counter space. Notice how the sink takes up the majority of the cabinet and counter.
.03
PROBLEM
The door leading into the bathroom doesn’t have a place to rest properly against when opened . Note how it would swing against the side of the cabinet, protruding past the cabinet, which would cause interruptions and awkward movement - not to mention the potential damage to the side of the cabinet that is likely to happen.
.04
PROBLEM
Speaking about proper door swings, notice how the toilet room door swings out into the main bathroom rather than into the actual toilet room. Toilet room doors should always - yes, always, and without exception - swing into the space, not out.
Unfortunately, in order to correct the door swing in this scenario it would cause the door to open against the window, which is another, never, ever!
There is however an easy fix IF this was the only problem with the floor plan - a pocket door would solve both problems.
BATHROOM FLOOR PLAN - DESIGN SOLUTIONS
Now let’s review some potential solutions to the problems that were described above. Just as before, take a look at the revised bathroom floor plan shown below, then scroll down to see the corresponding numbers and descriptions of the resolutions.
ONE RESOLUTION LEADS TO THE NEXT
If you’re a regular reader of my Design Journal, you’ll know that when it comes to perfecting floor plans it often becomes a situation when resolving one problem it allows you to resolve others. In order to be able to successfully correct a floor plan, besides having the foresight and skills to recognize the problems, the next requirement is to be able to identify what the key ingredient or catalyst is to being able to solve the issues.
.01
SOLUTION
Notice how the side of the cabinet terminates tightly against the new toilet / shower room wall that I added to the revised floor plan. No more pockets of wasted space or lack of intentional transitions between the tub and sink cabinet.
.02
SOLUTION
Instead of two small sink cabinets that lack storage and counter space, made worse by being awkwardly blocked from one another by a misplaced door, I incorporated a longer cabinet that would provide more counter space and a ton more storage. Notice too how I included a tall linen cabinet at the end of the sink cabinet, upping the storage capacity significantly.
.03
SOLUTION
Gone is the awkward door swing that would have interrupted the flow and movement of the space. As explained above, relocating the bathroom door was truly the magic ingredient that allowed for all the other design challenges to be solved.
.04
SOLUTION
There’s no longer an inappropriate toilet room door swing that was shown swinging out instead of swinging properly into the space. Relocating the bathroom door provided the opportunity to create a separate toilet / tub room, making the bathroom perfect for more than one kid to use it at a time.
BEFORE AND AFTER FLOOR PLANS
For ease in reviewing the differences between the before and after floor plans, I’ve included a graphic that shows the plans next to one another. While you review, notice the improved flow, order and intention that all the changes will make to bathroom space.
BATHROOM DESIGN CONCEPTS
AS A BONUS
For inspiration, below I’ve included some bathroom design concepts showing possible finish material selections and colors.
THE TAKE AWAY
Hopefully in reviewing the before and after floor plans, my introductory point about the way spaces connect is typical more significant to the success of a floor plan design than actual square footage made an impression and has given you pause to reconsider how you see space.
The true art of spatial design is reliant on the designer’s ability to adjoin and connect rooms and spaces in a highly functional and pleasing way.
Did you notice that I worked around the two existing windows that were shown in the floor plan that was provided for the review? Even with the window limitations, I was able to create perfect alignment and centerline relationships between the sink and window walls. This just goes to show the importance of thoughtful and intentional design.
Speaking of windows, during the Floor Plan Review appointment, the virtual client and I talked about the possibility of adding a window to the toilet / tub room. This final suggestion would make all the difference with perfecting the floor plan. Toilet rooms, and especially toilet / tub combo rooms should have direct access to natural light and ventilation. Not only will it make the space more appealing, it will help preserve the space by restricting the opportunity for mildew to grow.
TF DESIGN
GOOD FIT?
Due to my comprehensive approach to design I invest a lot of time, energy, and even a lot of love into each of my projects. If you are hoping to work together, and think that TF Design would be a good fit for your new build project or whole house remodel (full service only - starting with the floor plan phase and working all the way through to the completion of construction), reach out via the contact page on my website, and answer all the questions as thoroughly as you can. Once received, I’ll review and get back with you.
FLOOR PLAN REVIEW + CONSULTATIONS
Don’t need full service design but you have a new custom home project in the works where you are feeling unsure about the floor plan? You can get expert spatial guidance and direction with your your floor plan through the Floor Plan Review and Consultation. I’ll redline your floor plans and then provide potential solutions. This service is intended for those needing an extra layer of expertise with their floor plans before they are finalized.
“I initially saw Tami’s work on Pinterest, and it really stood out to me. She is very professional, and did not disappoint in my floor plan review with her. I am excited to implement her notes and suggestions. It is such a unique service that is so essential for the long run! “ - Asdihar, Florida
DESIGN CONSULTATIONS
Don’t need a floor plan review exactly, but you’re feeling stuck in uncertainty and are looking for guidance with design questions specific to your project but don’t know where to go? I’m here for you.
With more than 22 years experience as a custom home designer, I can help guide you through the design dilemmas that you are facing through my new 60 minute virtual design consultations. During our time together I will answer your questions, provide solutions, all while explaining the reasoning behind them. That way you have a better understanding of the why’s and why-nots of good design and can move forward with confidence.