Bathroom Design Option # 1 – Keep it simple in the same space.
Homes and designs constructed in the 50’s and 60’s often don’t work very well for our current needs. In particular, bathrooms were seemingly tertiary spaces, whereas they are vital and one of the primary priorities for homeowners today. People expect more in a bathroom now, especially when it comes to the master bathroom. The challenge comes when the client does not want to expand the room due to structural issues, the effects on other rooms or simply budget limitations.
We have done a 4 part study of design options for a typical bathroom built in the Washington, D.C. metropolitan area. 
The existing bathroom is shown in a sketch on the right. You can see a long dressing vanity, a compacted bathroom area and two modest closets. As you can see, there is a lot of wasted space in the hallway and open area in front of the dressing vanity.
For the 1st option, below, we kept the bathroom to the same general limitations of the existing space. We did not allow the design to expand into other rooms, except a small portion of an adjacent attic. 
In this version, we maintained a tub and a separate shower. Clients often debate whether to incorporate a tub or not; some people use the tub, many do not – every client is different so we will show you alternatives without tubs in subsequent posts. We have one long vanity with two bowls, a compartment for the toilet and even a linen closet dedicated to the Master bath. The closets have been expanded into the attic space. The entrance incorporates a vestibule to delineate the privacy desired for the Master Suite.
This example shows the potential of working within the structure of the existing home. The bathroom is vastly improved with a large shower, good counter space and expanded closets. Next we will show you what we can do if we eliminate the tub. After that, in Options 3 & 4, we will show you what happens when we add a window. Stay tuned!
We appreciate your comments and questions. Please e-mail me directly at Bob@NatelliHomes.com or visit our website at www.NatelliHomes.com.
1 comment
A small bathroom is a small bathroom, and unless you remodel your home so you can add to the bathroom’s space, that’s going to be the news. But from that, it does not follow that you’re simply stuck with an inadequate bathroom. Replacing worn-out sinks and vanities will surely help, but if all you’re doing is more of the same, that’s what you’ll be left with–more of the same. I would very much recommend buying the very best your budget will allow and searching the Internet for innovative ideas. You will be in the bathroom every day of your life. Why not make that place a true retreat? With a little imagination, you can.
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