8 Ideas for a Great Bathroom Design
When we design a bathroom, whether it is in a large home in Los Angeles or a condo in Palm Springs, we put a lot of thought and effort into the details. Not just how it looks but how it works for each individual client. So in this piece I thought I would feature just one, modest size bathroom that I think has some great ideas that could inspire you in your home.
1. Make a Furniture inspired cabinet
A bathroom with a sink cabinet inspired by furniture gives your bathroom and upscale look.
Sometimes it’s the most simple of gestures that can make a big impact, so Especially in a traditional style bathroom, creating a sink cabinet inspired by furniture is a great idea, it will give your bathroom a very upscale look. Things like a foot detail at the base (simply a design cut from a regular base board) or a marble detail inspired by a vintage wash stand (a great way to have a contained backsplash) will all add to the illusion you are trying to create.
2. You do not have to Center the sink
A bathroom with an off center sink creates more space in your cabinet for drawers and gives you a larger useable area on your counter.
In a bathroom with a vanity that is not big, you might want to consider placing the sink off center. It has several advantages. The first is that it will create enough space in your cabinet for a bank of storage drawers, and secondly I find it much more useful to have one side with a large usable area, rather than two equal small areas that feel cramped. Pay attention to whether you are left or right handed it will make a big difference.
3. Large Medicine Cabinet
A custom bathroom can contain an extra large medicine cabinet and can be your secret weapon in terms of the amount of storage in your bathroom.
There are many premade medicine cabinets that are available, but if you go with the custom route, you may find that you can do a much larger one, and it can be your secret weapon in terms of the amount of storage ideas in your bathroom. I also find that this type of shallow storage allows me to be more organized and see more of what I have. Remember, design according to how you live.
4. Good Lighting is Fundamental
As luxury Interior Designers in Los Angeles we are lucky to be invited to Lighting is one of the most important parts of your bathroom design. If at all possible have a combination of both downlight (recessed) and surface mounted lighting. At the Vanity this is especially important. In this design I added a light right over the sink and then flanked the mirror with two sconces, this allows for shadowless light when using the mirror.
5. Open Storage
Open storage in a bathroom will help you see what you have, give a place to store towels and adding a basket will also contain clutter.
A bathroom seems to be one of those places where stuff just accumulates, open storage will help with this as you will be able to see what you have. It’s a great way to store towels, and adding a basket will also obtain clutter. The higher shelves are a good place for some decorative pieces, I like plants as I think they add a sense of freshness to the room.
6. Big Shampoo Niche
A large niche built in the shower will give you a contained spot for all of the hair products and body washes.
Keeping the shower area tidy can be tough, we all have shampoos, body wash etc, having a large niche built in the shower will give you a contained spot for all of these things, all at a convenient height and within arms reach. You may want to consider adding a shelf to the niche for bar soap if you use it too.
7. No Shower Dam
This one may be a little controversial for some. I believe that in a modest sized bathroom that a shower dam takes up way too much space, and by removing it, you can make both the shower and the bathroom seem larger and more open. It does require you to be a little more careful to contain shower splashing, but the payoff in space is totally worth it.
8. Free Standing Tub
A bathroom with a freestanding tub makes the space look bigger and creates a great decorative look.
Another great way to make the room feel bigger is to use a freestanding tub, instead of a deck mounted one. Firstly it will take up less actual space but it also creates a great decorative look. There are lots of options from vintage looking ones like this to much more modern and contemporary, and you can have it with or without jets.
Designing a bathroom requires you to take a lot into consideration, that is why a lot of people turn to the team at Mark Cutler Design. With years of experience we bring to a project not just great style and aesthetics but also an ability to make the room function in the best of ways. Call us and see what we can create for you.