Design your bathroom right by dodging these blunders in toilet placement, lighting and more! Renovating or building a new house is an exciting process that comes with the pressure of making informed decisions that will last.

Bathrooms, regardless of size, should be carefully planned and should function for all the users of the space. Designing a bath is no easy feat and can suffer a myriad of design blunders. Read on for my list of design mistakes to avoid and get the bathroom of your dreams!

Location-Location

Whenever possible, avoid locating the bathroom directly off one of your home’s public rooms, like the kitchen, living room or dining room. This doesn’t mean tucking it down a long hallway. You’ll want to create some sort of separation to break up the line of sight. Undoubtedly, the last thing you want is to be sitting in the living room with a glass of wine and looking straight into the bathroom at the toilet.

Fixture Placement

Avoid making the toilet the first thing you see in the bathroom, while trying to avoid sightlines to it from adjacent rooms. Sometimes changing a door swing position can solve this problem. Separating the toilet and tub/shower in one area while keeping the sink in another allows multiple family members to use the space simultaneously.

Lighting

Good lighting is especially important in the bathroom so don’t let it be an afterthought in your planning. An underlit bathroom is a serious problem and is easy to remedy. Aim for a combination of the big three. Task lighting for cosmetics application or shaving, ambient lighting for general illumination and accent lighting to add interest.

Inadequate Ventilation

An exhaust fan will rid the bathroom air of excess moisture, humidity, odors and other pollutants. It also helps to remove water vapor that creates mold and mildew and causes the deterioration of your furnishings. Don’t forget to factor in a properly installed exhaust fan (or two if your bath is large) to ensure your space stays fresh.

Storage

Sure that pedestal sink is pretty but will it meet your storage needs? Probably not! Consider what items you need to store like towels, hair appliances and extra toilet paper then plan your selections accordingly.

Bigger is Not Better

Whether you’re designing a master bath in your dream home or squeezing in an extra bathroom for a growing family, the arrangement, not the size, of the space will impact how effectively it performs in the long run.

Planning

There is more to consider than sinks and tiles when it comes to good bathroom design. Getting it right will result in a functional, attractive space. If you get it wrong, your bathroom may be inconvenient and quirky or, worse, need to be entirely redone. Avoiding these typical blunders, will mean building your perfect bathroom won’t be a nightmare.

Use an Expert

Even if your DIY skills are second to none, it’s still a good idea to consult an expert before you start your project. Consulting with an interior designer will help you iron out any flaws in your bathroom plan and guide you through the countless decisions that need to be made.

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