Bathroom Basics 101

Brown Residence, Week 17 With everyone’s hectic lifestyle, the bathroom is the one place to escape from it all to retreat and relax. Whether you’re renovating a main floor  powder room, the kids’ Jack and Jill , or your master en-suite, you want to make sure it looks great and functions well. When space planning – locate at least one guest bath or powder room that’s easily accessible from the kitchen and family room area of your home.  The master bath should be large enough to fit an oversized tub, generously sized shower and double vanity sinks. If you’re adding a new bathroom, it’s more cost effective to locate it near existing plumbing lines from neighboring spaces or by sharing a common stacked plumbing wall from above or below Research magazines, search online, and visit bathroom supply showrooms for inspiration.  Make a list of some of your fantasy bath items and combine your dreams with practicality. Baths are among the costliest rooms in your home to renovate. That’s why it’s important to realize it’s less about trends and more about style. Select your fixtures, materials, fittings and colors carefully – and make sure each material you select evokes a sense of peace and calm from within. Basic Bathroom Measurements Minimum size: 5’ X 7’ (35 s.f.)+ Recommended: 6’ X 9’ (54 s.f.) + with two sinks Powder room with toilet and sink: 3’ X 6’ (18 s.f.) or 4’ X 5’ (20 s.f.)+ Small bathroom with corner shower, toilet, and sink: 6’ X 6’ (36 s.f.)+ Full bathroom with tub & shower combo, toilet, and sink: 5’ X 8’+(40 s.f.)+ Master bathroom: 10’ X 14’ (140 s.f)+ Standard size bath tub:  30” X 60” Shower stall: 36” X 36” (bare minimum)+ Space in front of a toilet or bidet: 24” Length of double sinks vanity counter: 72”+ Height of vanity: 34.5” – 36” Space to separate a light switch from any water source: 60” Standard height for toilet paper holders: 26” off the floor Standard elongated toilet bowl: 14” X 18.5” I encourage you leave questions or comments below this post, and fill out the form on the right hand side of this page to receive your free copy of my special report: “How to Avoid the 15 Most Common Decorating Mistakes” Article by Lori Gilder, Architectural Interior Designer, Los Angeles, Ca. © 2010 Lori Gilder. Interior Makeovers Inc.