We were originally going to start our master bathroom renovation April 1st, but that was postponed due to Covid-19. Idaho is entering phase 2 of re-opening this Saturday and we’re hoping by June we’ll be ready to start on our bathroom renovation! In the meantime, we’ve been taking the opportunity to tackle our closet, which we definitely want to finish before we start the bathroom since our old closet will be PART of the bathroom but also, we revisited our bathroom plans. We originally shared a layout idea that we worked with a Kohler bathroom designer on here (this is a free service in the design shop in Wisconsin!) and we really liked it at the time, but the more we thought about it, the more we felt like we wanted our shower in a more prominent location. After all, in our last bathroom, we did away with the tub completely in favor of a big shower. Miss you, big shower.
We spent many nights just sketching away at different ideas. Sometimes we would say, “that’s it!” and then a couple nights later revisit, rework and think–well maybe let’s try this. Needless to say, this extra time has been invaluable and we truly believe we’re going to end up with a layout that is best for us. We’ve narrowed it down to two worthy contenders to share with you. These 8 are all the runner ups. (eek).
Before we share the final two different options we’re considering, we shot a quick video of what our bathroom looks like now. No talking, just a fly through video so you can get a sense of the space. It’s double long as it is narrow (about 21′ long by 11′ wide).
And here are the two options we’re deciding between:
Option A:
 Option A keeps the tub and shower in the same area (very european) to make a wet room. I envision a big arched opening framing the area as a sort of focal point to the bathroom.
The water closet would stay where it currently is with linen storage on the opposite wall. His and her vanities would sit across from each other. We envision my vanity being the larger one with some upright tall cabinets and Chris’s would be smaller with larger windows flanking either side to bring in more natural light. This option opens up the feeling of the bathroom and gets away from the galley feel it currently has. Here are a few inspiration photos for this option:
OPTION B:
Option B moves the water closet to the back wall which frees up the walkway when you first walk in and allows us to add a window to the small space (always a bonus for a water closet). A linen closet on the left of the doorway for storage and two identical 60″ his and her vanities along one wall. Â A large window and tub moment across from it. And let’s be honest, a chandelier over the tub, too.
The shower area still gets a prominent place in this option with an open arched doorway framing the existing window and the shower heads and body sprays tucked in the side allowing us to skip the glass door enclosure. This option maximizes the natural light in every area.
So those are the two we’re deciding between. We like both for different reasons. We’re leaning one way but would love to hear any arguments or experience or opinions either way! We feel like we’re really really close to nailing down a plan and once that happens, I can start mood boarding!! Which do you prefer??
As far as the tub & shower goes; IMO I think that the deep white tub with the gold accents & handles & shower pipes / heads is the one to go with. The white and grey classic tile looks amazing together and when you incorporate the arch shaped roof into the tub/shower alcove definitely makes the space!!! Maybe as far as the window goes perhaps you should make the glass in the window frosted and feature a picture of maybe a lighthouse or a waterfall in it?! Just an idea.
I truly like both options, but there are certain things I like about Option B the best. With either option, I’d consider a few tweaks or different options that you didn’t mention in this post.
With Option A. I do like a wet bath as long as it’s plenty spacious and the tub has it’s own space. With your Option A, I’d consider swapping the shower heads and plumbing to the inside wall and pivoting the tub 90 degrees and placing it on the outside wall. So when you walk through the arch the tub would be on the left and the shower on the right. You could also add a window on that new tub wall. To me it seems like the shower/tub space would be less broken up and less interrupted.
With Option B, I, like many others, love having the W/C tucked in a corner far away from the bathroom entrance. I also like the addition of the window in the W/C. What does seem a little odd is having the door right next to, and swinging towards, the tub. As I’ve never been in your space it might be just fine, but from the drawings it’s feels like an annoyance to me. However, if it was a hidden door, like a paneled wall, it’d be a lot prettier and less of an interruption! I also like having the vanities side by side, but that’s just a personal preference. Something to consider is the morning light and whether having a window across from the vanities, instead of beside, would cause lighting issues (glares, back light, etc.) when using the vanity mirrors ?
Whatever you decide, I’m sure it will be the right fit for you guy.! I’m just excited to watch the process! :)
I like plan B. I don’t like standing in between 2 mirrors. Something scary is supposed to happen!?
From experience I would go with option B. Primarily for practicality. We just recently sold a house with a massive shower and tub combo like in option A and it was a cleaning nightmare. It is hard to keep the grout behind the tub area clean and also the larger the tile area the more difficult the cleaning. If you do option a make sure to leave room between the tub and the wall so you can clean the wall and floor behind. One word of advise if you do a large tile shower is to keep the grout on the ground dark as lighter grout is so hard to upkeep. Otherwise both options are beautiful and I am sure will be with all your amazing ideas.
Option B! Option A is beautiful but would be a lot of work to keep clean. Think of all the hidden places mold will try to grow. I spend so much time drying out our shower and also scrubbing it clean.