3 Simple Steps to Create a Bathroom That Will Stand the Test of Time

Although bathrooms can be small spaces, they are substantial investments in your home. Restrooms should provide not only functionality but beauty and comfort for both homeowners and guests. An ideal bathroom design incorporates functionality, support, and beauty, regardless of age or mobility.  

1. Planning Ahead

• Prioritize the space: When remodeling a bathroom, remember to establish what areas are best suitable for specific tasks. Plumbing, outlets, and ventilation are all critical elements to a high-functioning bathroom. Consider adding outlets for hairstyling products, or adding ventilation close to the shower. However large or small your bathroom may be, it is essential to address which areas used most, how, and by whom.

• Smart storage: Bathroom designers should consider the specific needs and storage requirements of you and your guests to ensure the bathroom to feel spacious and organized. For example, the area next to where you apply makeup or shave may need hidden drawers or a built-in cabinet. Children’s bathrooms may require space for bath toys or step stools.

2. Safety and Comfort for Everyone 

• Use readily available strategies: Barrier-free showers, slip-resistant flooring, and lever-style door handles are safe and straightforward. Planning to make bathrooms comfortable and accessible may also help save money in the long-run. You can have comfort by knowing that these implementations will last, and there is no need to remodel again.

• Consult an expert: Home design professionals can help implement universal design methods into any bathroom space. They can plan for accessibility, the environmentally conscious, and help you achieve a classic style that will not need to be replaced again in a few years.

3. Luxurious Experience and Materials  

• Use a variety of lighting: Lighting is a crucial component of good bathroom design and can help improve the human experience. Task lighting should be in places used for applying make-up or in other preparation areas. Ambient light can create a soft look, and pleasant feel to the room.

• Choose the right materials: When choosing colors and articles for the bathroom, select options that are durable and easy to clean to save yourself time and headache later on. Also, consider timeless materials and avoiding fads so that the bathroom’s beauty can endure.

It may seem like a daunting task, but your bathroom can be a serene and healthy space with careful planning, consideration for safety and accessibility, and the right materials. Start with a clear vision and be mindful of health, sustainability, and timeless style to make the most out of your bathroom.

Photos by Chas Metivier

Sarah Barnard designs healthy, happy, personalized spaces that are deeply connected to nature and art.

To learn more about Sarah Barnard Design, please visit www.SarahBarnard.com.

Historic Craftsman Bungalow: Caribbean Blue Bathroom

This historic craftsman bungalow is all about color! The newly remodeled bathroom features a custom tile design by Sarah Barnard. The rich browns and vibrant teal blue's inspire thoughts of the Caribbean Sea. The spacious walk-in shower features a limestone seat providing the perfect complement to the saturated chocolate wall tiles.

Subtle details and accessories counterbalance the bathroom's bold colors. Handmade art tile and a beautiful handmade vessel make this masculine space special. A rustic mirror frame made of recycled barn wood helps to keep the new space fun and funky.

Sarah Barnard designs healthy, happy, personalized spaces that are deeply connected to nature and art.

To learn more about Sarah Barnard Design, please visit www.SarahBarnard.com.

Photos by Chas Metivier

Historic Craftsman Bungalow: Orange Dreamsicle Bathroom

Orange dreamsicle! Formerly a coat closet, this jewel box of a bathroom is made more functional by re-distributing the unused space. Sarah Barnard was able to add a walk-in shower to the previously compact guest bathroom.

This particular shade of orange inspires positivity and energy. By installing ceramic tile in a vertical pattern, they elongate the tiny space. Pebble tiles on the shower floor create an indoor/outdoor feeling. The small corner mounted sink makes the most of the limited floor space.

Sarah Barnard designs healthy, happy, personalized spaces that are deeply connected to nature and art.

To learn more about Sarah Barnard Design, please visit www.SarahBarnard.com.

Photos by Chas Metivier

Park View Pied-à-Terre: Guest Bathrooms

This Park View Pied-à-terre features two petite guest bathrooms that make a bold statement. Mid-century Modern meets rustic farmhouse chic in this elegant guest bathroom design. Wall mounted mirrors were custom made from salvaged barn wood to perfectly fit the compact spaces. The black and white modernist furniture provides a bold, contemporary contrast to the vintage light fixtures and rustic details.

Each guest bathroom creates a unique statement it's own featuring custom sink and fixtures. A grey river rock vessel sink pairs with honed stone counters and crackled ceramic backsplash tiles. Incorporating organic elements, such as natural stones, woods and ceramics emphasizes the environmental focus of this French contemporary renovation.

Sarah Barnard designs healthy, happy, personalized spaces that are deeply connected to nature and art.

To learn more about Sarah Barnard Design, please visit www.SarahBarnard.com.

Photos by Chas Metivier

Park View Pied-à-Terre: Primary Bathroom

This Pied-à-Terre has a small primary bathroom with a modernist feel. Utilizing reclaimed materials this bathroom is brought to life with natural, handmade and local materials. Recycled vanities make fast friends with wall mounted mirrors made from salvaged barn wood. The vintage Danish pendant light (c.1950-1959) made of brass and glass is a functional piece of art for this functional room. A fiber sculpture by artist Renae Barnard hangs just to the left of a recessed wall niche that provides a perfect space for integrating live plants.

Bold minimalism is balanced with rustic details to create this contemporary vintage design. Stainless steel faucets, integral towel bars and coordinating bathroom accessories meld effortlessly with the deep tones of the ebonized vanity. Fresh cut branches add visual interest to the porcelain sinks and bring the outdoors in.

Sarah Barnard designs healthy, happy, personalized spaces that are deeply connected to nature and art.

To learn more about Sarah Barnard Design, please visit www.SarahBarnard.com.

Photos by Chas Metivier