Americans love their bathrooms. In a recent Census Bureau Survey on Construction, it was found that 64.7% of new single-family homes have two full bathrooms, 23.8% have three full bathrooms, 6.9% have four or more full bathrooms. Only 4.6% of the new single-family homes in America are constructed to have one full bathroom or less.
Not only does this trend put pressure on our plumbing, but it creates an abundance of choice for interior design. How do we design the bathrooms in our home to stand out, serve their purpose and go together?
One of a Kind Interior Design came across this question with a Denver client. Our challenge was to style their three bathrooms in unique yet cohesive ways that could grow with their young family. Our approach to this project was to put the utility of each bathroom at the forefront of our design strategy.
Here’s how we did it…
FOR THE FAMILY
You may have read about our Speakeasy bathroom project in previous blog posts. It’s one of my favorites. This is the half bathroom on the main floor of our client’s historic Denver home, used mostly by family and guests. It was important for this space to feel mature and sophisticated for the client’s guests, while also being accessible for their kids. We set the tone for the space with a deep blue wallpaper covered in cocktail illustrations. This struck a balance between maturity and fun. The vintage speakeasy feel of the space appeals to the adults with its gold fixtures, vintage pictures and knick knacks. The floating vanity we selected for the sink works well for the kids, providing easy storage of their step stools during their parents’ parties.
FOR THE KIDS
The next bathroom on our list was for the client’s two young boys, we called this The Gentleman’s Bathroom. Because this is a home that our client will be in for the long term, it was important for this bathroom to have a youthful energy that could grow with the boys. We started with the wallpaper. I kept my eye out for something blue—the boys’ favorite color and primary color of the downstairs bathroom. When I found a wallpaper with illustrated paper airplanes, I knew it was the right choice. The illustrations were subtle, almost giving off the appearance of water colors from afar.
The tile we selected for the shower is typically laid vertically. We added some whimsy to the space by instead laying the tile horizontally, like bowties. We alternated between matte and glossy tiles to add an eye-catching dimension to the design. Finally, we chose acrylic finishes for the shower hooks and vanity handles. These tie in with the elevated vintage finishes from the downstairs bathroom, without the price tag. With all of these in place, The Gentleman’s Bathroom presented as a youthful space, grounded in timeless classics.
FOR THE ADULTS
It was important for the primary bathroom to be an adult-first space. Typically, this would draw designers toward dark or muted touches. But, with no door and only one window, this bathroom needed light. When our incredible wallpaper partner Wall Tawk shared this gorgeous pastel, watercolor-like wallpaper, I knew it was the right choice for our art-loving client. To bring some depth and maturity into the space, we wrapped the bathroom in dark blue wainscotting and selected a deep walnut wood for the linen closet and vanity. These touches were a perfect counterweight to the pastel wallpaper and solidified a sense of warmth in the space.
We carried the vintage touches from the previous projects through to the primary with light figures, textured gold knobs, and finishes throughout the room.
This trio of bathrooms demonstrated the value interior designers bring to projects throughout your home. The magic is in the details—the vanity you chose, the way your tile is hung, and the wood for your bathroom. While each bathroom in this house had its own unique purpose and personality, together they sang in harmony with their blue bases and vintage finishes.
Do you have a single, duo or trio of bathrooms you’re dying to do over? Let’s talk. Together, we can create a bathroom that works for you and your family for years to come.
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