Our planning meeting with Chino the handyman to update our master bathroom is still a few weeks away, and even though Chino has a keen sense for the latest trends and what sells in new construction, I want to be able to go into the meeting with a good idea of what it is I want.
I like a clean, simple look. Nothing flashy or too trendy. I love the look of a light tile floor and a white bathroom vanity and lots of bathroom storage {even though I don’t have a lot to store}. A long walk in shower would be nice and a romantic soaking tub is high on my priority list as well.
I used to take a bath almost every.single.night. at our last house. But I have yet to take a bath at our new place.
I am sooo ready for this bathroom remodel, I can’t wait to get started just so I can get it over with. But there are a few questions I would like to bounce off of you… your suggestions and input would be so helpful to me. Okay, are you ready? Here we go.
Is it important to have a separate room for the toilet?
Chino and I both agree the toilet needs to be moved to the left. He thinks we should build a separate {small room} for it. Do you really think throwing up a few walls and adding a door would make a big difference?
Should there be a window in the bathroom?
Right now there are two can lights in the bathroom and the lighting is AWFUL. Chino thinks we should punch out a space above where the toilet sits right now and add a window to help with the lighting situation {and add more can lights above}.
Windows cost money. I would never open the window, or open the blinds that I would have to put on said window because HELLO… I don’t want people staring into my bathroom. So I’m on the fence about this. Yes, I think it would look good, but do you think it is really necessary?
What do you think of this potential layout?
I think a master bathroom needs a tub, there’s no doubt about it. Maybe it’s a girl thing, or a me thing, but I’m not sure about moving the tub to the right side of the room. But if we extend the shower, there wouldn’t be enough room for the tub to stay on the left. What do you think?
I think I need a door to separate the bedroom from the bathroom.
Don’t you think it’s kind of weird not to have a door separating the bedroom from the bathroom? I think we need to get rid of the weirdo arch above the entryway and stick a door there. What do you think?
I need your suggestions!!! What do you see that needs to be changed that I don’t?
~Mavis
celia says
Sometimes things happen in bathroom that make an open window..welcome. A wall is nice, nobody likes looking right into the toilet.
Kari says
Yes to all of the above. I love having the toilet in a separate room, as it makes sharing the bathroom with Hubby easier. Definitely a window, just do a privacy glass in it so lets in light but not stalkers, then no window covering necessary. Tub on the right would look great! A cute free-standing one would be a great accent. As for a door to separate the bedroom, maybe a pocket door? That way you don’t lose wall space with the open door.
Tracey says
I think a window would be nice, not one that opens and you could get it with frosted glass.
Sara says
A big YES to the added walls for the toilet, that is a must in my opinion. A door to the bathroom is also a yes, what was it about the 90’s that the idea of no door was a good idea? When we looked at homes built in the 90’s that seemed to be a trend, one I thought was not a good one. Window in the bathroom, another yes. The windows that weird me out are the ones that are huge and surround the tub, that one escapes me.
JC says
I have a newer home and YES you will want that bathroom door between the bathroom and bedroom!!! We also don’t have a door so we hung a blackout curtain in the doorway which gives visual privacy but does nothing to damper noise. Second, we HATE our toilet in it’s own little room. We call it the poop closet. We are rarely both in the bathroom at the same time so a separate room for the toilet is stupid. It’s tiny, I am always banging my elbows on the walls and I swear it smells LONG after business has been taken care of. If I were to remodel our bathroom I would lose the poop closet and instead leave the toilet enclosed by half a wall. It still gives privacy but you don’t feel like you are in an airplane bathroom.
Cheryl says
Totally agree on this. Having the toilet in it’s own little room is rather confining to me, but then I am claustrophobic too.
Cathy says
Just for fun look up Feng shui for bathrooms,
I think when the power goes out you’ll like the frosted glass window.
And not staring at a toilet is rather nice too.
My friends love having the sink away from the rest of the bathroom , getting ready and not having the mirror fogging
That’s on my wish list.
Lauren says
Yes to the “potty room” and to the window! I always think a bathroom is so much nicer if there is a separate area for the toilet, but maybe that’s just me. I LOVE having windows in the bathroom! Now that we live on some land and can’t see the neighbors, I don’t worry too much about people being able to see in bathroom windows, but when we lived in town, I put that “stick on” privacy film stuff on our bathroom windows, and let me tell you, having a window makes all the difference! There is so much more light, and if it’s frosted, no one can see in. Win-win. I really like the layout you’re thinking of!
Theresa says
first the window is not needed if you add more lighting. Second, please add a door on the bathroom! That’s a must. Third def go for the tub! Every now and then down time in the tub is needed for you to make you a better you. Fourth the wall isn’t needed for the toilet, but would look nice. I do wonder why he didn’t suggest putting the tub on the far end of the wall… Maybe I can’t see the full layout or maybe the tub wouldn’t be long enough… Just a thought. 🙂 Hope that helps give you some thoughts. Good luck with the reno…. Never easy.
Lee says
A partial bathroom wall, as suggested above, would be a great idea. I also do not like to be boxed into small spaces.
A door separating the bathroom and the bedroom is definitely a must. You could perhaps do french doors. We had them in our last house, and they were very pretty. They had a great pattern with frosted and pink accent glass.
Having a soaking tub would be so nice! I definitely vote for this one, but as far as placement, I’m not sure ><
Double vanity sinks seem to work well if you both have things you like to keep on the counter. We are sharing one sink and one counter space now, and it works fine since we have a standing floor to ceiling cabinet next to it with two doors. There is plenty of room in the top section for towels and extra toilet paper. And the bottom section we use just two of the shelves for our deodorant, q-tips, etc.
Madam Chow says
Let me say, (1) that I have traveled a LOT for work, overseas and domestically, and have stayed at all types of hotels, (2) I just finished house hunting for 5 years, and (3) I have bought and sold, and have helped others buy and sell, and remodel, several homes. These are my suggestions based on all of this experience:
1. Yes, put the toilet in its own room, BUT make the walls frosted glass. The Ritz Carlton in Toronto has that kind of setup. The toilet room is next to the shower, and is surrounded by frosted glass on two sides, one of which is the door that is open at the top for ventilation. It is beautiful, classy, and full of light. It ventilates well, but gives you privacy. More importantly, it is a little extra that makes your house more appealing to a lot of buyers.
2. A master bath should have a nice soaking tub, not necessarily with jets. A lot of people, like me, find them unsanitary, but love a good soaking tub.
3. Please put a door between the bedroom and bathroom. My mom lived without one for 30 years, and she hated it. When she passed away and we were trying to sell her house, guess what buyers kept complaining about?
4. A frosted window, or one with a built-in screen, would be fantastic if you can swing it, both cost-wise and design-wise.
If you have to make a choice between a tub and a window, choose the tub. If you have to make a choice between a water closet for the loo like the one I described, or a tub, choose the tub. This link will show part of a Ritz Carlton bathroom – just scroll to the right. It just shows the tub and double vanity. The loo and shower are on the other side. http://www.ritzcarlton.com/en/Properties/Toronto/Rooms/Rooms/Deluxe-Room.htm
Becky says
I say no to the poop closet. Why close off a nice large room? NO to the window. They hold moisture longer, which can create a mold situation.
I think you have it backwards. Go ahead and move the toilet. Put the tub on the left, with a half wall at the foot of the tub, (taller than what is there now) to visually block off the toilet. Put a super sucker fan above the toilet, and there is no need for a door.
The shower should go on the right, again with a half wall aiming at the toilet.
This visually encloses the toilet (and if the picture isn’t distorting the dimensions, you still have room to get between the walls.)
You may not get a 5′ shower, but it will still be oversized…. and honestly, 5 feet is a bit excessive, because it takes longer to warm up in the morning.. Get a kick ass shower head, and you won’t miss the extra space
By putting the tub on the left, and having a glass walk in shower, you keep the look of the room nice and open. by putting the tub, which is the biggest, straight in the line of sight, the room will feel smaller.
As far as the door to the bedroom, it looks as the vanity has a door separating the business parts of the bathroom from the vanity… I think builders were going for a hotel look to keep the vanity part of the room. I’d throw a door on it, so you don’t blind the person in bed when you turn on the light.
I don’t know why more people don’t put dimmer switches on ALL bathroom lights. There is nothing worse than blinding yourself in the middle of the night.
Madam Chow says
Here is a floor plan idea – tub on one side, sink on the other, shower and toilet at the end behind the glass. This is a Four Seasons hotel, I think:
http://tinyurl.com/mzl9qkz
Mavis Butterfield says
Ohhhh I like that one.
sheila says
Personal opinion but I don’t like the “poop closet” (hubs uses a more vulgar term :-P). And I can only imagine how the smell would linger. Recently, I saw a remodel where the shower was designed in such a way that it didn’t have or need a door or curtain. One less thing to clean. I. Want. One. It took up a lot of space though.
Madam Chow says
Yes, some friends of mine built a shower like that in their home because she hated trying to get glass doors clean. They call it the “car wash.” Love the idea.
For those of you who are hoping/planning to remodel, I really recommend Pinterest. I have little folders set up for different rooms, and I just pin ideas I like. What’s really interesting, particularly for those of you who are planning to remodel in order to put a home on the market in a few years, is to see what gets re-pinned by others; some designs and finishes are definitely more popular.
KAte says
The only problem with a shower that has no door is that if you’re a person who likes to have a hot shower and steam up the air in the bathroom you will waste a ton of time and water making it happen. It’s really hard to do, because there is nothing to stop the air from dissipating across the whole room. Of course if you’re like me and you prefer a relatively temperate shower (I hate stepping from a hot shower into a cooler room, I find the difference unappetizing) then it’s no big deal.
Also, as long as your water isn’t too hard or too soft, then cleaning your shower isn’t bad.
Kari says
Our toilet room has its own separate fan, which is a definite MUST HAVE!
bonnie says
Absolutely separate the toilet from the rest of the room. It is much more sanitary. Also, there is nothing worse than soaking in a beautiful tub while you are staring at a toilet! I remodeled the house we are currently living in and built a house at the beach. The toilets are all separate. Once you have it, you can never go back.
tc says
Yes a door separating the bathroom from bedroom is a MUST as is putting up walls and a door for the toilet, you won’t ever regret that.
Butterflyweed says
Instead of a window, have you considered one of those tube skylights? They are great for bathrooms because you get natural light yet don’t have to worry about a back-lit window at night. They are also great for lighting dark hallways.
Yes to at least a pony wall around the toilet. Yes to a door as well. What bad design.
I know you are on a budget but what that room really needs is wall demo so you have a nice big room instead of two awkward skinny rooms.
Jenni says
Yes to the separate room for the toilet, yes to the window (with privacy glass), yes to the door on the bathroom, and yes to the tub! Question though… if the tub is on one wall and the shower opposite, how narrow will the walkway be between them? Also, where does the other door in the bathroom lead to? Or is that a closet? Is that a pocket door leading to the shower and toilet? I would lose that and opt for the toilet in its own room. I would move the toilet, add a room for it, add a window, and leave the tub and shower in its place, but of course install new ones. How small is the shower? Just remember, a larger shower means more tile to clean (yuck!) Good luck with the remodel! I love seeing your work in progress pictues. Have a Happy New Year!
Mavis Butterfield says
The door beyond the sinks is to the closet. The shower is a decent size, I guess. I just like the look of a longer shower unit rather than a square box.
Denise says
Yes for the toilet to have it’s own room!!!! Yes to the Window. Use glass blocks. They let in the light and you don’t have to worry about shades blinds and what not. Design the shower as a “walk in” and you won’t need to clean a door or have a curtain.
Katy says
My thoughts: Yes a door between the bed room and the bath. Looks like you have a pocket door between the vanity and the shower/toilet. That is perfect, an additional walled off toilet seems like overkill. Looking at the design, could you push the tub back into the corner to allow for the extended shower. The toilet could stay where it is. This has several advantages: fun bathtub nook area and less plumbing changes. You could install a massive towel dryer on the right hand side wall. A window would be nice but that is a budget consideration. Any lighting issues can be fixed with better/more fixtures.
We used honey onyx tile in our bathrooms for the shower surround and it is fantastically beautiul. (honed or tumbled finish)
Good Luck! House projects are exciting and draining!
Catherine says
I think the toilet in a separate “room” is uncomfortable. It makes me feel all crowded in and claustrophobic.
A window in the bathroom is nice. We don’t use ours, but definitely appreciate the little bit of extra light.
I think a door separating your rooms is a must.
Jenni says
You should check out the Remodeling Expo at the Wash State Convention Center this weekend. Sure to have lots of ideas.
Madam Chow says
As for what you’re missing . . . ha . . . I will live vicariously through you, since our remodeling money is going to repair stuff that the sellers hid from us . . . how about a gas fireplace insert? One that would fit in the wall over the tub? How about heated floors and/or a heated towel rack? All luxuries, I know, but a girl can dream, can’t she?
And to answer your question from another post, the chickens I’m getting are Rhode Island Reds, Black Australorp, Buff Orpington, Americauna, Golden Polish, Cuckoo Maran, Silver Gray Dorkings, Pearl White Leghorn, Sumatra, and a Sumatra cockerel. Phew!
Mavis Butterfield says
That is a lot of birds!
Bellen says
A half wall for the toilet with a frosted panel above
No window – even frosted glass with generate shadows from the outside – don’t want anybody knowing what you’re doing in there
Change the light fixture over the sinks to something more contemporary, maybe 2 with one over each sink
Two framed mirrors over the sinks is very now and won’t be dated any time soon
Don’t get vessel sinks, it’s always too hard to clean around where it meets the counter
A door is a must, a pocket door is great altho I have no idea how hard they are to put in – ours came with the house and I love it, privacy but doesn’t take up any space in the bedroom
Best of luck with your remodel – hope it goes quickly & easily
Diana says
Just add a door from the bedroom, a frosted window (or skylight that opens?), and a pleasing paint color on the walls, and take down the clown lights over the mirror and put in attractive lights on the sides of the mirror, and call it finished. You have plenty of cool things on your 2015 goals list, and this isn’t very important in the grand scheme, imo. The bathtub and shower are clean and far from too old. The bathroom fixtures range from lovely to perfectly acceptable. Put off the actual bathroom remodel until something truly goes wrong and needs replacing. Such as, the bathtub faucet just happens to break, hint, hint. 😉 That will give you time to ‘live’ in it and reflect on what you really want in there.
Sue says
I can’t stand the racket of a fan going while I’m trying to meditatively soak in the tub, so I do open the window, at least an inch or two, for ventilation when needed. Also nice in the summer when it’s hot, or just when extra, um, ventilation is needed. I would never have a bathroom without an openable window in it! Easy enough to make it frosted glass or put it high enough up on the wall that privacy is afforded.
Julie says
For me it’s a YES for separate bathroom! So you can take your time taking a shower, and get ready, and the hubby can still use the bathrooms without bothering you. And yes for window!! Opening the window a little bit everyday is a good thing! Fresh air, less mold, and of course more natural light. And yes for the door to separate the bathroom to the bedroom. In our last house the sink were in the bedroom (yes I know really weird) and it was so annoying the days we didn’t have the same schedule because I couldn’t turn on the light, I couldn’t make any noise, so door is a big YES so you can use the bathroom as you want.
Melissa says
The arch is completely weirdo. My daughter has a bathroom like this and I DO think you need a door to separate the master from the bathroom AND a separate toilet room – so much nicer!!
Sally A says
Hi,
Being English I’d say no the separate toilet. How many times would you be in the bath/shower whilst your partner is on the loo? Especially if you have more than one bathroom/toilet. It’s not common in the UK to have a toilet in a room within the bathroom and I do find it a little odd 🙂 Yes to the window, it makes a huge difference. We have ours stippled so you can’t see in, but the light is lovely. Yes to the door between the bathroom and bedroom.
I’d defo change the bath, I have never liked the idea of how clean/unclean whirlpool baths are. How do you clean the jets properly – urgh.
Jodie says
That is a long way to get to the toilet! A door to the bathroom is a must!
Plan A: If feasible I’d move the toiled to where the shower is in a separate room. I’d add a window and put the tub across the back. I’d then put the shower between the toilet and tub.
Plan B: I’d put the shower along the back wall, leave tub where it is, and move toilet to where shower is. I’d put in a tubular skylight that also has a light in it.
Plan C: I’d move the toilet over with a half or whole wall with no door. Add window or tubular skylight. Make shower a bit longer and add a skinnier soaking tub and swap the shower tub order.
We have 4 tubular skylights in this home and put in 4 in our last home. We have put them in bathrooms, laundry room, garage, living room. It’s amazing, people keep trying to turn off the light and it’s the sun! They give off an amazing amount of light even on our gray PN weather.
Pam says
I’m enjoying reading all of these-I was waiting to see one where the toilet gets moved! This is the idea that I’d go with. The toilet against the back wall is awkward. It will be fun to see the outcome.
Teresa A says
I say YES to a closed off toilet, moved to the left. It is a germ thing for us, when you flush that emits germs into the area. That hits any toothbrush, hand towel, hair brush etc… TOO gross for me to think about. Plus privacy is nice and put in a fan for smells. I like a free standing tub for you moved to the right. Window is nice for natural light but not necessary if you feel it is a privacy thing, you can get frosted or blocks. Door between is also nice and more up to date with current trends. Good luck, bathrooms and kitchens can be painful to redo.
Kristina Z says
I think a pony wall would be enough by the toilet. I’m always in favor of windows in any room. We put a frosted one in ours — lets in light, can be opened for fresh air, but affords some privacy. We have the kind of shower you’re describing. Just be aware that it doesn’t heat up with steam the same way an enclosed shower does. I would recommend installing a heat lamp in the shower. Also, we put heated floor elements under our master bath tile and it is so wonderful to have a nice warm floor in there on a cold winter’s morning. Ours has a controller on the wall, which has a timer set to go on about 30 min before we usually get up. Mmmm. We love our soaking tub, but opted for no jets, because we couldn’t get past what might end up growing in there. This limited our choices of tub, though. Look at Houzz, and start yourself an idea book there. That was our best resource.
Jeanette Titov says
What are the dimesion of the bathroom? As I am older, one thing that would be a main priority for me would be that everything be handicapped accessible. You have a perfect opportunity to consider this in your renovation – things that would be prohibitively expensive to do otherwise may be able to be incorporated without a lot of extra cost during a remodel. Some of these might be: doors wide enough for wheelchair access, same consideration for the toilet area, built in shower seat and hand held shower fixture that can adapt to someone seated or standing, space below sink so someone in a wheelchair would be able to reach the faucets, height of the sink and toilet – probably lower for sink and higher for the toilet. Grab bars or extra studs in the wall area of the toilet where bars could be attached in the proper position if needed in the future. A shower that is slanted to drain water away from the opening so a curb would not be needed. Re: the proposed window opening – have you considered glass blocks – they would obsure the view and do away with the need for window coverings? There are probably things I haven’t thought of, but doing this during the design/construction phase is most important.
Cheryl says
I totally agree with this as none of us are getting any younger. I bought my first house in 2010 at 51 years of age. The first thing that had to be done was changing all the locks and I opted for levers as opposed to knobs, much easier to handle with arthritic hands. When you reno, try to make sure you have unhampered access to the tub or shower or even the toilet. I managed to break both feet on vacation one year and got around the house in the chair from the computer room. Only the computer chair wouldnt fit into the bathroom, nor could I get to the tub. So if you enclose the toilet in its own little room leave room for this type of access. I have an 3 piece en suite off my bedroom with a walk in closet right next to it. So my shower is actually the tub and I truly wish I had grab bars for getting out of the tub as without my glasses, I basically see shadows. I dont see dogs, or the bathmat they stole, or water on the floor or even the toys they drug in to chew on. I cannot tell you how many times I have almost fallen.
As for the window, it would seem to be a personal choice. I am claustrophobic, so to me it feels like walking into a box with no way out. I have windows in both bathrooms, but one is so high no one could ever look in and it can be opened as well. In the smaller bathroom, I wish the window wasnt there a lot as it takes up valuable real estate. They could have put it higher up the wall like the other one as it would have served the same purpose.
And definitely need a door between the bedroom and bathroom and a pocket door would be a fabulous space saver.
Jeanette says
When we replaced the interior doors in our home we opted for the lever handles rather than doorknobs! A good decision! No more expensive. Easier to open the door if you have your hands full, etc.
Sandra says
I agree; this is the perfect time to plan for accessibility. After four abdominal surgeries in two years, I had chair-height toilets put in our bathrooms. Best decision ever! I wish I had thought of putting in extra studs for eventual grab-bars. That’s a brilliant idea. For cleanability, we did use Grout Boost for the tile grout. It is much easier to clean and I did not see any visual difference in the grout color (some people do). On the window/door issue, you could do what my brother-in-law did. He put windows with decorative frosted glass in his bathroom door. Unusual, but it works for him. Of course, he does live alone….
Jeanette Titov says
Pocket doors are great for saving space – no intrusion into either room!
Mari says
That back wall is begging to be made a feature of. The room looks narrow so I think you would find the bath where you are thinking would end up being int he way.
My suggestion….
Put either the shower or the bath on the end wall, and the loo where the bath or shower is now. Do something on the end wall as a feature… maybe a long high (almost at ceiling level) window of obscure glass to let light in or a some feature tile work or recess shelves etc. Keep the floor space as clear as you can. I can see it all white with a darker feature line or block of tiles. Nice chrome taps and a chrome heated towel rail or two on the right wall. Recess the loo cistern into the wall to make the loo less dominant in the room, but I would keep it open with no wall. Not lining the whole room with tiles (but painting it) makes the room look bigger too. I can not understand the obsession for tiles everywhere. Flat painted walls are actually a lot easier to keep clean as grout sucks up the grime and you are far to busy to have to scrub tile. Can you get sheets of smooth shower lining over there?? We use a laminated ‘lining or plastic sheets here a lot in showers. Simple to clean and no grout lines.
Make the shower all glass and wet floor base… to continue the open floor concept …and do away with the need of a shower base that you have to step into.
Definitely put a door between the two rooms (pocket doors are good) and why not take out the wall between the vanities and the bathroom to make one big open room. You only need one door and would maybe allow you to change the layout completely. You may be ab;e to then move the entry door to the middle of the room allowing you to have shower at one end and bath at the other??? Would that work… not sure if the bath is thru the pocket door or the solid door so this may or may not work.
If you leave the shower where it is and have the loo beyond that…. then get a fancy bath, raise it slightly and make that the feature of the room. An open loo would also save you on lighting and give more space for big bath and big shower.
Hope this is food for thought.
Susannah says
Sorry, but that is one depressing “before” bathroom (even though I’m envious of how big it is). Putting up a full wall between the tub and the (moved) toilet would be a must for me (no door, however; too much like a “poop closet,” like someone said previously). As for the need to separate the two, I once had a tub that, when you sat in it, you literally looked over and down into the toilet bowl. Even though I kept the toilet spotless, the thought of what I was looking at was revolting and not relaxing. I would agree with adding a window, too. A simple square one would be okay, but a longer, narrower one might look more stylish. The question, however, would be how such a window would look from the exterior. Moving the tub to the other side of the room would mean big money in terms of changing the plumbing; I think the addition of a window would give you more bang for the buck. As for the door between the master bedroom and bath? By all means! Can’t wait to see the results, whatever they wind up being!
Nina says
Yes to closet for toilet–we have one and it’s great for controlling “fumes” and for privacy-a dedicated strong, quiet fan is great, too. We also have a window which is very practical and reliable for air current, which helps control mold and relieves the smells of certain nastiness which sometimes happens in bathrooms. Fans are supposed to help, but they are not as good as an open window. I’m not sure about moving the tub. When we remodel, I’m considering putting in a very nice and large shower and no tub. I can always use the tub in the hall bathroom. You will really need to get rid of those vanity lights–I have those and they’re awful; as much overhead light as you can fit in the ceiling would be great. Our bathroom is open to our bedroom, too–why, I don’t know. I’m thinking about hanging a modified sliding barn-door; my furniture is Asian, so perhaps a shoji screen. There are endless possibilities with barn-doors.
Looking forward to your posts, and good luck.
Leslie says
PS- I totallyget what you mean about the whirlpool- I don’t like the idea of soaking in previous-home-owner-soup. Gag!
Julia says
Move the toilet to the left, maybe a half wall? So you don’t have to look at the toilet while you are in the tub… But you are not stuck in a tiny room when you need to use it. Window, yes, with frosted glass. Or I have used frosted contact paper on the bathroom window to create the frosted glass effect in every home we have lived in. I love natural light in the bathroom, it makes the bathing/showering experience so much nicer. What ever you choose I know it will look great!!
KAte says
Why does Chino think the toilet needs a separate room/space? Do those same reasons matter to you? If so, then do it. If not, skip it. The walls will take up space (not much but space nonetheless) and could make the room feel chopped up. If it’s just a visual, maybe a pony wall or one full wall w/ no door to block the sight lines would work. All the people above suggesting these kinds of things are very smart!
Both of the bathrooms in my parent’s house have windows, but they’re smaller up and not at eye level. They let in lots of light but people can’t look through to see you in your bathroom. I think that as long as you’re putting in a window it might as well be one that opens. It will help with overall airflow through the room/whole house if you can crack it open when the weather gets muggy.
I kind of like the funky shape on the door opening, but I totally get why you;d want it gone. What if you leave that part open and put the door in to separate the tub, shower, toilet off from the rest of the room? Someone else above mentioned that you could use the mirrors without them getting fogged up, and I like that idea. Although if you want the whole thing separated from the bedroom then I could see that too.
Ultimately I think it’s all about what you guys want and what fits your needs.
Mel says
Our bathroom also had an opening with no door to separate the bedroom from the bathroom. We ended up putting in a pocket door since we did not have space for a normal door. We love it! Now I do not have the bathroom light shinning in my face when someone else is using the bathroom! If you can also I would reuse the same cabinets if they are in good condition and just paint them. With a new vanity top added it will all look new!
Elizabhe in Upstate NY says
Here’s my “vote:”
1. Natural light is wonderful. Either go with the window that opens, you never know when you do want to open it, or look at one of those light tubes. They really add a lot of light to a room, or do both!
2. Whether you go with a separate toilet room [I would vote no!] or something with a pony wall, make sure that you have good elbow room around the toilet for cleaning. Lived once with a very tiny space for the toilet, and with 3 adult males in the house, cleaning all that male made splatter was disgusting. Couldn’t enforce the “thou must sit” rule.
3. Yes, a door to the bathroom please. Even though I’ve seen my hubby al natural, seeing him doing his thing in the bathroom isn’t very romantic.
4. Would agree with some of the suggestions that a soaker tub would be just the thing.
Besides looking at Pinterest etc for ideas, suggest you talk to a good real estate person. They should be knowledgeable about current trends and what is a plus and what is a negative. While at this point, you are doing this for you, you still need to look at doing it for the long term i.e. selling.
What ever you do, good luck with your project. And thanx for keeping us, your readers in the loop.
Vy says
Absolutely yes to a window. I have a fear of one of the kids getting trapped in a windowless room during a fire, so I made a point to add one to our bathroom. Plus, in a pinch, it’s the best ventilation if needed, and hey, free natural light. I put in a frosted glass liner for privacy.
Barb says
I’d say a half-wall for the toilet. No window. Pocket door between bathroom and bathroom.
Joni Schultz says
Half wall would be great. Window with frosted glass and a pocket door.
Norma says
I would do a half wall of some sort to separate the toilet if you need something. I like open. Just my thought. The window would be nice with frosted glass. Wouldn’t have to open, that’s up to you. For sure a door from bathroom to bedroom! That’s is just weird being open. I don’t get it. We just did two bathroom remodel’s and the growing trend is higher cabinets. I don’t know the exact height, Chico would know. They look great! We did tile floors in ours and my husband had them heated. I was totally against it thinking it was not needed. I can tell you I WAS WRONG! Score one for the husband. They didn’t cost much more and we turn them off in the warm months! We also did a shower door that opens both in and out and has no frame. Its beautiful.
Marcia says
I personally wouldn’t give the toilet it’s own space. Too closed in.
I also wouldn’t make the shower so huge, but that’s just me.
Yes to the window – just use frosted glass – that’s what we have. Light without seeing anything from the outside.
Yes to the door
Gloria says
Yes, to a window. Make it frosted so you get the light AND the privacy. I like a separate toilet to put one more door between cootie germs and your toothbrush. I’d probably keep the tub and shower where they are or scrap having a tub for an awesome, huge spa shower because the tub on the right looks like it’d make the walkway too narrow. But it’s hard to tell from photos. Love before and afters. Have fun!
Gloria says
Oh and yes to closing the arched doorway. Make it square and put a cool sliding door to save space.
Veronica says
I really can’t stand the closeted toilets. I feel confined in them; old outhouses always had a window. We don’t have any problems sharing the bathroom with each other, so it has never been an issue.
A window has many benefits (airing out the nail polish smell, getting rid of excess moisture, fire escape, etc). You can get frosted glass, textured glass, or stained glass and still be able to open it. You could also put in those thick glass bricks if you didn’t want to open it.
A door between the bed and bathroom is a good noise dampener and moisture barrier so your windows don’t get drippy on the inside.
Kevin Wilson says
The tub skylight instead of window is a great idea if you have access to the roof through the ceiling,.
A couple of people mentioned pocket doors. There was a pocket door on the bathroom of my house when I moved in and we quickly removed it and the wall that hid it, because over the years so much moist air from the bathroom had entered the pocket and left condensation behind it, there was a real mold festival going on in there. Blergh.
Catherine Foster says
My two cents:
Yes: frosted window, “comfort-height” toilet, door or pocket door to bedroom.
No: separate room for toilet (low wall sounds good)
I don’t know if you’ve gotten comments on this or not (I didn’t read every post), don’t go with light tile, it gets dirty quicker.
Also, I know the Pacific Northwest has less of a water problem than the rest of the country, but the environmentalist in me pleads for you to go for low-flow showerheads and a regular sized tub, rather than a soaking tub, to cut down on water useage. Also, there are probably state rebates for low-flow toilets and possibly showerheads. (Our Planning Dept gives out low-flow showerheads and faucet aerators for free!)
Ginny says
Five years ago we built a new home and the bathrooms have no windows but we put in sun tunnels and I love it, you don’t need to turn on a light in the day time and no one to peek in the window. I’m like you in keeping the bathroom simple and white, smooth lines. No toilet closet, you will hate it. I think a barn door would look will nice and it is the latest thing. My opinion.
lauren says
Yes to the separate room for toilet. Window would be nice. How about a sliding pocket door to close off the bathroom from the bedroom?
Kelly says
Yes to the window: Have you thought about glass blocks for the window? When I remodeled my bathroom I went with that and haven’t run into any problems after 6+ years. It’s West facing and I love the light coming through late afternoon. Or another option is a solid window with “rain glass” instead of frosted.
Separate toilet area yes, but not totally enclosed. 1/2 wall used on one or both sides – potentially use glass blocks
couple sites incorporating glass blocks.
http://www.houzz.com/photos/125011/Curved-Shower-Wall-with-Glass-Blocks-contemporary-bathroom-other-metro
http://secretfates.blogspot.com/2014/09/master-bathrooms-with-glass-block-2014.html
Definitely a door separating bathroom from bedroom. Pocket door if not regular door.
Good Luck on your remodel!
Cecily says
I think put in a full wall where the current tub ends and move the toilet but don’t put on a door. Just install a good strong fan. Most definitely a window, you will so appreciate the natural light, just make sure it is a flush to wall one (no still or track to clean) and frosted for privacy. Yes to a walk in shower (I assume there will be no glass, just a lip and curtain). A master bath must have a tub, if it will fit, and most definitely a door. Get rid of the ugly light above the sinks and then add whatever finished you like.
Ashley says
I like a window in the bathroom with frosted glass or a sheer curtain. I like to have it open a crack in the summer. Personally, I think it’s weird to have the toilet in it’s own ‘room’. Then again, we don’t do the whole ‘sharing’ bathroom thing. If someone’s in there, the door is locked. So YES to the door to the bathroom. No door=eww. I think it really depends on the couple though. I’ve known people who live in houses where you can see from the bed directly to the toilet and it didn’t bother them. Definitely not my thing though!
Sue Peterson says
The main thing I would recommend for your bathroom remodel is make sure the entry door is a minimum of 36″ to accommodate wheelchairs. Most bathrooms in America’s homes are not handicap accessible. When you have had a hip replacement surgery – and a lot of people are getting older – it is important to have at least one bathroom in your house (hopefully not accessible only by steps) that has a door at least 36″ wide so people can access it if they are in a wheelchair or on a walker.
Cari says
A door to the bathroom looks like it will get in the way – it would have to be a pocket door for sure. I like the idea of the toilet having its own little nook at the end of the shower, but I think a door is unnecessary and claustrophobic. I, personally, love natural light in the bathroom. The more the better. I would do a huge window if I ever designed my own house. As far as privacy goes, it depends where this window is on the house. If it is on the front, then skip or add some privacy (wavy) glass or something. If it is in the back or on the side – Can people really see is? For real? If there is a perv in your back yard and able to see into your bathroom, you have much bigger problems than that window, for sure. From the angle of the photo, it seems like a tub will be a tight squeeze. I say try to go for a tub, even if it is standard size. It sounds like you will use it and you will regret not having it. Lighting is hard to tell from the picture. It can’t hurt to add some more as long as they aren’t all on the same switch. Lighting the place up like a sports stadium is not always so nice either, especially when you want that relaxing soak in the tub. A low key light near the entry or toilet is nice for those middle of the night trips, no need for such brightness at 3am. Also, since you didn’t ask…the storage seems a bit heavy by the vanity and light near the shower. It is a long drippy walk to that linen closet if you forget a towel. Maybe some towel storage in the shower area/room. I would pare down the vanity area to separate, free standing models that look like furniture, maybe keep the linen closet, but more of a closet, less of a cabinet.
Jennifer says
Shower across the back wall, tub where it is, toilet relocated to where the shower is now with half wall around it. Yes to the door on the bathroom but beyond the vanity.
RebekahU says
Yes!!! If you can, add a toilet enclosure with a door. You can place a transom over the door so that you’ll have some natural light in there – and of course you’ll want a fan in there too. And if you can add a window to the space, natural light will make the room so much better. You can use a nice blind or a shutter to cover the window. I also really think a door to the space is important. In our favorite house (we’ve moved 15 times – and my husband is a builder too), we had a pocket door from the bedroom to the bathroom. Very nice and neat. A soaking tub is nice too – but only if you know you will use it. Our current bathroom just has a large shower with two shower heads and we love love love love it. No bath tub here. One other thing… because we all eventually get older, you might really appreciate a comfort height, elongated toilet. Much more comfortable. Whatever you choose, keep in mind that you want to really enjoy the space, so don’t compromise on something that is important to you to save just a little bit.
RebekahU says
One more thing! On the layout… ideally the soaker tub would be awesome under the window, but if that is not possible, I’d place the walk-in shower in the back (on the wall, next to the window), I’d place the soaking tub next to it, and then frame in the toilet enclosure wherever it would fit. 🙂
CathyB says
Definitely yes to the door between the bedroom and bathroom. Yes to the natural light, although if you just want more light and don’t care about opening a window, I would look into the solar tubes like some others have suggested. We had one before and they are great! In my opinion, a definite yes to the separate toilet area – at least a half wall. That is the one thing I really wish our master bath had. Personally I would choose a separate toilet over a tub, but that is just me and I know that we each have different preferences. I would also suggest a soaking tub instead of jetted unless you know you are going to use the jets on a regular basis. Otherwise the jets get water sitting in them and mold grows and well, just yuck! Good luck. I know that whatever you pick, it will turn out spectacular!
auntie M says
I’d definitely separate the bedroom from the bathroom. Sliding barn style doors perhaps?
Vy says
My handyman was able to put in a heated floor for cheap, if that interests you.
Heidi says
Hi Mavis, we have all of our toilets in separate rooms, and it is the best thing ever. Upstairs, we also have the shower in a separate room from the sinks, and like someone else said, it makes for no foggy glass. I agree with having a door between the bedroom and the bathroom. Have fun with the reno!
Elaine says
Yes to the toilet room. Yes to the door between bed and bath. As I am not a fan of windows in the bathroom either, how about a sun tube? Natural light without the “I spy” factor
Marisa says
Big yes to the toilet in a separate room. When we built our house we did this and put a exhaust fan to give privacy. That way if one of us needs to use the toilet the other one can still be in the main part of the bathroom. I don’t think you can go wrong with a window. Natural light is so nice. I have seen where you can frost it for privacy but still let in light. It is a no brainier to put a door on the bathroom to the bedroom.
Heather says
Yes, to a frosted window or a skylight. Is there a way to put the toilet and tub and/or shower in one room? Ours is that way (with the sink are in our bedroom). It works great for two people and the mirror never gets fogged up. At a minimum I would put half walls around the toilet.
Cathe says
I had the toilet just out in the open in my master bathroom in my other house. I didn’t like it at all. We did have another bathroom still a lot of times hubbie and I would be getting ready in the same bathroom at the same time, no privacy ! In the house we have now the shower and tub are across the room from each other. The vanities are across the room from each other. And the toilet is in its own space in bathroom with a door. We have 3 other bathrooms and hubbie and I are getting ready at the same time so is nice having privacy when using the toilet and someone else is bathing or showering.
Melanie says
1. No it is not important to have a separate toilet room, however I might put up a half wall next to it just for visual separation.
2. No window there. I’d add a mirror approximately the size of that window you have in the layout. People forget how much light a mirror can add to a room, try it out 🙂
3. Yes there should be a door from the bedroom!
I hope the remodel goes smoothly, best of luck!
Sandy M. says
We built a home that is only 4 years old. We have a large shower with a seat from wall to wall. Very handy especially when you get older. We also have a door into the bathroom from the master bedroom. We have a window for light and ventilation in the nice weather. We have a separate room for the toilet. We also have a soaking tub. We have built 4 brand new homes over the years and this is the first one that I can truly say is ‘perfect’!
I wish you fun designing yours!
Cynthia H says
Definitely privacy wall for toilet so you can put on makeup while DH piddles! Consider skylight like Solatube — light but privacy.
Sallie Borrink says
The first thing I thought when I looked at the pictures was it desperately needs a window and natural light. I wouldn’t buy a house that didn’t have window that open in the bathrooms.
But then I eliminated 95% of the houses I looked at online when we were looking because they didn’t have enough windows.
Janeen says
Have you thought about a barn door for the entrance?
http://i1147.photobucket.com/albums/o554/HuntedInterior/BarnDoor_zps0a84c799.jpg
Mavis Butterfield says
Chino keeps trying to talk me into one but I don’t think it would go with the style of the house. Plus, I think they are kind of a trendy thing right now. Cool, yes, just not for this house.
Tracie H says
Definite yes in the soaker tub (without jets), definite no on the window. I like the suggestion of a pony wall for the toilet instead of it’s own room. And I love Madam Chows other suggestions too. I have the exact arches throughout our house, nineties builders, what were they thinking!
Helen in Meridian says
Forget the remodel right now. What about our National Holiday Sunday when Downton Abbey comes back. What are your plans and what are you serving for the event????
Colleen says
I have to agree with those who say the layout on the bathroom is terrible. It really is.
My 2 pennies are as such:
Long frosted or tinted, or hey, maybe something cool like an art deco glass window at the far end, up near the ceiling. This will give you lots of light, privacy too.
Put that fantastic soaker dream tub under the long window.
Put shower along the left wall in that room, but all glassed in, so you still get the appearance of a more open space.
put the toilet in the front left corner by the door. If you -must- have it as a “poop closet”, glass it in to match the shower, and put a very efficient, very quiet fan in.
I love the colors on your pinterest, foggy blue/grey, and white. It will definitely keep the room from looking dated for quite awhile.
For the vanity area into the bedroom… Square that weirdo off, and pocket door it for convenience!
Carol says
Yes to the door separating the bedroom from the bathroom! Yes to the window, too. How about a frosted glass window with a shade that is closed only at night, or clerestory windows? You could put several, small clerestory windows up high on the wall for natural light without losing any privacy, and there would be no need for a shade. In a small bathroom, I don’t think it makes sense to have a separate room for the toilet. One successful thing we did in a former home was to build a partial wall (pony wall) between the toilet and tub to give the toilet it’s own space. The wall stopped above the shower head and formed a ledge. It held a lovely trailing asparagus plant that grew quite happily there, as well as letting natural light into the whole bathroom. My current home has no window in the bathroom but does have a skylight, which in my opinion is the best solution for privacy and natural light.
Jeanne says
O.K., my two cents. I’m not sure what a tight budget means, but if it can include a skylight, go for it over a window. We have one in our larger bath in the hallway (our master bath is like a closet, I’m so jealous of your space). I thought it was kind of a nice extra, but I love the light we get in that space (interior room, no window options. It imparts a wonderful cast of natural light and is a great night-time light source. It lets a bit of night glow in, enough to not need to turn on the lights (which tends to wake me up too much, making falling back asleep harder). I think it is one of the best parts of our house. We also have the same slab mirror and hollywood lights. I plan to frame ours with a nice real wood stained trim. I’m not sure about the fixture, but we put a new brushed nickel hollywood fixture in the smaller bath and it seems to work. Sometimes you have to embrace the time period your house was built in. I hit a wall with fixtures and such, our house isn’t a mansion, so I figured spending a ton of money on unique stuff seemed a waste. We are going for simple and clean, I want that stuff to recede, not scream”look at my unique expensive _____”. That’s my 2 cents.
Geo D says
Mavis. What color are your bathrooms walls? My bathroom is about due for a paintjob and I really like the color of your walls.
Geo D
Sara T says
The window is not necessary, but I feel like it will help your resale value. Also, it is so humid over there, I always felt I needed to open the bathroom windows after a shower to prevent mold when we lived in Tacoma. I hate bathrooms without doors. I have lived in several places that have that. If you don’t want to take up the space to put in a swinging door, consider the sliding door- http://rusticahardware.com/z-barn-door/?gdftrk=gdfV25228_a_7c1593_a_7c6668_a_7czBarnDoor&gclid=CjwKEAiA5qOlBRDAn8K5qen65joSJADRvlbqKcdQRHNTvo3LNxppHjs-FtLn6bVLcWWjnrlsZowQBxoCTbDw_wcB
I think those look cool! I like the white counters that you showed in the Pinterest link above. Clean and classy. I like the idea for the glass doors around the toilet. Keeps it lighter and doesn’t close off the space so much. I would do whatever tub you love… You plan on living there for a while. 🙂 I like the large walk in shower idea. My Hubby really wants the ceiling that rains & multiple shower heads. 🙂 Good luck!
Mia says
I’m not sure of what advice to give you because I don’t think I understand your new plan completely, it seems like it might be choppy and not flow well. I think it is nice to have a separate toilet area so that you can both be in the bathroom at the same time and have some privacy. A window in the bathroom will also let in some light even if you are keeping a blind on there most/all of the time as long as you don’t put blackout curtains on it.
Karen at A Glimpse Into My Reveries says
Lots of differing opinions here! Seems like you have a topic that many of us dream about!
I say yes to a large, beautiful soaking tub! No jets! They are never strong enough to mimic a hot tub and the plumbing to the bubblers (“jets”) holds water that molds. NASTY!
Yes, move the toilet, at least a half wall around it for privacy without causing claustrobophia.
I love open walk in showers! My sister has one and they love it!
Personally, I like windows in bathrooms with privacy glass. Natural light is important! I’m guessing it’s important to you with as much time as you spend outdoors, right?
Looking forward to following along another of your projects! Love the in progress updates!
Heather says
I hate bathrooms w/ out windows! I am solar powered! Get a frosted window…and for heck sake crack it once in awhile. Or better yet do a sky light, or a solar tube! I can’t get over the idea of no window…sigh.
K says
I think a lot of this is personal preference, but a bathroom window is SO nice. Even with a good fan, I just think a bathroom needs to be aired out and it sort of grosses me out when bathrooms don’t have windows (my main bathroom doesn’t, and since it’s an interior room I can’t remedy this). My two cents would be to add a window and also a main door, but save on the expense of putting the toilet in it’s own room (if privacy is a concern, I assume you have other bathrooms?). 🙂 Happy planning!