How to Design a Bathroom That’s Great for Kids and Grown-Ups

While it’s tempting to let a 4-year old have her way with designing a bathroom, or designing it around her, the fact is that children grow up quickly.

Your four-year old might want a Frozen-themed bathroom only to find it tacky when she’s six. Plus, if the bathroom is shared with adults or kids of varying ages, then it’s wise to design a space that will suit everyone.

Keep the permanent stuff like walls and flooring fairly neutral. Instead of a bubble gum pink wall, consider fun wall decals, stools, drawers, or stick-on towel hooks that the kids can pick out themselves. Decoration and accessories can be switched out as the kids and their preferences and needs evolve.

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Keeping large spaces like the walls and flooring fairly neutral also allows you to put your stamp in the bathroom, as you use it, so you too should enjoy it. Plus, it’ll better match the rest of the home!

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We also recommend tiles over dry walls or wooden flooring as they are attractive, easy-to-clean, and impervious to sudden bursts of artistic expression. They don’t have to be boring – get creative with the tile arrangement and colour.

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Rain-showerheads are great for adults, but not so much for kids. Opt for a hand-held shower to better bathe the kids, especially when they’re in a squirmy mood. Add a low handrail for the kids to hang on to, preventing soapy slips. As extra precaution, look for anti-scald shower systems so if your child wanders into the bathroom in their own, they won’t accidentally hurt themselves with hot water.

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Bath time is more fun (and sometimes easier) with an actual bath tub. If you prefer a shower for yourself, but a bath tub for the kids, then get a shower-bath a la hotel bathrooms!

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When it comes to the sink, get a large one so that multiple pairs of hands can wash up at the same time. Communal teeth-brushing not only makes for a good toothpaste ad, but is also precious bonding time for the family.

As for the toilet, get standard toilet seats and employ the help of toilet seat rings for smaller children. We also recommend quiet-close seats to protect little fingers from accidental slams.

Favour scratch-resistant materials when designing your countertop. Materials like granite and quartz are impervious to scratches and don’t disappoint in the looks department either. Don’t worry about building them low for your munchkin; use a bathroom stool instead.

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Children have a lot of things: multiple towels, toys, and accessories. Make bath time easier by incorporating low drawers your tot can pull put his rubber ducky associate from. Opt for below-the-sink cupboards and vanity storage instead of open shelves which might appear cluttered with too many things.

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If you must have open shelving, then populate it with baskets and fabric containers so that the kids can use them without hurting themselves. Besides, baskets and large containers are convenient toy- and towel- dumping stations.

Choose accessories that will make it easier for the kids to clean up after themselves! Instead of towel bars, use decorative hooks that hang lower. That way, they won’t leave behind towel puddles for you to pick up.

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As for cabinets and drawers, use easy-to-grip handles instead of tricky knobs. This makes it easier for them to store their toys after playing with them.

Cover image from blog.gessato.com.