How-To tips from a Kids’ Bathroom Design Consultant: Safe Materials & Smart Layouts
Designing a bathroom for a child goes beyond visual appeal. If carefully considered, it aids in teaching the little one routine, self-care, and hygiene. If proportioned to function properly, it promotes safety and ease. If its fixtures are placed at age-appropriate heights, it becomes an oasis.
A DIY enthusiast and an architect specializing in design for children, I love sharing how-to tips. As a self-proclaimed kids’ bathroom design consultant, I endorse blending form and function.
Start with How Children Use the Space
A child’s bathroom must take into account the actual – not idealized – behavior. Kids move quickly. They spill. They turn on water and get distracted. This is where everything depends on clear circulation. This is where having adequate space to move without encountering sharp turns or obstacles makes all the difference.
How do I create a space where bath time is something to look forward to? By observing and mapping out patterns of use. This hands-on approach shapes the layout to meet and exceed everyone’s expectations.
Choose Materials That Last
Material selection is not about trends but about performance. The floors should be non-slippery even when wet. If the bathroom is for children that are still young, I opt for low-maintenance or maintenance-free materials. Seamless vinyl flooring makes for minimal wear and tear. However, the best choice for a kid’s bathroom floor is non-slip matte tile. For tile installation, I specify epoxy grout – ideal for kids’ spaces. Epoxy grout can be harder to work with, but it doesn’t stain or require sealing.
Choose Fixtures That Work
A solution I’ve implemented for children’s bathrooms, especially the ones shared between siblings, is the appropriation of a trough sink that can be used by several kids at the same time. I prefer installing hot and cold faucets instead of one lever to minimize confusion. I also make sure that there’s an overflow protector. Lastly, a toilet with a self-closing lid prevents toys from getting flushed.
Choose Accessories That Entertain
Most children don’t like bath time because it takes them away from playing with their friends and toys. To create an experience a kid will look forward to, I indulge in age-appropriate accessories. One of the quickest ways to make a bathroom feel like your child’s very own is through personalization. A shower curtain to infuse the room with color. A towel rack to add interest. A bath mat to make a statement. A practical storage system to serve as a visually appealing design feature.
Organize to Encourage Independence
A smart layout incites children to rely on themselves. Sinks placed at a child’s height. Immediate access to whimsical containers or baskets storing slippers, robes, towels, and other essentials. Yes to all of it! The overarching goal is to make the little one excited about getting ready each day or settling down for bed. And achieving this lofty objective might be easier than you think. As a kids’ bathroom design consultant, I work in tandem with parents to accomplish just that to everyone’s satisfaction. Please do not hesitate to reach out; tell me about the particulars of your project.