Last month, I had the pleasure of chatting with design writer Kathryn O’Shea-Evans about quick ways to upgrade your bathroom in an hour or less. You can read about my thoughts on being intentional with countertop organization and my love of indoor plants here. These quick fixes that everyone’s craving made me want to share more about how I like to approach a comprehensive bathroom design in a thoughtful way.
To me, Bathrooms and Kitchens are 2 areas of the home where being intentional and thoughtful with the design is of the utmost importance. IMHO, function trumps form in these rooms….but if you work with a talented designer <cough cough> you can seamlessly weave the two together.
Bathroom renovations usually fall into 2 categories: a total gut or a facelift. If you live in a high rise building, moving shower or toilet drains is typically off limits, but in a single family home, there’s more flexibility. Our team likes to evaluate what we’re working with to start and understand the client’s goals. Do they like the layout and want updated finishes and a more efficient vanity? Or are we switching it all up?
Our team has an exhaustive checklist of questions for our clients before we start designing. These are little things that make a big difference (but you might not know you have a strong opinion until you’re asked).
They start out simple and obvious :
“Do you want to keep this undermount tub or switch to a freestanding?”
“Do you want a toilet with an integrated bidet?”
“What types of shower fixtures do you want? Rain can? Body sprays? Hand shower?”
But they get more detailed:
“Do you want the bottom of your sink flat or curved? Will it drive you crazy if toothpaste gets stuck on the flat bottom?”
“Do you mind seeing fingerprints on your faucet handles or not?”
“Are you a ‘fold my towel and put it on a bar’ type of person or more of a ‘toss my towel on a hook’ fan?”
Like I said, the questions get very niche (bathroom pun!)
Once we have our basic framework of scope for the Bathroom, we like to have a quick meeting where we share inspiration images and materials with the client. If they have any inspo images, we like to walk through those to ensure we are aligned on what they were drawn to. The goal for this meeting is to come away with a better understanding of the ideal look and feel that our client wants in this space.
Now’s the time in our process where we have our detailed design presentation. We like to show usually 2-3 design options per space. This means different material selections, plumbing, lighting, vanities etc. Sometimes clients say “Scheme A – as-is no notes”….but usually we are doing a little mix and match between the schemes “I like the vanity from C but the tiles from B” – and that’s great! We love to see our clients’ wheels start to turn as they evaluate the options and piece together the perfect space.
Every item is also presented with estimated pricing and leadtime information to ensure everyone is aware of the cost and time implications when they’re making decisions.
Being located in Chicago, we are blessed with such great design resources and showrooms in our backyard. I always encourage a field trip to see things IRL whenever possible. You might think you’re a cross handle person until you touch it – then maybe you’re team lever….you never know!
But seriously, we like to take clients to visit showrooms where they can see, touch, and sit (in the case of tubs and toilets!). Having a great bathroom that functions well and is beautiful sets the tone of your day – this legwork is invaluable!
We’ve confirmed selections, sent proposals for payment, ordered the items and now it’s time for the work to begin.
Our team works closely with our selection of vetted GCs to share detailed drawings, specifications, and coordinate the delivery of materials and fixtures to the site. We are in constant communication with our construction team and have regular site visits to confirm things like placement of plumbing roughs, tile layouts, and any other decisions that need to be made in the field.
We communicate with our clients any specific timing for the week, we meet with them on-site to review progress and answer any questions.
With all of the hardscape finishes in place, our team is happy to help you curate that last soft layer. Plush towels, woven storage baskets, and glass storage jars bring a welcome warm element to our bathroom designs. Don’t forget the fluffy robe and slippers to create the ultimate hotel vibe.
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