How To Create a Future-Friendly Kids Bathroom
It happens in the blink of an eye, that adorable little bundle of joy has sprouted into a full-fledged teenager. And if thereโs one space in the house that will need to be adaptable to those phases of childhood, itโs definitely the kids’ bathroom.
In most homes, thereโs typically a bathroom thatโs frequented by the kids, and when itโs time to remodel that space, you want to make sure that it will work as well for when theyโre teens as when theyโre toddlers. Families with multiple children also need to make sure the bathroom will work for kids who may be at very different stages of life at the same time. โYou can definitely design a bathroom that works well for all ages, without sacrificing style or functionality at any stage,โ says Normandy Designer Chris Ebert.
Probably the area thatโs of greatest debate when remodeling, is how to handle the question of the shower vs the bathtub. Fortunately, there are quite a few options that you may not have considered to make life a little easier for everyone.
โWhether you choose a stand-alone shower or a combination with a bathtub, I like using a shower column like the HydroRail for kids bathrooms,” notes Chris. โWith just a one plumping point, you can quickly switch between the overhead and hand-held option, making it work just as well for giving the baby a bath as it does for the teenager getting ready for the day.โ
Thereโs also the question of whether or not to keep a bathtub at all, or just install a stand-alone shower. โYou know your family, and while kids will grow and change, many of those changes are predictable,โ shares Chris. โFor example, if youโre an athletic family, you may decide to forego a simple stand-alone shower and instead decide to go with a tub/shower combo so that you have the option for a post-game soak. If thatโs not your style, and your kids are already a little older, then a stand-alone shower may be just what your family needs.โ
Beyond the shower, there are ways to improve usability for your kids bathroom. โIf your space allows it, having two sinks can be a real win if there are multiple kids sharing the same bathroom,โ notes Chris. โIt decreases the opportunity for conflict when everyone is trying to get ready at once.โ
If you have a tighter space then storage becomes a big priority. โMedicine cabinets and vanities are a given for storage, but things like a niche in the shower or additional cabinetry over the toilet can give you much needed bonus space for each of the kidsโ toiletries.โ
When remodeling your childโs bathroom, try to be age and gender considerate so that the space will be just as in-style at age 4 as they are at age 16. โI try to use a more neutral color scheme when designing bathrooms for children,โ Chris notes. โAlthough parents may be drawn to the baby blues or light pinks, these colors simply donโt age well, and once your 7 going on 14 child deems it kiddish, youโll need a new paint job pronto.โ
Any time youโre remodeling your home you want to make sure that the choices you make will serve you well for years to come. Whether itโs the kidsโ bathroom, the primary bathroom, or the entire primary suite, good planning can get you everything on your wish list. Set up a time to talk with a Normandy designer about plans for remodeling your home. To find even more inspiration for every room of your home, follow Normandy Remodeling on Facebook,ย Instagram and Pinterest.