Designing His and Her Baths Takes Thought and Time

/in /by

Other than kitchens, bathrooms are another main consideration when building and designing the interior of your home.

Three main factors determine how you will design a bathroom for both genders:

  1. Routines
  2. Habits
  3. Physical Attributes
Before you begin, identify all the activities that will be performed in the living space. Modern master baths tend to have more extensive types of activities than those of the past. 
While previous activities mainly involved essentials, such as bathing, showering, using the restroom, grooming and some dressing;
Contemporary master baths involve luxury as well: space for relaxation, health and wellness, growing plants and other hobbies, pet maintenance and even laundry.
Increased use of digital and electronic amenities like security or monitoring systems is another factor. Consider the impact of power consumption beyond mere lighting controls: master baths can also include a flat-screen TV, mini-fridge, microwave and/or coffeemaker.
Perform due diligence by gathering information on your client couple. Following are important items to measure:
  • Anthropometric data for standing and seating positions of each client
  • Reach and grasping abilities, mobility
  • Determine whether each person is Left or Right-handed, and whether the space (particulary bath) will be shared or if private areas need to be included
  • Client stature. Stations for grooming should accomodate the height and size of the client. For example, a 6-foot 2-inch tall husband may stand adjacent to his 5-foot 5-inch wife during grooming. This criterion allows side-by-side placement, with her station at 32-37 inch counter height, while his station might be at 38-40 inch height with a taller mirror.
  • Mirror heights should be several inches taller than the end user
  • If a couple is similar in stature, a continuous counter betwee stations can maximize the allotted counter space.
  • Often times it is natural to assume that walk-in closets will be positioned within or separately/adjacent to the master bedroom. This is entirely elective, however, and is at the sole discretion of the homeowner. Again, consider unique his/her needs, and whether or not you desire a walk-in closet as part of the master bedroom — or as a separate entity in the master bathroom 

Optimal storage is another important factor. Central, deep storage space between stations allows an element of privacy. To address the challenge of storing grooming supplies for both genders, aim to maximize point-of-use storage to minimize steps and prevent traffic-control issues.

Install multiples forms of lighting, including wall sconces, to maintain continuity in the overall design tailored to user needs.

Selecting the right shower options will require a trip to the plumbing showroom. You will need to identify water source/s and their placement. Also, location, heigh and size of shower interior shelving and/or benches will also need to take into account the users’ needs and statures.