The fluidity of our morning and evening routines most certainly affect us. Amazingly, we seem to adapt to whatever layout we are presented with. I’m talking about our bathrooms.

For instance, some people require two sinks in a master bath, often because one person is messy and the other is neat. I don’t believe that two sinks are mandatory. It does make sense if you are getting ready at the same time, but if not, why buy two sinks and why clean two sinks?

A whirlpool tub is totally a personal choice. It is not the “have to have” plumbing fixture it once was. If you are a bath person, then definitely, you should have it. Currently, I find that most people shower because it is quick. Many of my clients want to get rid of the tub and have a generous shower.

PROBLEM

This suburban home had a somewhat predictable second floor plan. It had three nice bedrooms (A, B, & C) sharing a hall bath (D), and a large master bedroom (E) with its own bath (F) and walk in closet (G).

It’s what everybody wants, right? Not necessarily.

Bedrooms (A & B) were used for their daughters, and bedroom (C) was used as a guest room. The girls shared the hall bath (D) to get ready in the morning and found it too crowded and dark.

In the master bathroom (F) the whirlpool tub was totally unused and un-liked. The 3-foot by 3-foot shower was an elbow buster. This couple did not like sharing a sink, and wanted a bit of privacy for the toilet.

SOLUTION

Space had to be taken from existing areas. To address the hall bathroom (D) problem, we consumed the linen closet (H). It had to be done carefully because a minimum hall width of 36 inches (I) had to be maintained.

The bathroom expansion allowed us to extend the vanity and add a second sink. To alleviate the dark feeling, a Velux skylight with venting capabilities was added, making a profound difference in the way the hall bath “feels.”

A linen closet (J) was added in the wide part of the hallway, maintaining the 36-inch minimum width required.

We took space from the walk in closet (G) to enlarge the master bathroom. The new closet (K) is adequate. Note that we opened the bedroom door out so that it would not conflict with the closet door.

The new master bath (L) is totally remade. A wall behind the door shields the toilet. We now have room for two separate sink vanities. An oversized corner job built shower is a dream come true.

A happy surprise was that, with what was done on the first floor with the laundry room, we could add a laundry chute.

We added another Velux venting skylight to really brighten up the room. Since we lost the window that had been above the whirlpool tub, we added two, high square windows on the side wall.

These are fairly simple physical changes that will make life much easier and delightful in the busiest time of the day — bathroom wise.

Marcia Lyon is a professional remodeling designer and freelance writer, producing projects locally and several other areas across the U.S. and Canada. Her new book on remodeling design, “The Essential Planner for Home Remodeling,” is available at www.creatingspaces.net. You may contact her at Marcia@creatingspaces.net or at 515-991-8880.