Create bathroom luxury for two
Make peace with living in your downsized home. At some point you may have to accept you cannot arrange for a huge two-person soaking tub in the master bath.
How can you be sure a remodel investment will result in something that genuinely pleases you in the long haul?
When trying to coax a smallish bathroom to function for two people, invest in quality amenities. Consider a spa retreat that encourages you to linger while enjoying the space. Or design it to be a state-of-the-art space you can buzz in and out of with gratification.
"It has often been said in jest that separate bathrooms is key to a happy marriage," says Cheryl Dixon, head of brand and trade marketing for Grohe America. "But when that just isn't possible, some strategic planning and compromising can make a single-bathroom home work."
Even the smallest bathroom should be given appropriate attention.
"Think of the bathroom as you would any room in the house," advises Dixon, "with its own color palette, accessories and furnishings tying in with the mood you want to project."
For example, what is the closest thing to separate baths?
"His-and-her sinks," answers Dixon. Think about two installed in one vanity or affixed to opposite walls - whichever works best with the layout. This can solve disagreements about what stays on the sink and what doesn't.
Consider a small plastic organizer for small objects like dental floss, toothpaste, deodorant or hair products instead of having them litter the counter top. Top the lavatory area off with gorgeous faucets.
There should be individual places for hand soap, hand towels and drinking glasses.
Another new technology offers the ultimate in personalization: Small digital controllers that can be placed anywhere in a bathroom. As seen here, these offer precise temperature controls and the luxury of saving preferred settings with a single touch.
Floor warming mats and towel racks are significant improvements in cold climates. Invest in gorgeous, soft towels with higher thread count and that are super absorbent.
For news junkies, a radio or television makes perfect sense and flat screen technology makes it easy to mount a small TV just about anywhere. Wireless speakers will allow you to enjoy music anywhere in the house.
When you select finish materials for a small bathroom, you can afford to purchase slightly higher quality because of the limited amount needed. For example, if you are including an accent liner in a standard tub area, you only need about 9 linear feet of a special tile or liner. When you look at the accent feature as costing an additional $200, remember the strong impact on the overall design.
The same thinking might be applied to a high-tech medicine cabinet with built-in lighting or TV.
Outfitting a single bathroom you can justify additional expense. If you are buying just two robe hooks and a double towel bar, buy what you want.
The same is true for the shower head. If two people are sharing one shower, either purchase and install an adjustable head on a slider or install two heads. Men often prefer rain dome style shower heads and women like the option of adjusting the water source to their height or to help them shave their legs.
• Christine Brun is a San Diego-based interior designer and the author of "Small Space Living." Send questions and comments to her by email at christinebrun@sbcglobal.net.
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