1. Start With the People Who Will Use the Bathroom

Do not start with tile.
Start with the users.
A primary bathroom shared by two adults requires different planning from:

• a children’s bathroom;
• a guest bathroom;
• a powder room;
• a bathroom used by an older family member;
• a small ensuite;
• an accessible bathroom.

Ask what happens in the room every day.

For a Shared Primary Bathroom

Consider:

• Do two people get ready simultaneously?
• Do both need sink space?
• How much countertop is actually used?
• Does each person need separate drawers?
• Is privacy around the toilet important?
• Do both use the shower?
• Does anyone regularly use a bathtub?

For a Children’s Bathroom

Priorities may be different:

• durable surfaces;
• accessible storage;
• easy cleaning;
• bathtub usefulness;
• shared sink space.

For a Guest Bathroom

You may prioritize:

• simple storage;
• intuitive controls;
• easy-to-clean surfaces;
• adequate towel space;
• straightforward lighting.

Design Principle

Design around activities before designing around objects.
A double vanity is not automatically better than a single vanity.
A large single vanity with more counter space and useful drawers may work better if the second sink would eliminate valuable storage.

2. Solve the Layout Before Choosing Materials

Layout has more impact on daily bathroom function than almost any finish.
Bathroom planning involves fitting several high-use elements into a relatively small area:

• vanity;
• toilet;
• shower;
• bathtub where required;
• doors;
• storage;
• circulation.

This Old House plumbing and heating expert Richard Trethewey describes bathroom planning as:

“It’s like piecing together a puzzle.”

That is accurate because bathrooms concentrate many fixtures and building systems into limited space. (This Old House)

Start With the Existing Layout

Identify:

What Works?

Perhaps the toilet is already in a logical location.
Maybe the shower footprint is adequate.
Perhaps the existing window brings excellent daylight.
Those elements do not automatically need to move.

What Does Not Work?

Common problems include:

• door conflicts;
• poor circulation;
• undersized shower;
• inadequate vanity storage;
• toilet dominating the view from the doorway;
• wasted corners;
• bathtub nobody uses;
• insufficient counter space.

Solve those problems first.

3. Don’t Move Plumbing Without a Reason

Custom does not mean everything must move.
Relocating a sink, shower, toilet or bathtub can affect:

• water lines;
• drain lines;
• venting;
• floor or wall cavities;
• electrical coordination;
• framing;
• permits;
• construction scope.

That does not mean plumbing should never move.
It means the layout improvement should justify the additional complexity.

Good Reason to Move Plumbing

Moving a shower creates enough space for:

• a functional vanity;
• better circulation;
• a larger shower;
• more useful storage.

Weak Reason to Move Plumbing

Moving a toilet several feet only because it looks slightly better on a concept drawing while delivering little functional improvement.

Planning Rule

For every fixture relocation, ask:

What problem does this move solve?

If there is no strong answer, keeping the existing location deserves serious consideration.

4. Plan Wet and Dry Zones

Bathrooms work better when water is intentionally controlled.
Think of the room as different moisture zones.

Wet Zone

Typically includes:

• shower;
• bathtub/shower combination;
• wet-room areas.

These surfaces receive frequent direct water exposure.

Transitional Zone

May include:

• area immediately outside the shower;
• bathtub surroundings;
• floor around wet fixtures.

Dry Zone

Typically includes:

• vanity cabinetry;
• linen storage;
• some wall finishes;
• electrical grooming areas.

The updated NKBA guidelines specifically broaden bathroom planning around the interior environment, including waterproofing, materials, storage systems and building-system coordination. (NKBA)

Why Zoning Matters

It influences:

• waterproofing;
• floor material;
• cabinet material;
• storage placement;
• electrical planning;
• lighting;
• ventilation;
• maintenance.

Do not use the same design logic for the inside of a shower and a dry vanity wall.

5. Decide Whether You Actually Need a Bathtub

Do not automatically include a bathtub because the existing bathroom has one.
Ask who will use it.

Keep or Add a Tub When

• household members regularly take baths;
• children use the bathroom;
• soaking is an important personal preference;
• the room comfortably accommodates both tub and shower;
• accessibility or household needs justify it.

Consider a Shower-Focused Layout When

• nobody uses the tub;
• the existing tub makes the shower too small;
• removing it materially improves circulation;
• additional storage or vanity space is more important.

Avoid This Mistake

Do not squeeze a freestanding tub into a bathroom simply because it looks luxurious in photographs.
A custom bathroom should prioritize how you use the room over how a fixture looks in isolation.

6. Size the Shower Around How It Will Be Used

The shower needs more planning than simply selecting tile.
Consider:

• entry location;
• door swing or glass configuration;
• controls;
• showerhead position;
• handheld shower;
• bench;
• niche;
• grab-bar blocking;
• drainage;
• lighting;
• towel location.

Put the Controls Where They Make Sense

Think about whether you can turn on the water without standing directly beneath cold water.

Plan Storage Before Waterproofing

If you want:

• recessed niches;
• shelves;
• built-in benches;

their locations should be coordinated before waterproofing and tile work.

Plan Future Support Before the Walls Close

Even if you do not currently want grab bars, adding appropriate wall blocking during construction can make future installation easier.
The newest NKBA planning framework explicitly integrates accessibility, wall blocking and support considerations into bathroom design guidance. (NKBA)

7. Plan Bathroom Storage by Activity, Not by Empty Wall Space

“Add more storage” is not a useful design instruction.
Determine what needs to be stored and where it is used.

Vanity Storage

Good for:

• toothbrushes;
• skincare;
• cosmetics;
• grooming items;
• hair tools;
• everyday toiletries.

Shower Storage

Good for:

• shampoo;
• conditioner;
• soap;
• razors;
• shower products.

Linen Storage

Good for:

• towels;
• washcloths;
• backup toiletries;
• toilet paper.

Secondary Storage

Items used infrequently do not necessarily need prime bathroom real estate.

Drawers vs. Doors: Think About Access

Traditional vanity cabinets with doors can create a large cavity around plumbing.
Drawers can make smaller objects easier to organize and reach.
The best solution may combine:

• drawers;
• under-sink cabinets;
• vertical storage;
• medicine cabinet;
• linen cabinetry.

Storage Test

Before choosing a vanity, make a list of everything currently stored in the bathroom.
Then ask:
Where will each category live in the new bathroom?
If the design cannot answer that question, storage is not finished.

8. Use Vertical Space Intentionally

Bathroom storage does not have to stop at vanity height.
Possible options include:

• recessed medicine cabinets;
• tall linen cabinets;
• vanity towers;
• built-in niches;
• shallow wall cabinetry;
• storage above the toilet where appropriate.

But do not fill every available wall.
Too much cabinetry can make a small bathroom feel crowded.
The objective is not maximum cubic storage.
It is enough accessible storage to keep daily surfaces clear.

9. Plan Lighting in Layers

A bathroom should not rely on one ceiling fixture.
A useful lighting plan typically addresses several functions.

Ambient Lighting

Provides general illumination for the room.
Examples may include:

• recessed fixtures;
• ceiling fixtures;
• architectural lighting.

Vanity Task Lighting

Supports:

• shaving;
• makeup;
• skincare;
• grooming.

Lighting at the mirror deserves special attention because overhead-only lighting can create facial shadows.
Better Homes & Gardens similarly emphasizes lighting around the mirror rather than depending only on a single overhead fixture. (Better Homes & Gardens)

Shower Lighting

An enclosed shower can become noticeably darker than the rest of the room.
Lighting needs to be selected and installed appropriately for the location.

Accent or Night Lighting

Depending on the project, you might consider:

• vanity under-lighting;
• niche lighting;
• low-level nighttime lighting;
• decorative sconces.

Planning Principle

Design lighting before walls and ceilings are finished.
Moving electrical locations after tile, mirrors or cabinetry are installed is much harder than planning them during design.

10. Coordinate the Mirror, Vanity and Lighting Together

These three elements should not be selected independently.
A wider vanity affects mirror dimensions.
Mirror dimensions affect sconce locations.
Sconces affect electrical boxes.
Electrical boxes affect wall construction.
That creates a dependency:
vanity → sinks → mirrors → lighting → electrical locations
Do not wait until the electrician asks where the sconces go.
Resolve the relationship during design.

11. Treat Ventilation as Part of the Design

Bathrooms produce moisture.
Ventilation should not be treated as an appliance chosen after the room is designed.
It affects:

• humidity control;
• material durability;
• comfort;
• indoor air quality.

The 2026 NKBA planning update specifically expands bathroom guidance for ventilation and indoor environmental performance. (NKBA)
When planning ventilation, consider:

• room conditions;
• shower use;
• fan location;
• duct routing;
• controls;
• whether the system will actually be used consistently.

A beautiful bathroom that stays damp after every shower is not well designed.

12. Waterproofing Is More Important Than Decorative Tile

Tile is a finish.
The waterproofing strategy behind wet-area finishes is what protects the assembly.
Homeowners naturally focus on:

• tile color;
• grout;
• pattern;
• stone;
• shower glass.

The planning team also needs to think about:

• waterproofing system;
• transitions;
• penetrations;
• shower base;
• drainage;
• niches;
• benches;
• curbs or curbless transitions.

NKBA’s updated professional guidance specifically incorporates waterproofing into bathroom interior-environment planning. (NKBA)

Important Distinction

Tile is not the waterproofing plan.
A custom shower should be designed as a complete wet-area assembly, not a collection of attractive surface products.

13. Choose Flooring for Water, Grip and Maintenance

Bathroom flooring needs to satisfy more than appearance.
Ask:

• How does it perform when wet?
• How difficult is it to clean?
• How many grout joints will it create?
• Does it work with the shower transition?
• Is it comfortable underfoot?
• Is radiant floor heating part of the plan?

The updated NKBA guidance includes flooring-surface performance and tile slip considerations as part of bathroom planning. (NKBA)

Design Mistake

Do not select a floor solely because the sample looks good while dry in a showroom.
Bathrooms operate under different conditions.

For related installation planning, review CHC Remodeling’s bathroom tile installation and bathroom flooring options.

14. Choose Wall Materials According to Exposure

Not every bathroom wall needs the same material.

High-Water Exposure

Shower areas require materials and assemblies intended for wet conditions.

Splash Areas

Vanity backsplashes and tub surrounds may need more moisture-resistant finishes.

Lower-Exposure Areas

Painted walls can work well when the finish and substrate are appropriate to bathroom conditions.

Material Planning Question

Ask:

How will this material look after several years of water, cleaning and normal use?

That is more useful than asking only:

“Is this trendy?”

15. Understand the Maintenance Cost of Your Material Choices

Maintenance is a design decision.
Consider:

• grout;
• natural stone;
• glass;
• polished surfaces;
• dark fixtures;
• textured tile;
• specialty finishes.

A material can look exceptional in a completed photograph while requiring more daily maintenance than the homeowner wants.

Before Choosing a Material, Ask:

• Does it require sealing?
• How should it be cleaned?
• Will cleaning products damage it?
• Does it show water spots easily?
• Is replacement difficult?
• Are repair pieces likely to remain available?
• Is the finish appropriate for the wet zone?

Custom Does Not Mean Delicate

A truly customized bathroom matches the homeowner’s maintenance tolerance as well as their aesthetic preference.

16. Coordinate Countertops With Daily Use

Bathroom countertops deal with:

• water;
• cosmetics;
• grooming products;
• cleaners;
• heat from some styling tools.

Consider:

• durability;
• staining;
• seams;
• edge details;
• backsplash treatment;
• sink type;
• cleaning.

Also think about available usable counter area.
A large vanity with two oversized sinks may provide less useful countertop than a thoughtfully planned single-sink vanity.

17. Choose Fixtures Before Rough Plumbing

Some product decisions directly affect construction.
These may include:

• shower valve;
• showerhead;
• handheld shower;
• bathtub;
• tub filler;
• toilet;
• vanity;
• sinks;
• faucets.

They can affect:

• plumbing locations;
• blocking;
• wall depth;
• cabinet dimensions;
• countertop openings;
• electrical requirements for certain products.

Selection Deadline

Do not treat every fixture as something that can be picked at the end.
Some selections need to be known before the walls close.

For fixture relocation and rough-in planning, see CHC Remodeling’s bathroom plumbing services.

18. Consider Water Efficiency While Choosing Fixtures

Water efficiency can be considered without sacrificing basic bathroom function.
EPA’s WaterSense program covers products such as:

• toilets;
• bathroom sink faucets;
• showerheads.

EPA maintains technical resources for these categories and WaterSense-labeled homes. (US EPA)
When comparing fixtures, consider:

• water efficiency;
• performance;
• comfort;
• maintenance;
• replacement parts;
• compatibility with the design.

Efficiency should be part of product evaluation rather than an afterthought.

19. Plan Electrical Needs Before the Vanity Is Ordered

Modern bathrooms use more electrical devices than many older bathrooms were originally designed around.
Homeowners may need power for:

• hair dryers;
• styling tools;
• electric toothbrushes;
• shavers;
• illuminated mirrors;
• heated floors;
• bidet seats;
• towel warmers;
• smart controls.

The exact electrical design should be developed according to applicable requirements.
From a planning standpoint, the important question is:
What needs power, and where will it be used?
Determine that before cabinetry, mirrors and finished walls make changes difficult.

For outlets, lighting and powered bathroom features, review CHC Remodeling’s bathroom electrical services.

20. Design for Tomorrow, Not Only Today

You do not need to build an institutional-looking bathroom to make it easier to use in the future.
Accessibility planning can be integrated subtly.
Consider:

• easier shower entry;
• space to move comfortably;
• practical door configuration;
• shower seating;
• handheld shower;
• wall blocking for future support bars;
• accessible storage;
• easy-to-operate controls;
• appropriate flooring.

NKBA’s current guidelines integrate accessibility recommendations throughout bathroom planning rather than treating accessibility as a separate design category. (NKBA)

Future-Proofing Question

Ask:

Would this bathroom still work if someone’s mobility changed temporarily or permanently?

You may choose not to implement every feature.
But considering the question during renovation is far easier than addressing it after everything is finished.

21. Decide Whether a Door Is Using Valuable Space

Door configuration can have a significant effect on small bathrooms.
Look at:

• entry-door swing;
• shower-door swing;
• vanity drawers;
• cabinet doors;
• toilet clearance;
• towel locations.

Draw every moving element on the plan.
A room can look spacious on an empty floor plan but become awkward when:

• the bathroom door is open;
• the vanity drawer is extended;
• the shower door is open simultaneously.

Planning Rule

Design the bathroom in use, not only at rest.

22. Use Custom Features Only Where They Solve a Problem

Custom work can be valuable.
Possible custom elements include:

• vanity cabinetry;
• linen storage;
• niches;
• shower benches;
• mirrors;
• millwork;
• glass;
• stone details.

But customization should solve something.
Good reasons include:

• unusual wall dimensions;
• need for better drawer configuration;
• plumbing constraints;
• maximizing storage;
• accessibility;
• creating a better fit around architectural conditions.

Do not make every element custom simply because the project is called a custom bathroom.
Use customization where standard products create a compromise.

23. Plan the Bathroom Around Cleaning

Imagine cleaning the completed bathroom.
Ask:

• Can you reach behind the faucet?
• Is there enough space around the toilet?
• How much shower glass needs cleaning?
• How many grout joints are there?
• Are there difficult ledges that hold water?
• Can vanity drawers be removed or serviced?
• Can plumbing shutoffs be accessed?
• Are decorative surfaces compatible with normal cleaners?

This is one of the most overlooked bathroom design tests.
A bathroom that photographs beautifully but is frustrating to maintain is not fully successful.

24. Decide What Should Be Visible From the Doorway

Stand outside the existing bathroom.
What do you see?
Ideally, the main visual focus may be:

• vanity;
• beautiful tile;
• tub;
• architectural feature.

The toilet does not have to be the visual focal point simply because plumbing historically placed it there.
When changing a layout, consider sightlines from:

• hallway;
• bedroom;
• bathroom entry.

This is a small design decision that can substantially change how finished space feels.

25. Use Natural Light Without Sacrificing Privacy

Natural light can make a bathroom feel larger and more comfortable.
But bathrooms also require privacy.
Possible strategies can include:

• appropriately located windows;
• privacy glazing;
• window treatments suited to moisture;
• skylights where feasible;
• mirrors that distribute available light.

Do not solve natural light and privacy separately.
They are one design problem.

26. Determine Permit Requirements Before Finalizing the Construction Plan

If this project is in Seattle, bathroom permit requirements depend on the actual scope.
Seattle SDCI describes a remodel or alteration as changes to the building’s interior and requires construction permits for many alterations, while simpler projects can follow different permitting paths depending on scope. (Seattle.gov)
A bathroom project that includes only limited finishes is different from one involving:

• wall relocation;
• structural changes;
• plumbing relocation;
• electrical changes;
• ventilation changes.

Planning Rule

Do not ask:

“Does a bathroom remodel need a permit?”

Ask:

“Do these specific changes require permits?”

Permit research should happen while the design is being developed, not after demolition has been scheduled.

27. Make Decisions in the Right Order

Homeowners often make bathroom decisions in the wrong sequence.
They start with:
tile → faucet finish → mirror → vanity
Then discover the layout needs to change.
Use this order instead.

Step 1: Users

Who will use the room?

Step 2: Problems

What is not working now?

Step 3: Layout

Where should the main fixtures go?

Step 4: Building Systems

What happens to plumbing, electrical, ventilation and structure?

Step 5: Wet-Area Design

How will water, drainage and waterproofing be handled?

Step 6: Storage

What needs to live in the bathroom?

Step 7: Lighting

Where are task, ambient and specialty lights required?

Step 8: Major Fixtures

Select products that affect rough-in locations.

Step 9: Materials

Choose flooring, tile, countertops and wall finishes.

Step 10: Decorative Details

Finalize:

• colors;
• hardware;
• mirrors;
• accessories.

Expert Insight

The expensive decisions are usually behind the finishes.
Make those first.

28. Finalize These Items Before Demolition When Practical

Not every decorative accessory must be purchased before construction.
But products affecting rough construction should be resolved early.

Plumbing-Critical

• bathtub;
• shower valve;
• tub filler;
• shower system;
• vanity;
• sinks;
• faucets;
• toilet.

Electrical-Critical

• mirror;
• vanity lighting;
• shower lighting;
• heated flooring;
• powered toilet/bidet features;
• specialty controls.

Framing-Critical

• recessed medicine cabinets;
• niches;
• shower bench;
• grab-bar blocking;
• wall-mounted vanity;
• heavy mirrors.

Finish-Critical

• tile;
• flooring;
• grout;
• countertop;
• cabinet finish;
• hardware.

The goal is not to buy everything immediately.
The goal is to prevent predictable product decisions from becoming construction delays.

Custom Bathroom Planning by Bathroom Type

Small Bathroom

Prioritize:

• circulation;
• essential storage;
• compact fixtures where appropriate;
• visual simplicity;
• lighting;
• shower-door strategy;
• usable counter space.

Do not assume the solution is simply installing smaller versions of everything.
Sometimes eliminating an unnecessary fixture creates a much better room.

Primary Bathroom

Prioritize:

• simultaneous use;
• privacy;
• vanity storage;
• shower experience;
• lighting;
• linen storage;
• long-term accessibility.

Guest Bathroom

Prioritize:

• intuitive layout;
• durable materials;
• easy maintenance;
• clear towel storage;
• straightforward fixture controls.

Powder Room

Prioritize:

• sink and toilet relationship;
• mirror;
• lighting;
• ventilation where required;
• impactful finishes.

Because the room does not contain a shower or bathtub, material exposure conditions are different from a full bathroom.