1. MAKING SURE THERE IS ENOUGH ROOM
Try and eke out as much room from the space you have. Family bathtime is a busy time of the day, but even in the smallest of family bathrooms, you can create more space so that there is room for more than one person in the space at one time. 'Crucially when designing a space for three kids under six, we made sure there was enough room for drying, bathing and sitting so that everyone can get ready for bed in without being crowded out,' says Paul Cooksey of Northern Edge Studio, who designed the above family bathroom.
2. ORGANIZED STORAGE
Bathtime toys are also something that end up building up to a point where your bathroom can end up resembling a playroom. So keep things organized, ordered, and put away so that when it's your time to come and use the space, you're not trying to shower without standing on a rubber duck.
3. PERFECT LIGHTING FOR ALL THE FAMILY
Lighting is important in all types of bathroom, from the powder room to the ensuite, but in a family space, the importance of lighting so often gets overlooked. 'But bathroom lighting plays a vital role in setting the mood and enhancing the functionality of the space,' says Charu Gandhi, founder and director of global interior design firm, Elicyon.
4. EASY-TO-CLEAN MATERIALS
You might have your eye on those beautiful zellige tiles or pair of unlacquered brass faucets, but in reality, a family bathroom needs to be a low-maintenance bathroom and easy to clean, so select your materials with care.
5. NEUTRAL PALETTES
If your bathroom is more of a kid's bathroom and less of a family space, don't be tempted to cater to your child's tastes. Remember that they will grow and change, so that playful scheme might look cute now, but when your child enters their teenage years, they might not be so enamored with a childish design.
6. THOUGHTFULLY SELECTED BASINS
If you are in the initial stages of planning your family bathroom, go big with your sink so you can accommodate more people brushing their teeth at once. You also want to allow for plenty of space around the bathroom sink. Doubling up on basins isn't really a viable option for all given space and budget, but a trough-like basin with two taps is a practical option that minimizes splashes.
7. IN-BUILT DESIGN
Consider opting for a large vanity sink unit, you will be surprised how much you can store away, allowing you to keep surfaces clean and tidy. A built-in bathtub is also a great addition to the family bathroom. They tend to be a little more sunken and low profile, so you can easily bathe little ones.
8. FAMILY-FRIENDLY FLOORING
Finally, think about bathroom flooring that works for the space. Family bathrooms are the perfect place to try out vinyl flooring as they are long-lasting and crucially, easy to clean. Vinyl has developed so much that it comes in a variety of designs.