Bathroom renovations - Small room

Sonya
by Sonya
Hello! Another question, I have a small 2.3m x 2.3m square bathroom that I'm going to be renovating. It currently has a shower only in (1125 x 900 shower). I'm desperately wanting a freestanding bath in this room, so my 2 options - either get a shower/bath combination or SQUISH a shower (smallest is 820 x 820) where the existing shower is, and a small freestanding bath along the window side. NOTE: the existing toilet will be removed to room we are building just outside the bathroom area (a sleepout is connected to the bathroom) - my home is tiny really, a QLDer style home in Australia. If I go for 2nd option I'll only probably squish a small pedestal vanity in - oh the delima - hate using this word SQUISH..... I would love a bath I've seen online which is a P or L shaped bath (see photo below) - however no bath place in Australia stocks these..... so then I go back to my first (and most preferable when it comes down to space) option - a bath/shower freestanding combination. LOVE the clawfoot heritage style, but my issue is the comfortable-ness (hmm is that a word?) of using it as a shower. Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated. I'll put photos of the existing bathroom for you to see (please excuse the mess - 3 teenagers do not clean ha ha). PS> existing bathroom is overly cluttered - which my new bathroom won't be - I love to hoard...so as for storage space, behind the door area I'm wanting shelving built in there too. We aren't using the bathroom for anything more than showering & getting dressed.
  6 answers
  • Wendy Wendy on Jul 28, 2015
    Hi Sonya. The size of your bathroom is typical too of those in uk and it's really frustrating when all the bathroom pics are of huge proportions and could probably house an aircraft! Also they have no messy family things or men who leave the seat up, but that's another matter. Whilst free standing baths look lovely in these dream world bathrooms, in reality they are a bain, especially with kids (regardless of age) as there is nothing to stop the water spilling over onto the floor from all directions. With walls on at least 3 sides that doesn't happen so badly. Plus you can't have a shower over for same reasons. I've pasted a link for what looks like a perfect solution for you but Google "baths and showers Australia" for loads of ideas. http://ilcaustralia.org.au/products/7459 I'm loving the tiles used in your first pic. Wonder where I could get those! PS. "L" shaped baths are mega uncomfortable to lie in. Good luck x
    • See 1 previous
    • Wendy Wendy on Jul 29, 2015
      I hope it goes well. Post pics when it's done. There was an article just after your posts about renovating small bathrooms, but true enough the pictures are still of huge rooms! They obviously haven't grasped the concept of small!
  • Lizzy L Lizzy L on Jul 28, 2015
    No matter what, I vote for no squishing! The shower/bath combo would be my choice. Or, even better, if you don't need the tub, go for only a step-in shower. Also, stick with light and airy colors.
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    • Sonya Sonya on Jul 28, 2015
      @Carole I've put some photos of the Laundry room that I could find (I didn't really take any as such of the complete room) Tricky renovations - plus there is another door that takes you to the outdoor area. I'll just have to work with what I've got I think...
  • Debi53 Debi53 on Jul 28, 2015
    Shower/tub combos are standard in most homes and work great for either. Better to have a roomy combo than tiny separate pieces. Also, that will allow you to have a larger vanity area which is something that every woman needs!
  • Carole Carole on Jul 28, 2015
    Can I make some suggestions? Hope you don't mind? In general, if you have only the main bathroom for the family to use then try to include a bath. Your children are now teenagers and no doubt they prefer a shower. If you think back to when they were small and needed bathing (by you!) you will realise most families need a bath for when the kids are small. Should you ever move and need to sell this house, then keeping a practical bath is the way to go. Fancy baths will go in and out of fashion. They could even make your house look dated. So, unless you are going with the vintage feel throughout the house and everything ties in together with that, a claw foot bath which is free standing may not be a practical choice, nor anything with too fancy a shape. We all like to put our stamp on our home and make it ours but forget that if we were to sell the house, it limits the range of people who would like to buy it. I would go for something more classic and simple that won't date and won't be divisive ie. not a look that you either love or hate - polarises people. I know you are making this bathroom over for you and your family but bathroom makeovers can be a big outlay. A really nice vanity also helps the bathroom to look good - nothing too fashionable that will date too quickly. Try not to overcrowd the space. The bathroom should be not only functional but a pleasant retreat for long soak in the bath or hot relaxing shower at the end of a busy day. A place where people feel comfortable not confined or squished in. Hope this helps a little.
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    • Sonya Sonya on Jul 29, 2015
      funny you say that, first thing I did when I moved into my house was rip up all the carpet and polish the hardwood floors (actually the timber came from Fraser Island) - I love timber!! and couldn't understand covering them up (plus with kids & pets - easiest thing to clean when spills happen!!).
  • Renata Renata on Jul 28, 2015
    Have U looked into those walk-in baths? I believe U can chose one that is like a big single hot tub but also a shower.
  • Sonya Sonya on Jul 28, 2015
    clawfoot baths are still my favourite. I have looked at those walk-in baths - but I was concerned about having to lie in the bath to wait for it to fill up & drain again - and the sealing around the door - hmmm how good is that?