Bathroom Triple Take
If you have ever seen Architectural Digest’s YouTube playlist “Space Savers” you’ll recognize this concept.
In this project we took on one small bathroom, with no client and no design direction, May Living Designs had free range to reimagine this small single bathroom in a 1954 mid-century style home. And of course, we put our own accessibility perspective to the test to create beautiful, accessible bathroom designs with consideration of aging-in-place, impaired mobility, and low-vision features for those who know better than to overlook the potential of a simple water closet. But first, a few before photos from the original Zillow listing…
Basically we were working with an outdated bathroom that featured a tub, sliding glass shower doors, pedestal sink, and over-toilet storage. A few features worked in our favor - the existing window over the shower featured a new double pane, easy-grip, horizontal sliding operation which makes for easy open and close. The bathroom was also laid out with the toilet, sink, and tub in line with each other which is necessary for a w/c to pass through the room. Other than that most of these features were a bust so start-from-scratch it was!
A couple features were front of mind for this project: Obviously we would need a level entry or step over shower rather than a tub-shower combo, and several easy reach grab bars to make the space safe for anyone with a mobility limitation or for guest use. The sink would need to allow for someone to be seated so that either a wheelchair user could roll up beneath it, or an elder could sit down on a stool to complete longer tasks such as tooth brushing or makeup application. The toilet would also need to be a raised, and would ideally be a modern low-flow toilet with a built-in bidet for those with limited reach ability. Finally bathroom storage should be low enough that no user would have to reach overhead or outside their base of support to grasp toiletries. Slip hazards in a bathroom are always a big concern as the hard surfaces in this room make for a particularly nasty potential fall.
Further considerations that May Living suggests in any bathroom are motion activated floor strip lights (think airplane aisle floor level lighting) for easy illumination in the case of overnight bathroom use, a clock for cognitive support and to keep us all on time during those hurried morning showers, and some way to sit down while showering for safety or even to prop up a leg for shaving.
Below is a peek in the door of three different design styles which each incorporate all of the above features.
The three designs above were each executed in SketchUp Pro, and take on a 1950’s Deco inspired theme, a 1950’s Japandi inspired theme, and a 1950’s Femme inspired theme respectively in order to keep in style with the original 1954 structure, but offering a variety of styles for any taste. Each are mindful of the considerations detailed in the paragraphs above, but take their own unique spin on the idea. We’ll talk more about each individual design below.
A new 1950’s Deco inclusive bathroom
The first design, shown below incorporates black and white tiles which, though visual busy are contrasted by a white strip before entering the shower stall for visual simplicity. Geometric lines are echoed throughout the shower divider as well as the antique mirrors taking up the full length of the long wall opposite a sleek, modern sink. The green, black, white, and gold color scheme is sophisticated, and tied together by the abstract art over the toilet as well as the gold shell lamp on the sink - that’s right, table lamps in the bathroom! These make exceptional low light that ensures no user bruises a hip on the counter on their way out of the bathroom. A built-in bench that slopes away from the wall provides some softness to the otherwise orthogonal lines throughout this space. A quaint hanging clock provides some whimsy above built in shelves, while the Deco-fan framed mirror bounces light in an elegant way.
A very femme & fun, 1950’s accessible bathroom
The second design, shown below, incorporates significantly more color than the last rendering. This palm-fronds clad, green subway tile and terrazzo floored room uses the soft lines of a more Nouveau motif framing the mirrors and window to make the space just a bit more flirty than the last. This space doesn’t take itself too seriously while still delivering on serious features - Our only render with a double sink, this bathroom feels significantly larger than previous versions and capitalizes on lighter colors to keep additional features from feeling cramped. One feature we love in this space is the horizontal storage along the long wall that is at just the right height to provide a touch point as you move through the space. Battling vertigo, decreased balance, or simply the awareness that fall risk increases with age? Fear not! The touch points in this bathroom blend the security of holding on with the function of additional storage!
A unique take on Japandi 1950’s neurodiverse friendly bathroom
Finally, this last design, shown below, incorporates the calm neutrals, visually accessible storage, sound dampening (machine washable) area rug and minimalistic (yet functional) style that best supports a wide range of cognitive and sensory needs. Using more wood than the previous designs, and a jute textile on the floor, this design is intended to absorb sound better and prevent the echo effect that often occurs in hard-surfaced bathrooms. We all know that proper hygiene, tooth brushing, showering, and more can be a bit of a chore. But you’ll be excited to spend time in this bathroom! The green marble wall feels softer and more inviting than a stark white, and the high visual contrast of black, wood, and white make navigation a breeze if low vision gets in your way. Even the clock in this space (situated on the top shelf) is digital to allow for quick-read at a glance, and the layout has been adjusted ever so slightly so that the sink is the last fixture you pass on the way out - anything to decrease the cognitive effort of using this particular space.
