A typical bathroom is divided into three activity areas: the toilet, the sink, and the shower/tub. To create a successful bathroom design, you need to consider the relationship of these areas, allowing for accessibility and safety. This relationship varies depending on the type of bathroom being renovated: half bathroom, family bathroom, or master bathroom.

Half Bathrooms, also called powder rooms or guest bathrooms, are small rooms near common areas of the home. They are designed largely for visitors to use. They can be as small as 20 square feet and are often located near entrances or entertainment areas of a home. It`s best to have their doors open into hallways.

Half bathrooms typically feature a toilet and a vanity or pedestal sink finished with smaller fixtures and finer materials. When designed as a guest bathroom that includes a shower, these rooms require more space and are called three-quarter bathrooms.

The Family Bathroom, is usually located near the sleeping areas in a home. It is used by more than one family member, and it should provide storage for toiletries, towels, laundry, and cleaning supplies. It features at least one sink, one toilet, and a shower and tub or tub/shower combination.

The typical family bathroom can fit in a 5 x 7-foot area. A larger bathroom allows space for extra features, such as double sinks or separate shower and tub areas. A small family bathroom may conserve space by combining the tub and shower, incorporating recessed shelving, and featuring space-efficient fixtures and storage cabinets. Finishes and fixtures should be low-maintenance and highly durable, such as ceramic tile and enameled fixtures.

Bathrooms for children must be safe for them to use unsupervised and should be easy to adapt as the children grow. Features that make daily hygiene easier and faster for children include single-handle faucets with anti scald guards, adjustable shower heads, safety plugs in receptacles grab bars, smaller toilets, lowered sinks, and vanities with built-in step stools.

The Master Bathroom, is usually connected to the master bedroom and is a sanctuary for owners of the house. It is typically quite large and may have separate activity centers containing features such as a jetted tub, shower, toilet partition, and multiple sinks and vanities, It may even feature a sauna or steam room. The fixtures and finishing materials generally feature ceramic, stone, or marble tiles, custom cabinets, and upscale accessories.

(Resource: Black + Decker)