What Is a Family Bathroom?
A family bathroom typically includes a bath – frequently, the only bath in the house – a shower (it could be separate or above the bath), a vanity unit, a toilet, and a single or double washbasin.
Most often, a family bathroom has a door that opens into a corridor or onto a landing, so you don’t need to walk through a bedroom for access.
A great family bathroom should work to perfection for all your family members. But remodelling a family bathroom or creating a new one isn’t as simple as you may think.
Most importantly, your bathroom needs to be fully functional yet stylish. The main factors needed to create a timeless family bathroom that stays bright and fresh include installing a family-friendly shower, saving space for a bath, investing in durable fixtures, selecting classic colours, and ensuring generous storage.
“With every bathroom renovation, there are three areas that I focus on: budget, function and style.” – Candice Olson
Unlike most celebrities, we’re sure you don’t want to do major remodelling work in your family bathroom every few years. The reason is simple. Even if you can afford it, there’s no way you’re going to enjoy all the stress and chaos involved in such a project.
Imagine if you could come up with a timeless bathroom design that includes all the above elements. It would not go out of fashion for decades! This is precisely what we’ll help you with. In this post, we give you some trendy family bathroom ideas with timeless appeal.
Timeless Family Bathroom Ideas
a. Bathroom Décor
It’s rather unfortunate that bathroom décor can fall out of style much faster than the décor of the other rooms in your home. If you think of it, your living room and master bedroom stand the test of time much better than your bathroom and kitchen. Let’s look closely at the different elements of your bathroom décor.
i. Colour
In bathroom colour schemes, nature-inspired colours are expected to be most homeowners’ favourites forever.
Warm ochres, dusky browns, and sandy beiges are some timeless earthy tones. These classic tones are a practical way to connect to the natural outdoors through your bathroom interior.
Shades of sea green or olive green make your bathroom feel fresh and clean. You can also opt for a green pastel hue if you prefer a softer look.
Peachy pink is another preferred natural hue in the current growing organic trend. This soft, soothing tone exudes warmth.
Warm and cool tones allow you to add your preferred shade in any way you want. As a result, you can be as bold or sophisticated as you like.
Wall colour is the easiest and most inexpensive change you can make in your bathroom’s décor. So, for instance, when French blue isn’t the rage any longer, you can easily switch it for one of the top trending colours of the year.
But remember that while it’s easy to paint over lighter shades, darker shades such as brown or berry red will require a coat of primer and several coats of paint.
Peachy pink is a great choice to achieve a fresh and timeless look.
ii. Style
Bathroom style falls into two categories: traditional and modern.
Traditional styles often contain elegant and timeless bathroom elements. A traditional-style bathroom will typically feature a roll-top bath, white ceramic ware, copper or brass taps, freestanding furniture for storage, and antique-style lighting fixtures.
Modern bathrooms often contain design elements that are simplistic and minimalistic. A modern bathroom will typically feature a natural stone washbasin, statement light fixtures, gold- or chrome-plated accessories, LED lighting in vanity drawers, fitted bathroom furniture, and a slim tallboy storage unit.
Regardless of your chosen style, a timeless bathroom décor requires soft styling. So avoid using an excess of decoration. Turn your bathroom accessories into decorative pieces, but try to stick to a minimalistic style. Less is more! Apply this simple principle to achieve a timeless bathroom décor.
iii. Arrangement
Again, sticking to a minimalistic style, make sure your bathroom arrangement is simple yet elegant. What strikes as most powerful is when your bathroom arrangement is unique. You don’t need to imitate the latest popular bathroom trends. The sheer assortment of choices you have today presents you with the freedom to be different in your bathroom arrangement.
Your bathroom arrangement should focus on simplicity without appearing cold or bland. Simplicity means being knowledgeable about choosing the right materials and colours that symbolise ageless elements.
iv. Lighting
Besides colour, bathroom wall lighting also plays a huge role in timeless bathroom décor. Getting the illumination right is important.
You need a perfect blend of natural light, ambient light, task lighting, and accent lighting to create a calming and relaxing space. Large windows and skylights in the ceiling are the best options to bring natural light into your bathroom.
Wall sconces, pendants, and downlights are all great ambient light options. A smart mirror with built-in LED lighting is an effective task lighting solution. And examples of accent lighting are strip lighting under a vanity or a pendant light next to it.
You can also use lighting to highlight key areas. For instance, recessed downlights work to perfection in showers. But to minimise the risk of your bathroom lighting getting outdated, take care to choose the latest light models.
The correct lighting – you can also install dimmable lights – makes it easier to spend a relaxing evening in the bath and reduce day-end stress and fatigue fast. You’ll feel mentally refreshed and physically energised as a result and stay in a great mood during the evening.
v. Walls and Floor
Whether you like it or not, water will inevitably end up on the walls and floor of your bathroom. It could be due to a water spill, leak, drip, overspray, or simply kids being kids.
Errant water can cause extensive – and sometimes expensive – damage. Hence, you’ll need to opt for a lasting solution.
Waterproof flooring is an expensive but proven solution. A waterproof material stops mould and mildew development by preventing moisture permeation.
The best waterproof flooring and wall materials include ceramic tiles, porcelain tiles, natural stone – slate, granite, and marble – tiles, luxury vinyl, and waterproof hardwood.
Compared to waterproof flooring, water-resistant flooring is less expensive. This is primarily due to the relatively inexpensive plywood or MDF – Medium Density Fibreboard – the basic material used in its construction.
The only drawback of water-resistant materials is that with prolonged exposure to moisture, the porous inner materials contribute to swelling, warping, and peeling. Imagine a wood veneer top fixed to a sponge and allowed to soak up water.
When you choose the correct floor and wall materials, they add a timeless design to your family bathroom. Hardwood panelling is the best choice as it adds a touch of glamour and timeless elegance.
But remember, there’s nothing timeless about damp walls and water leakages that need constant attention.
While tiles are an obvious choice for creating a timeless wall finish, wet wall panels are also a durable choice. Since wet wall panels are made from vinyl or plastic, you can even paint your desired colour over this material.
b. Storage
For bathroom cabinets and storage units, simple designs and natural materials are the key elements that matter for a timeless appearance. And a visually pleasing arrangement is to have matching storage units.
Opt for storage units that can be adapted. The best way to do this is to buy units that are part of a range, as you can move or add to them as your storage requirements change.
Modular pieces with wall-hung cabinets and illuminated shelving above the washbasin offer you maximum flexibility. Select bathroom storage units that are not only durable but also have a timeless beauty.
A timeless family bathroom relies on the details to achieve its unique appeal. Wood vanity cabinets with character exude charm and elegance.
Freestanding cabinets and benches with elaborate panelling or wood trim demonstrate a timeless appeal. Similarly, open vanity units and wooden mirror cabinets are timeless design choices.
c. Timeless Fixtures
Fixtures are the heartbeat of your bathroom. Hence, future-proofing your bathroom is all about picking the right fixtures. Let’s take a close look at the most important fixtures.
i. Bath
Among timeless fixtures, a freestanding bathtub is perhaps the most classic bathroom accessory. An elegant bathtub will never go out of style because it’s not only sophisticated but it’s also enchanting. And when it comes to relaxation and self-care, nothing can beat a bathtub.
With everyone having a busy life, a quick morning shower sets the tone for the remainder of the day. People simply don’t have the time for a slow, relaxing bath in the morning. Hence, a shower has become a non-negotiable addition.
A separate bath and shower enclosure or a shower bath can be both functional and timeless, depending on your design choice.
ii. Mirrors
Although mirrors are standard must-haves in a bathroom, using statement mirrors is certainly a timeless bathroom idea. Mirrors come in an assortment of sizes, forms, and styles.
The design of most bathrooms is a series of straight walls. So, hanging an unusual-shaped statement mirror is an affordable option, as it presents a fresh new look.
A mirror is vital for shaving, applying makeup, grooming, and checking your appearance. But forget the functional aspects. A mirror can make a timeless style statement.
Pick a minimalist and modern design mirror as it is ageless. Besides hiding organised storage space, a mirror can add light to your bathroom and create natural artwork.
A truly timeless mirror ties the different elements of the room together, complementing the overall bathroom décor.
iii. Vanity Unit/Sink
The bathroom furniture pieces available now are suitable for multi-generational living and work in perfect harmony with other fixtures. Wall-hung vanity unit/sink can be fitted to suit the tallest user, and a matching stool – for use by children – can be kept concealed under the sink. Also, a wall-mounted sink means you can place a customised dressing-table-style stool below it.
A floating, minimalist vanity and sink combo creates a feeling of spaciousness. You can count on the unit’s smooth lines and curved corners to remain in fashion for many years.
A wall-mounted vanity and sink combo also frees up more space and allows you to select a larger sink.
d. Safety
A bathroom is part of the house in which people often don’t realise there’s a potential danger. The family bathroom is not just used by a single person. Therefore, it is important to make it a safe place for all family members at all times. Here are some tips:
i. Use Non-Slip Mats to Help Prevent Slips and Falls
A non-slip mat adds a layer of safety to your bathroom. It’s one of the most effective ways to boost safety.
A non-slip mat grips the floor strongly and prevents accidental slips, trips, and falls. But you have to place these mats in the most appropriate places, like the exit point of the shower enclosure and near the bathroom door.
Another huge safety feature in a bathroom is the installation of anti-slip floor tiles. These versatile tiles are available in a variety of styles to match your bathroom décor.
ii. Install Rail or Grab Bars That Will Be Useful for All Family Members, Especially the Seniors
Safety first doesn’t mean you need to forego style. But obtrusive rails and unsightly plastic can ruin the appearance of even the most luxurious space.
The latest designs, however, are truly timeless as they blend style and substance. For instance, if the showering area in your bathroom is large enough, an integral bench can easily make a plastic seat redundant. Also, stainless steel grab rails can double as towel rails.
Seniors are prone to slips and fall in the bathroom. Therefore, installing grab bars at vantage points can be a helpful safety feature for seniors.
iii. Ensure the Lighting Is Adequate
Bright lighting is important, as well. Illuminated shelving and plinth lights will boost visibility in dark nooks. The installation of LED lights is a future-proof trend. These lights emit a calming bright glow and will remain popular for their sustainability.
Sensor lighting is another timeless bathroom idea – the light turns on when someone enters the bathroom and off when they leave.
iv. Make Toiletries and Other Bathroom Items Easily Accessible
As people age, it’s quite natural that their mobility declines. Their bodies are no longer dexterous and their fine motor control is compromised.
Hence, it makes sense to keep toiletries and other bathroom essentials easily accessible.
v. Keep Dangerous Items Out of Reach of Children
Children are naturally curious. They want to explore their environment and know everything around them.
While this is a natural development process, it also means you must be extra careful when children are in the bathroom. Ensure sharp objects, medication, and cleaning products are kept safely out of the reach of young children.
vi. Unplug Electric Appliances
Your bathroom is an electrical danger zone because water and electricity don’t mix well. Hence, you need to prioritise electrical safety in your bathroom.
As a rule of thumb, you must unplug electrical appliances to prevent energy from quietly draining out and increasing your utility bills. The simplest way to minimise the risk of electric shocks is to unplug your electric shaver, hair dryer, and hot air tool when not in use.
The latest electric appliances feature automatic shut-off timers. It’s safer to upgrade to these new appliances.
Note: An electrical contractor can install special safety wall sockets designed for bathrooms. These sockets are equipped with ground-fault circuit interrupters that lessen the likelihood of injury, even if an appliance were to fall into the sink or bathwater.
vii. Clean the Bathroom Regularly to Minimise Bathroom Germs
The bathroom is easily the most difficult place in your home to keep clean. But you need to clean it regularly because a wide range of potentially harmful bathroom germs loiters in your bathroom.
Illness-causing bacteria lurk everywhere, from the washbasin taps to the towels.
But if you change some habits and do spring cleaning right through the year, it can make your bathroom almost as sterile as an operation theatre.
e. Privacy
A family bathroom is meant for privacy. But to remain timeless, a certain measure of luxury is also essential as it is the biggest bathroom in the house.
When you’re in the bathroom, while privacy is vital, letting in as much natural light as possible is also important. Instead of a plain window curtain, a Macrame curtain wall hung over the window (preferably one in a light colour) provides privacy and adds beauty as well.
Other options for privacy include cordless bathroom window shades that let in light as you please and go up and down without the need to pull any cords. And Blackout Roller Blind, made by Furnished, is truly a timeless marvel.
While privacy is essential in your bathroom, it can be quite a struggle to find the right window dressing for the job. If privacy is of utmost importance to you, opt for blinds that offer both flexible lighting and privacy.
Shutters or blinds are the best options if you are keen on a durable window dressing. With a flexible slatted design, Metropolitan Snow and Parchment blinds made by Blinds2Go can help you shut off the outside world and relax.
Shop Timeless Bathroom Furniture
Go on and make your bathroom timeless. At Bathroom City, you’ll find timeless bathroom storage units and bathroom furniture pieces. All the premium units are designed to last for decades, and they come with a lifetime guarantee.