Even the smallest bathrooms should have a good, zone-based design. How can you use zones to help make the bathroom you're remodeling safe, practical, and comfortable? Here are a few key tips. 

1. Separate Wet and Dry Zones

The most important, and obvious, zones in every bathroom are the wet and dry zones. The wet zones are areas like the shower or bathtub — designed to be wet. Dry zones include the toilet and vanity, where users want to remain dry while using them. Place wet zones farthest from the door to reduce water spillover. Use water-resistant materials and seal them well. You might even create physical barriers between the two areas. 

2. Zone Based on Activities

Most bathrooms perform several functions at different times for different users. Design your room so that key activities have a zone set up specifically for them. For instance, the shower and bathtub may be placed together so that linens are handy. However, many homeowners separate the grooming zone from the sink to facilitate both cleaning and prepping by different users. 

3. Use a Lighting Zone Plan

The lighting plan for a bathroom will make it both functional and enjoyable. Lighting elements are based on the activities in certain zones. You may want accent lighting with dimmers around a soaking tub. The grooming area, though, needs vanity lighting from the right direction. And be sure you light for safety in the shower zone. 

4. Don't Forget Traffic Zones

Foot traffic patterns are very important in shared or smaller bathrooms. Don't overlook their importance. For example, don't place the grooming station just inside the door so that other users interrupt that person as they pass back and forth. Make sure the wet zones have plenty of maneuvering room to dry off before entering the main traffic paths. And design cabinetry and doors so they don't open into traffic. 

5. Add Zones for Shared Bathrooms

Family bathrooms have special challenges because they must satisfy multiple people. Zone-based design can reduce conflict among users. For instance, install two separate sinks or grooming stations so that kids or couples each have their own space. Additional storage in separate locations can also keep everyone out of each other's hair. Jack-and-Jill bathrooms might even function as nearly two separate bathrooms. 

Where to Start

Want more tips for adopting zone-based thinking in your bathroom renovation? Start by consulting with a skilled residential bathroom renovation service today. With their expertise and experience, they'll help you design a room that everyone will enjoy for years to come.