What does the average family bathroom in San Diego look like? Maybe something like this… one kid is pushing the other out of the way, Mom is trying to do her hair in front of the mirror covered in toothpaste, and Dad really needs some peace and quiet. Sound familiar? Of course, it does! It’s the morning scramble of everyone trying to get ready at the same time, and it is also a huge sign that you might need to start looking for a bathroom remodel in San Diego.
A smooth-running family bathroom is every parent’s dream. Even better is the well-organized bathroom. Getting ready in the morning is inevitable. You’ve got to get to work, and the kids have got to be at school in 10 minutes. A functional bathroom is the difference between a fantastic morning routine and one that can leave everyone in a bad mood.
Here at ASR Design Studio, we’re your residential girl gang who offer seamless bathroom designs in San Diego and so much more. We’re obsessed with making your home pretty and practical. It’s our motto here, and what better place in your home to begin than where all morning routine starts? Today, we’re giving up all our seven secrets that you can do at home to create a smooth-running family bathroom.
Storage, Storage And More Storage
We’re coming in hot with tip number one: storage! In San Diego, we’ve seen some small bathrooms and how this makes everyone feel so crammed in the morning, but when your countertop is full of stuff, it makes it feel even smaller! Family bathrooms can never have enough storage. Take full advantage of your storage options. The Container Store and Amazon are going to be your best friend!
Similar to organizing a multi-purpose room with functionality in mind, using storage bins and tubs gives everything a place. This makes your nightly tidy-up quick and easy. That’s a big yes from us!
Insider Tip!
To ensure a smooth-running family bathroom, you’ve gotta think about the kids! While those little ones can leave a mess everywhere they go, they should be included in the planning. When looking at bathroom storage, give each child a labeled box. This can hold all of their toiletries. We promise this tip will come in handy later!
If Possible, Keep The Toilet Separate
Now, if you’re planning a bathroom renovation in San Diego and have the freedom to keep the toilet separate in your family bathroom, we’re all for it. Apart from the obvious, when you’re sharing a bathroom with everyone, keeping the toilet separate allows you to breathe easily when getting ready.
Insider Tip!
If it’s not an option to shift where your toilet is, or you’re renting, don’t miss out on the opportunity to make it pretty! While your toilet can be an eyesore, it doesn’t have to be. You can totally use greenery, fragrances and decor to find a pretty solution that doesn’t compromise practicality.
Invest In Water-Saving Appliances
If your little one has ever left the shower running too long, or even worse, the tap running and the basin has overflowed, you’ll know the pain it can cause to your wallet and your beautiful bathroom!
Where you can invest in smart technology and water-saving appliances, combining these two can make a family bathroom run so efficiently. If you’re looking to upgrade your bathroom in the San Diego area but aren’t ready to invest in a full-blown remodel, swapping over a tap or shower head can help improve your bathroom’s appearance.
Insider Tip!
If your kids’ favorite trick is to leave the tap running, invest in a basin with an overflow hole. Say hello to your cute new basin, and no more water everywhere! That’s a total win for us!
Create A Schedule
We love a schedule! Who doesn’t? A spreadsheet and anything color coordinated, we’re all for it! While it may seem a little extreme, creating a schedule for you and your family to use the bathroom will save everyone from getting annoyed 24/7. To ensure your bathroom is as smooth-running as possible, start splitting up who needs the bathroom in the morning and at night.
Give everyone in the family a number and time limit, so it works with your routine.
This allows everyone to use the bathroom without being interrupted and piling on top of one another. (Psst, yes, we’re not judging if you put yourself last, so you don’t get interrupted by anyone.)
Lighting Is Key
We’ve spoken about lighting before, and we’ll talk about it again. It’s such a crucial factor in the bathroom and not to mention your entire home. Having a beautifully illuminated bathroom is every interior designer’s dream. If you’re in an older home in the San Diego area, you might notice your lighting is a little lackluster. Some older homes have lighting that’s been neglected, and we’re here to change it. To have a smooth-running family bathroom, you need to be able to see what you’re doing, even if you’ve got kids in front of you brushing their teeth.
When looking at your bathroom, you want to create a lighting plan. This is when you work in layers. Start with your downlights, then move on to a pendant light, undershelf lighting, and your mirror. Pulling all of these layers together allows you to illuminate your bathroom effectively.
Insider Tip!
Don’t forget to light your mirror! This is something we often come across when we first start working with clients. You have to think of your mirror as an extension of your bathroom. You use it morning and night to get ready, so it has to be well-lit. We’ve listed a few options below to help get that perfect mirror lighting.
- Backlight your mirror
- Above mirror lighting
- Wall sconces
Make It Clean And Tidy Each Night
While it may sound mundane and boring, keeping the bathroom nice and clean makes a BIG difference! The clutter, mess and every product on the countertop contribute to the bumpy road of getting ready in the morning. Now we know cleaning isn’t everyone’s jam and girl; we’re with you there…but! Having a clean bathroom is key to having it run smoothly.
Once everyone has finished their bathroom routine, take five minutes each night to clear your countertop, pick up laundry and wipe down your surfaces. It’s these little things that will not only keep your bathroom clean but contribute to a smooth morning routine. And not to mention, if you’re going for that spa-like feeling, then this is key. And yes, we promise it can be achieved, even in a family bathroom.
Insider Tip!
Here’s a huge plus with this tip, you don’t have to do this all on your own. Depending on how old your little ones are, get them involved. While we can’t expect them to be mopping the floors each night, putting their belongings away is a great in-between. As we mentioned in tip number 1, give them a basket for all their things and give them the responsibility of putting everything away.
Consider A Remodel
Ok, you’ve tried it all. You’ve added storage, created a schedule and even invested in some additional lighting and still nothing? Your bathroom in San Diego in the morning is still a scramble, and everyone is fighting for space. Then, it might be time for a remodel.
While there’s plenty you can do to improve the state of your bathroom, sometimes it really does come down to layout. The layout of your bathroom is crucial for the flow and, ultimately, how you use the space.
What Now?
Bathrooms are a challenge. They have to be practical, pretty, and, most of all, suit your family’s needs. They need to meet your storage needs and give everyone in your family enough space to move around freely. And while a full bathroom remodel or home remodel in San Diego is the perfect solution for some, other bathrooms might just need a facelift with some fresh wainscotting tiles or a fresh coat of paint. While yes, your bathroom should be 1000% practical, it should also be vibrant and fun. Don’t be afraid to enlist the help of an interior designer to see what’s possible.
If you are ready to make that step forward (we’re so excited that you are), then get in touch with us, girlfriend! We’re here to help. Book a design therapy sesh with us, and we can get to transforming your bathroom ASAP. We’ll chat about all your wants and needs and get you a smooth-running family bathroom in no time. In the meantime, follow us on Instagram for the latest and read through our blog posts for all of our insider info. Thanks!
