There’s a million and one things to consider when designing your new bathroom, and it’s especially important to design with the future in mind. While some design elements might work now, will they be able to keep up with your growing family? We’ve got the lowdown on how one bathroom can serve your family through the years of toddlers and teens, to an empty nest.

What do you want to achieve?

Picture your ideal bathroom and what its purpose will be. Key points to consider include:

• How many people will be using it?
• Is it a ‘kids only’ zone now and a guest bathroom later?
• How many years do you plan to spend in the house?
• What kind of routines will occur in your house over the years?

It’s important the features of your bathroom satisfy these needs, however there are other components that are fundamental in a functional, family bathroom.

Surfaces

Hard-waring surfaces are very important, especially if you decide to resell in future years. Tough surfaces like concrete, granite, and quartz are extremely durable, scratch resistant, easy to clean, and will basically last forever.

Laminate and solid surface tend not to wear as well, and are prone to scratches and scorching, especially once the straighteners and curling irons come out! However, if your budget doesn’t permit natural stone, solid surfaces are still resistant to water, bacteria, and stains. Their design features are versatile, and minor damage can be buffed out.

As for the rest of the bathroom, wall and floor tiles are an excellent idea. Splashback, soap, dirty foot and handprints will be a common occurrence in your bathroom, and tiles are the easiest to keep clean. Remember to test tiles before buying them to ensure they’re not too slippery. Textured tiles are best, and larger tiles mean less grout (aka less time cleaning!)

Fixtures

Your choice of fixtures will depend greatly on your lifestyle. If you have the space it’s always a good idea to install a double basin with either double mirrors, or a single mirror that covers the length of the wall. This will prevent years of arguments over space, and is a great way to cater for larger/growing families.

When it comes to tapware, it’s best to find a balance between functionality and style. Mixers are very user-friendly for all ages and look great in contemporary bathrooms. Hand held shower heads are best for washing hair and cleaning the shower quickly.

It’s also important to ask yourself whether the bathroom’s main function is to get the kids clean, or whether you see yourself relaxing in it too. Installing a freestanding bath tub can cater to both. It’s the ideal way to wash the toddlers and enjoy a well deserved soak after you’ve put them to bed. Not to mention the use you’ll get out of it once they’re all grown up!

Storage space

Whether you’re storing rubber duckies, razors, or linen, storage is incredibly important. Proper storage could be the difference between your bathroom staying tidy and looking like a bombsite once the teen years roll around. Regardless of age, every member of the family will need a considerable amount of storage space.

Choose vanity units that offer ample storage space. Some open shelving, whether built-in to the vanity or separate, will make finding things easy for young children. Down the track, open shelving can be used to store linen or for decorative features. Opting for a wall hung vanity unit allows you to store a stepping stool underneath, keeping the floor clutter free when the bathroom isn’t in use.

If extra shelving is required, floating shelves are a useful addition, and can be used to store items that should be out of reach for small children.

Lastly, allow space for a laundry basket! Don’t set yourself up for years of collecting clothes off the bathroom floor.

Decorating

Once functionality and efficiency are set in stone, decorating is the easiest and most affordable way to transform your bathroom over the years.

Create a vibrant kids’ bathroom with toys, colourful towels and patterned shower curtains. D-handle are the most user-friendly for all ages, and towel hooks are better than bars for the little ones.

Down the track, incorporate baskets or bins for each child. Separating their stuff and providing more space is the only chance you’ve got at keeping a teen bathroom tidy.

Strip the family bathroom back to basics once the kids have flown the coop, and take charge with the decorating! Create a relaxing retreat or a guest bathroom that looks as new as it did on day one.

All in all, ensure your bathroom design offers functionality for the entire family, for now and for the future.