Shared Spaces: Elegant Guest Bath + Functional Kids Bath

I'm short on the number of bathrooms in my house.  How about you?  In my home we have 4 bedrooms, a study, a living area, a formal dining area, kitchen, breakfast nook, a grown man, 2 loud boys, little 'ol me, and a grand total of 2 bathrooms.  I don't get it.  I'm certain the builder just forgot to plan for that beautiful powder bath that has always been on my wish list....but it is what it is, so I made it work.  For now.  Until one day when I knock out a wall for that third bathroom. 

Our master bathroom is on one side of the house, and on the other, at the end of a long hallway, is our second bathroom.  This is where our two boys brush their teeth, throw their laundry on the floor, bathe, and fill water balloons when I'm not looking.  It gets a lot of use.  It's also the bathroom that guests use - so at all times I want it looking at it's best and smelling nice.  It has to sparkle with cleanliness.  That's just what you want in a nice bathroom.

 

If you're looking for a way to pretty up the bathroom that guests use, but also keep it functional for kids every day use, here's what I recommend:

Begin with eliminating the room of anything juvenile.  It's time to ditch the monkey/pirate/Dora shower curtain.  And the matching toothbrush holder.  And the matching rug.  I promise, my kids have never had anything resembling a cartoon character in their bathroom and they are still smiling when they step out of the shower. 

Select shower curtains that are neutral and light.  Not only does it look beautiful, but it keeps the shower from feeling so dark and cramped when your kids or a guest is in it. 

West Elm

 

Pottery Barn

I always keep a separate set of towels on hand for guests. (my boys have their own towels that we hang on behind-the-door hooks.)  At the sink I like simple, fluffy white hand towels for drying hands.  I keep pure white bath towels and wash cloths in the cabinets for overnight guests.  White towels are synonymous with luxurious hotels and they add that little touch of simple luxury.  My favorite hand towels are white or ivory with a tone-on-tone pattern, or finished with a monogram.  Always so nice! 

 

Mine are from TJ Maxx.  I love these selections too:

 

Restoration Hardware

 

Anthropologie

 

Pottery Barn

I keep the counters clear of all personal items so that I can maximize counter space for the prettier things.  Nice soap, a candle, a small lamp, tissue, and some greenery.  Sometimes I'll set out a hand scrub or lotion for anyone who wants a little pampering while they are in there.  I used this silver footed bowl for a pretty soap tray.  I added the pebbles for a little interest and it feels so spa like.  TJ Maxx has a great selection of high end soaps with beautiful packaging that will instantly turn up the glamour on your bath counter.

We have a drawer on each side of the sink.  Right now the boys share one drawer to store toothpaste, toothbrushes and a comb.  The other side holds their set of washcloths - which I like to buy in fun colors for them so they aren't completely deprived of a fun bath time experience! :)

Do you have a clothes hamper that has to stay out in the open?  We do, so I ditched the plastic hamper and went with this one:  It looks nice and functions great too!  I love that it added a metallic element to the small area, and the casters make it fun for the boys to wheel it down the hallway on laundry day.

One of my favorite hampers at the moment is this one from The Container Store.  It comes in two sizes and is the perfect style!

The Container Store

I'm fortunate to have a cabinet above the toilet, in addition to the cabinet under the sink.  I keep extra toilet paper, and kids bath toys under the sink so it's easy for them to get what they need on their own.  I save the cabinet space for guest towels and guest toiletries:  I keep new toothbrushes and soaps on hand for any overnight guest who may have forgotten their own.  Basically, everything stays hidden and organized behind cabinet doors.  Baskets and trays keep those items tidy and within reach.

Bath rugs:  This is an important one.  A nice rug underfoot at the sink is necessary.  The plushy/fuzzy bath rug with rubber backing...don't do it.  Instead, look for a rug that is a bit unexpected.  Jute or seagrass is neutral enough to work with anything, but it adds so much texture to the room.  Low pile, cotton rugs are an excellent choice too! 

Nate Berkus

 

Dash and Albert

 

Ballard Design

At the bath/shower, it's necessary to have something absorbent to step on after bathing.  I like sticking with the hotel theme and keep a small stack of these cotton tub mats available in the linen cabinet.  We keep ours folded over the tub between baths.  After a few uses, it can be thrown into the laundry and replaced with a fresh mat.

Restoration Hardware

Here's a great deal on a three pack of terry cloth tub mats.  Just enough: one to use, one to keep in the linen cabinet, and one in the laundry.

Wayfair

If you're looking to make bigger changes to your extra bathroom and plan on replacing counter tops, mirrors or light fixtures - pick the nice stuff!  Don't think that you have to skimp because this is a "kids bathroom". You'll get a lot of bang for your buck in this area because it requires less...smaller counter, one sink, one light, etc.   

Sarah Richardson

Elements like these can take your "kids bathroom" into an area you'll be happy to share with guests.  And your little ones will appreciate the beauty of it too!