CHAPTER 3 - Function

I’ll be the first to admit – I’ve chosen looks over function and regretted it. Whether it’s an itchy sweater, a half size too small of shoes, or a lack of storage space, the blisters behind my heel have never been worth it to me.

Let’s take a minute to imagine a world where both looks and function could live harmoniously together… Could a little bit of creativity go a long way? Of course. I would be writing myself into a hole if not.

The key to “good” design is to challenge it with both functionality and looks. Baskets can be cute and functional, but will they provide not only adequate but the kind of storage needed in that space?

Let’s Get Down To It

Remember that list of questions in our first blog about Color? Let me ask a couple of them again…

What is the space going to be used for and who will be using it?

- Are you designing a Powder Room, Master Bathroom, Guest or Kid’s Bathroom, or a Jack & Jill?

What will I be doing in this space?

- Is this where you get ready, where you rinse off from the beach, where you wash your hands after getting home?

Possible Scenarios

LESS IS MORE: Are you designing a Powder Room? Why place a vanity with unnecessary storage space when you could do a statement piece? Try a floating sink or a vintage piece.

MORE IS MORE: Master Bath? Storage space will be your best friend here. Include a linen closet, multiple drawers, built-in shelves, you name it. The more storage the merrier.

BINS, BASKETS, OR BAGGAGE: Are we talking about a bathroom in a vacation home? Think about how much will you store in there, if there are spaces that need to be locked (rental or private residence?), and if you will be primarily be living out of a bag while you’re there. If you suspect there will be empty drawers, it really is a shame to include a standard vanity just for the heck of it.

If you’re living out of a bag, a couple of baskets and open shelves could be enough.

Renting? A lockable linen closet may be the answer to all your baggage.

If this is your secondary home, give yourself some drawers for all your toiletries. Keep the surfaces as clear as possible and don’t let open-shelves clutter your masterpiece.

Of course, too much storage never seems to be enough storage for some of us, but if you can get away with interesting sinks and slabs – do it.

If I haven’t gotten my point across already: there isn’t just one way to design your bathroom. The more you can anticipate your needs in this bathroom, the better your design will be.

Image By Mélanie Cherrier, Blanc Marine Living | Design By @blancmarineliving

Image By Amber Interiors | Design By @amberinteriors | Photo By @tessaneustadt

Image By Michelle Dirkse | Design By @michelledirkse

Built-Ins

Image by Studio PalominoDesigner: @studio_palomino | Tile: @cletile — Image by Studio Palomino
Designer: @studio_palomino | Tile: @cletile

This section won’t have as much flair as the rest, because we mean business when it comes to built-ins. Shower niches, built-in shelving, linen closets - you name it, we love it. And we’ll let you in on a little secret... medicine cabinets are not just the clunkers you can find in outdated homes. Whether you add a modern, Robern medicine cabinet or find one at your favorite furniture retailer, we fully support the cause.

Again, it is all about anticipating your needs…

Niches are within the shower wall and will keep the floors and tub clear not only of products, but of the residue beneath them.

If you can’t build in a linen closet, consider a China Cabinet.

The possibilities are endless… until the construction is done and you didn’t create enough storage space. Think ahead, anticipate your needs, and don’t get stuck with those blisters behind your heel!

Something Old

Function, meet looks. Looks, meet function.

China Cabinets will not only add some character to your bathroom, but they can act as a beautifully showcased linen closet. Stack some matching towels on-top of one another (now is not the time to let the kids practice folding), collect your prettiest bottles and refill them with bubble bath, bath soaks, body lotion, oils, etc. next to a candle (to burn outside the cabinet of course), cotton balls in glass or ceramic containers, and whatever else you see fit.

If it’s too late to add a linen closet, this may be the right move for you. This is the most trendy “band-aid” you can find for that metaphorical blister. Trust us on this.

Image By Christopher Burns Interiors | Design By @christophercburns

Enough Is Enough!

(Especially In Your Powder and Guest Bathrooms)

Image By Studio Ben Allen | Design By @studiobenallen

Enough is enough. If the only storage space you need are for some towels and toilet paper, don’t worry about providing extra drawers and doors.

So I mean: Enough storage space is enough storage space. You don’t need any more than enough in cases like this. Remember, storage space has always been meant to be filled, not to be the standard “look”. You may miss an opportunity to do something really great if you just assume you need 6 drawers of space.

The Meat & Potatoes

The most important takeaway here is to anticipate your needs in your bathroom. You may have a photo in mind to design your entire bathroom around, but take a few minutes to think about what you actually need from your bathroom. Understand the use, the personality, and the investment of your bathroom. You can go beyond picking out a vanity, shower curtain, and matching hand towels. A better bathroom is just a brainstorm away.

Check out our Pinterest page for more inspiration photos and ideas, as well as some of our favorite products linked below to not only use, but to show off.