Kids Bathroom Designs …
Fun, Practical, Safe
The bathroom designs cater to all ages of kids – adorn with fun, practical and safe accessories.
Now that you have decided to redecorate the kids’ bedroom, can their bathroom be far behind? The current trend is to have a bathroom specifically for the kids. In smaller homes, the same doubles as a guest bathroom too. If that is your situation, you might be torn between catering to your child’s whims and maintaining the elegant look to match the rest of your décor.
There are a number of designs and themes that can carry from the bedroom onto the kids bathroom. You need to remember, however, that the bathroom is a much smaller space. Too much of a theme can overpower it. There are simple ways to create a bathroom that is both kid-friendly as well as easily convertible to guest bathroom.
1. Kid-size Bath Fixtures. If you have the luxury of decorating the bathroom just for kids, you could indulge in kid-size bath fixtures. Do away with step stools and plastic add-on toilet seats. You will have to be prepared for changing the fixtures as the kids grow up. A cost effective method is to use conventional plumbing which can continue in the room even with the grown up size sink and tub.
Tip: Remember, toddlers love to exert their independence. Kid size fixtures and fittings allow them this freedom. Lower the light switch as well, to a height they can reach.
2. Use the Bedroom Logic. As in the bedroom, bathroom designs should follow the logic of neutral colors for the costly fixtures. You can establish the theme through less expensive and easily replaceable items such as shower curtains, bath rugs, wall borders, toothbrush holders and other accessories. Just to remind you once again…do not over-decorate the bathroom. If you are going with the flower theme, add butterflies and ladybugs to enhance the outdoor spring look. If you are going with the ocean theme, a giant smiling octopus on one wall can break the monotony of fishes and seashells.
Tip: If you are adding actual seashells or any such accessories, go for big size ones, so your toddler cannot put it in his mouth. It is best to avoid such items that can be swallowed or broken. Showcase the bathroom designs through artwork and stickers instead.
3. Bright Colors for Walls. Normally we would avoid bright colors on the walls for bedrooms. But the bathroom need not have the same restrictions. Time spent in the bathroom is considerably less. Also a bright color to greet the kids in the morning as they brush their teeth might give them the right start to the day. Replace vanity doors and drawer pulls with ones that match the color scheme to give the room the fun factor. Since the bathroom walls take up hardly any area, changing the paint color, once your kid is bored with it, is a snap.
Tip: Consider using Chalkboard paint on one wall of the bathroom. Your kids (or you) can create new bathroom designs (in keeping with the theme) when he gets bored of the existing one.
4. Spruce Up the Tiles. The bathroom is only half walls, with the rest of it either tiled or mirrored. Spruce up those boring tiles by either using stick-on accents or adding stencil designs to make bath-time a lather of fun. Repeat the color and design in several spots around the room. You could also personalize with the names of the kids spelt out in fancy ways.
Tip: There are bath-time markers available in market. Your child can produce instant art by drawing on the tiles as he bathes. This is a neat way to display his artwork and create a new look…everyday!
5. Go Budget-friendly. There are just so many bathroom accessories in such charming themes; you might be tempted to buy the whole lot. As with the bedroom, first chalk out your budget. Here are some cool bathroom designs that will lend a theme without emptying your pocket.
* Add wall border around the top of the wall and a matching bath mat. The theme will instantly stand out throughout the bathroom.
* A shower curtain takes up about as much space as a wall and instantly brings out the theme. A matching toothbrush holder and waste basket can help tie in the rest of the room.
* If the bathroom boasts a window, adding the shower curtain as a window treatment (cut to size, of course), carries the theme to this wall. Color coordinated or themed bath towels will further enhance the look.
6. Bathroom Safety Issues. Whenever we are dealing with kids, their safety has to be our number one priority. Disasters do not knock before they come; they simply knock you off your feet. Keep these points in mind when finalizing the bathroom designs.
* Do not leave your child unattended in the bathtub for even one moment.
* Use anti-slip mats in the bathtub and anti-slip bath rugs.
* Cover all power outlets.
* Do not keep any small accessories that can cause a choking hazard.
* Do not use granite or smooth tile on the bathroom floor.
* Keep cleaners and other chemicals out of their bathroom. If they have to be there, ensure you put a child-proof lock on the cabinet.
* Set your hot water heater to a comfortable temperature to avoid scalding.
7. Going Eco-friendly in the Bathroom. Want to do your bit for the environment. Here is how you can help.
* Natural Light – include skylights or large windows in your bathroom design to reduce the use of electricity.
* Electric Light – for the inevitable use of electric lights, opt for low voltage led lighting. Better still, a motion sensor light will eliminate the stress of getting the kids to switch off after use.
* Solar hot water heater – install a solar heater to help heat your water and lower your electricity bills.
* Faucets - Conserve water by using automated motion sensor faucets…especially useful while the kids are brushing their teeth!
* Showers - Water saving shower heads can also reduce the use of water significantly.
* Water saving toilets – Install a dual flush toilet or a pressurized toilet to help lower your water bills considerably.
* Recycled building materials – using recycled materials for vanities and tiles also allows you to contribute towards saving the environment.
8. Sharing Bathroom Space with Siblings and Guests. In several homes, the kids bathroom also serves as the guest bathroom. Are you torn between decorating with child oriented bathroom designs or a more elegant one that matches the rest of your décor? You have 3 options:
a. Go with the child theme. Your first priority is your child. Giving the room his definite stamp will put a glow in his heart. Besides, a fun kid theme does brighten up the small space and appeals to the child in all of us.
b. Opt for a neutral theme. Bathroom designs and themes such as flowers, ocean, beach etc. reach across all ages and can be designed to appeal to kids as well as grown-ups.
c. Keep a separate set. If you are a perfectionist and will not settle for a compromise, keep a separate set of accessories to be used when there are guests in the house. Remember to keep a step stool to make the sink accessible to your little one.
9. Tons of Storage Space. The storage space is an oft neglected aspect of bathroom decorating. You must organize the cabinets and open shelves to provide for items such as toilet rolls, cleaners, extra towels. For babies and small kids, additional space is taken up by bath toys, creams and soaps. As the kids grow, so do their skin care needs. For older kids and teens, adequate storage for the various types of creams, shampoos, hair dryer, make-up kits etc is a welcome addition. A clothes hamper can neatly hide the pile of dirty laundry. These basic ideas help the kids stay organized and the bathroom looking tidy.
Whether you decide to go for simple bathroom designs or over-the-top ones, this is one sure way to create a unique space your kids will definitely enjoy.
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