THE FUNDAMENTALS OF DESIGNING HALL BATHROOM LAYOUTS AND FLOOR PLANS — Tami Faulkner Design (2024)

Hall bathrooms are typically located along hallway corridors and are intended to be shared by those occupying the bedrooms near by.

For this post, I’m sharing the fundamentals for designing hall bathroom layouts and floor plans, and then illustrating with the Orchard Abode Project, a whole-house remodel and addition located near Sacramento, California.

Before we jump into the design plans from the Orchard Abode Project, let’s start with the fundamentals of hall bathroom design, shown in the design guide below.

Basically there are two layouts that work best for hallway bathroom floor plans - either a single wall arrangement for all the fixtures, or placing the fixtures on parallel walls, as noted below.

After reviewing the Design Guide, the what’s not working in the as-built floor plan should be more evident. Even so, I’ll start with explanations and then go through the design solutions and the reasoning behind each of them. You’ll see that for the Orchard Abode Project that the hall bathroom was designed with a single wall layout, with all the fixtures being located along one wall.

.01
LOCATION OF TOILET
Problem:
The toilet should never be front facing to a door.
Solution:
Relocate the toilet so it is between the sink cabinet and tub/shower combination. That way it is tucked in, obscured, and offers more privacy.

.02
LOCATION OF WATER HEATER
Problem:
The location of the water heater interrupts the space, making it difficult to achieve a proper layout.
Solution:
Change to a tankless water heater so space can be better utilized.

.03
LENGHT OF SINK COUNTER
Problem:
Cabinet length is not adequate for two sinks.
Solution:
Increase sink cabinet length by adjusting bathroom layout.

Now that we’ve established the basic fundamentals for hall bathroom design and floor plans, let’s take a look at the design options I provided for the clients for this space.

OPTION A - DESIGN FEATURES

• Single sink

• Tall linen cabinet with display

• Tiled sink wall

• Separate toilet room with shower/tub combination

• Enlarged window

OPTION B - DESIGN FEATURES

• Double sinks and mirrors

• Separate toilet room with shower/tub combo

• Enlarged window

In reviewing the floor plan options, starting with the very first one, which one is your favorite - Option 1, 2 or 3? You might need to look close to see the differences.

• Hall bathroom floor plans are typically about simplicity and economy of space. By using the criteria outlined in the design guide for Fundamentals of Hall Bathroom Design, it will make all the difference with accomplishing a well designed bathroom.

• Don’t misunderstand that an objective for simplicity of design would make a space boring or uninteresting. Not so - you can see otherwise from the design options and selections shown here.

• In the design options shown, they have different features and different amounts of storage, but one isn’t better than the other - it just all depends on the needs and preferences of the clients.

PRIMARY BATHROOM DESIGN TIPS FOR AGING IN PLACE

PRIMARY SUITE FLOOR PLAN OPTIONS - ROUND ONE

PROJECT INTRODUCTION - INTERIOR DESIGN STUDIO - A WEEK IN REVIEW

KITCHEN ELEVATIONS - INTERIOR DESIGN STUDIO - A WEEK IN REVIEW

As a spatial designer, I work at the intersection of architecture and design. I help clients get the best possible version of their homes, and the maximum use out of their spaces, by starting with the design of the floor plans.

Due to the comprehensive approach to design, I invest a lot of time, energy, and even a lot of love into each of my projects. If you think I would be a good fit for your project and you are hoping to work together, feel free to reach out via the contact page on my website, and answer all the questions as thoroughly as you can. Once received, I’ll review and get back with you.

Don’t need full service design but you have a new custom home project in the works that you are feeling unsure about the floor plan? You can get my spatial expertise, guidance and direction with your your floor plan through my new, stand-alone Floor Plan Review and Consultation. This service is intended for those needing an extra layer of expertise with their floor plans before they are finalized. Schedule your FLOOR PLAN REVIEW AND CONSULTATION here. Rest assured that you will be glad you did. It will be every bit worth your investment.

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“My husband and I recently signed an LOI for a spec home and were presented with a space plan that we knew in our hearts didn’t make sense, but we didn’t know why or even where to begin. We were delighted to find Tami through Instagram and scheduled her Floor Plan Review with the hope that somehow, we could find a way to make the plan work. Tami did such an outstanding job - immediately pointing out that although there was work to be done, there were possible solutions. She identified several problems and armed us with possible solutions (and many more questions!). The hour we spent with her was incredibly valuable, saving us time, money, and stress. We appreciate her candor, professionalism, and her skills, and the attention she gave our project.” - Halee and Michael, NEW MEXICO

Are you feeling stuck in uncertainty and are looking for guidance with design questions specific to your project but don’t know where to go? I’m here for you.

With more than 20 years experience as a custom home designer, I can help guide you through the design dilemmas that you are facing through my new 60 minute virtual design consultations. During our time together I will answer your questions, provide solutions, all while explaining the reasoning behind them. That way you have a better understanding of the why’s and why-nots of good design and can move forward with confidence.Schedule your Design Consultation here.

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Let’s work together to make your home the best it can be.

Cheers!

Tami