Architecture/Bathroom wall

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Expert: - 12/8/2005


Question
Hi Richard:

I hope you can help. Our house was built in the 70s. When you enter the main bathroom (2nd floor) you immediately see the bathtub wall. The plumbing for the shower is in this wall. Asthetically, it looks stupid. You open the door and walk into a wall! We want to replace the tub, etc. and wonder if you can offer any suggestions as to how to deal with the wall. We were thinking of taking it down and moving the plumbing to the opposite wall, but that is an exterior wall (we live in Canada). Any help is appreicated.

Answer
Carolyn:

Thanks for your question!

Without photographs and a measured plan of the bath I can't offer much insight into other bath arrangements.  But assuming there's not enough room or money available to rework the entire bath, I'd suggest you consider ways to make the wall you see when you enter more interesting.  You might put a large mirror there to create an illusion of space; you might paint it a darker color to make it visually recede into the room; or you might place a large piece of art there.

Or - this is a wild idea - hire an artist to paint a mural on that wall...maybe a favorite vacation spot, or maybe paint a realistic window, looking out over your backyard!

It sounds like the wall has the positive effect of blocking direct views into bath and creating some privacy.  Maybe it's worth keeping for that reason alone - it just needs some imagination applied to it!

Hope this helps!

Richard Taylor, AIA
Richard Taylor Architects, LLC
www.rtastudio.com
www.betterhomedesign.blogspot.com

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Richard Taylor, AIA

Expertise

Ask me about all aspects of house, remodeling. , and room addition design and construction. Ask me about historic homes, renovation, and restoration. Ask me about materials and techniques, and about how you can get the best value for your design and construction dollar. Ask me how you can make your home a very special place. I can't, however, answer specific structural engineering questions in this forum - that's something you'll need on-site observation for.

Experience

I own a full-service residential architectural firm, and have been designing custom homes, remodelings, and room additions across the country since 1983. Check us out at Richard Taylor Architects and RTA Plans. I have written and been published extensively on the subject of residential architecture.

Organizations
American Institute of Architects, City of Dublin Architectural Review Board, Vice Chair of City of Dublin Planning and Zoning Commission, American Planning Association, Board Member Historic Dublin Business Association, Past Editor of SPLASH (a software forum), Past Editor of Open Directory Project, Assistant Scoutmaster, Boy Scouts of America

Publications
Business First of Columbus, Suburban New Publications, About.com, Cleveland Plain Dealer, Columbus Dispatch Residential Architect Custom Home Architect Remodeling Architect

Education/Credentials
Bachelor of Environmental Design (Architecture) Miami University 1983
For more about home design, check out my blog at Sense Of Place and join the conversation on our Facebook Page.

Awards and Honors
2010 Dublin Chamber of Commerce Business Person of the Year

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