How to Design a 4-Piece Bathroom

Find bathroom fixtures that seem appropriate; review design books and magazines to see what's appealing. Choose a sink with a vanity cabinet, commode, shower unit and bathtub unit to comprise the four-piece bathroom. Consider a whirlpoool tub as the bathtub or an average-size bathtub with whirlpool jets, if the budget allows.

Measure the bathroom space. Sketch the floor from a bird's-eye view looking downward. Sketch each wall space as well. Include all window openings. Define the size of each window, wall, recessed space and closet, so the final drawings and selection of fixtures work well. Make notes about wall cabinets, blinds or curtains and shelves that will fit around the installed fixtures.

Draw a general layout in several patterns to experiment with fixtures. Make the vanity area the focal point of the bathroom. Put the sink and vanity along a longer wall, for example. Draw the commode to sit in a recessed space or behind a half wall. Do not face the commode toward the door area, if possible. Experiment with different placements, but try to put the tub and shower right next to each other.

Review existing plumbing before finalizing plans. See how water lines and drain lines factor into the design. Place a bathtub to fit plumbing extended from a nearby bathroom, for example. Determine that drain lines coming down from all fixtures are capable of routing to a hidden wall, if the bathroom is on the second floor.

Use graph paper to lay out the final floor plan. Ensure that every component part of the four fixtures are accounted for in the drawing, plus all cabinetry and shelving that take up floor space. Consider how a bath door will open and close as well. Design the door to open inward, if possible. Also, design shower doors to work well with the traffic plan.