Introduction
A wet room is an excellent way to open up a small bathroom and make it feel brighter and more spacious. By eliminating the shower enclosure and converting the entire room into a waterproof zone, wet rooms create a seamless look with minimal obstacles. The continuous floors and wall finishes give off an airier vibe while the strategic placement of drainage allows for an expansive yet functional space.
In this week’s featured bathroom, we take a look at a brilliant wet room transformation that took a cramped and dim powder room to a bright and breezy oasis. With some clever layout tweaks, durable waterproofing, and a neutral color palette, the homeowners were able to completely re-imagine their outdated primary bath into a spa-like retreat. If you have a tiny and tired bathroom that is begging for a major makeover, a wet room setup could be the perfect solution. Read on as we break down the elements that made this renovation a success.
Choosing a Wet Room for a Small Bathroom
Why opt for a wet room?
For modestly sized bathrooms, a wet room layout can be an ideal way to create the illusion of more space. By opening up the shower area and integrating it seamlessly into the rest of the room, wet rooms eliminate unnecessary barriers and boundaries. The continuity of the floor and wall finishes allows for a greater feeling of flow. The strategic drainage built into the floor also removes the need for a contained shower enclosure or bathtub taking up precious real estate.
In addition to opening up the floor plan, wet rooms also introduce opportunities to bring in more natural light. The lack of a shower enclosure, shower door, or curtain allows light to permeate every inch of the space. This further amplifies the airy effect. Wet rooms can also eliminate many of the traditional moisture and mildew issues associated with showers. With proper waterproofing methods, the entire space is safe from water damage.
For the homeowner’s with this newly renovated bath, a wet room was the ideal technique to make a dark and cramped powder room feel fresh, open, and infused with light. Despite the small square footage, a few simple tweaks completely transformed the vibe and function.
Design considerations
When planning a wet room for a small bathroom, there are a few key design elements to consider:
- Layout – Strategic planning is needed to zone the space appropriately into wet and dry areas. Careful consideration should be given to the placement of the toilet, vanity, and accessories.
- Waterproofing – The entire space needs heavy-duty waterproofing on the floors and halfway up the walls. Materials like stone resin, vinyl, or ceramic tile work best.
- Drainage – Linear drains must be installed at strategic spots flush to the floor to prevent flooding. Fall should slope towards these drains.
- Ventilation – Proper ventilation is essential to prevent moisture buildup. Ceiling exhaust fans and operable windows are ideal. Dehumidifiers can also help.
- Lighting – To enhance brightness, ample lighting is needed. Waterproof fixtures as well as mirrors and reflective surfaces help maximize light.
- Storage – With no separate shower stall, storage needs to be integrated creatively, such as with floating shelves or niche cubbies.
When executed thoughtfully, wet rooms enable even the most compact bathroom spaces to feel open and airy. Careful planning and durable materials are essential for success.
The Transformative Power of This Wet Room Renovation
Before – A Cramped and Outdated Powder Room
As is common with older homes, the primary bathroom in this house was remarkably small and constrained. With just 32 square feet of space, every inch was precious. The existing layout consisted of a tiny corner shower, small vanity, toilet, and the door swing ate up valuable real estate. Visually, the room felt dark and closed in with its low light, outdated salmon colored tile, and lack of continuity between the discordant fixtures and finishes.
In terms of functionality, the cramped quarters made utilizing the shower a constant struggle. The dated layout also lacked any storage, leaving personal items cluttered around the vanity. Overall, while the bathroom adequately served its purpose, the space was inefficient and begged for a comprehensive overhaul. The homeowners felt the room never lived up to its potential and set out to undertake a total transformation.
After – A Bright and Spa-Like Wet Room Retreat
To revitalize the space, the homeowners opted to gut the bath down to the studs and convert the footprint into a modern wet room. Their vision was to create a bright and relaxing oasis, maximizing every inch while improving storage and aesthetics along the way. By employing clever space-saving techniques and a cohesive design plan, the modest bathroom was fully re-imagined into a functional yet pampering retreat.
Some of the key changes included:
- Eliminating the shower enclosure and converting the entire space into a wet room. A linear drain was added discreetly under the vanity.
- Waterproofing the floors and walls with durable porcelain tile to withstand water exposure.
- Adding a frameless glass partition to subtly separate the wet zone from the dry toilet area.
- Incorporating a wall-hung floating vanity and toilet to open up floor area.
- Installing a dimmable LED rain shower head and hand shower on a sliding bar.
- Building out a recessed niche to replace the lost shower storage.
- Enlarging the window and adding LED lighting to brighten the room.
- Choosing a light color palette of whites and grays to create a calm, clean look.
- Incorporating discreet storage solutions like under-sink drawers and a mirrored cabinet with shelving.
By thoughtfully addressing every aspect of the design, the homeowners were able to eliminate wasted space and effectively activate every square foot. The marriage of durable finishes and spa-like accents resulted in a bathroom that finally lived up to its potential as a luxurious oasis.
The Design Details Behind This Seamless Wet Room
Smart Layout
Creating separate zones for wet and dry activities was an important starting point for the new layout. The toilet area was sectioned off on one side, keeping it isolated from moisture. A frameless glass partition provides subtle separation without closing it off completely. The vanity acts as a divider down the middle, allowing two users to access sink and toilet simultaneously. The shower zone takes up the rest of the space thanks to the wet room design.
Great care was taken in the placement of all fixtures and features. The positioning of the niche, shower heads, mirrors, art, and accessories were all well thought out based on use patterns. Every item serves a purpose while also bettering the overall aesthetics. Even the humble toilet paper holder was considered, being located closest to the toilet within easy reach.
By thinking through the intended function of the bath, the footprint maximizes practicality for real life use. The occupants are able to perform all necessary activities comfortably and conveniently thanks to the thoughtful spatial planning.
Waterproofing Methods
Constructing a wet room requires meticulous waterproofing techniques to guard against leaks and moisture damage. For this bathroom, the homeowners chose porcelain tile for its durability and impermeability. Large format tiles were installed on floors and halfway up walls as one continuous finish to create seamless integration. The linear floor drain provides the slope for water to run off directly.
In addition to the tile, a top of the line waterproof membrane was applied to envelop the entire space. This rubberized barrier coats the studs and sealed seams, providing an impenetrable shield against water infiltration. Special attention was paid to apply the membrane continuously between the floors, walls and ceiling.
By combining robust materials like porcelain tile with advanced waterproofing methods, the homeowners can enjoy an open shower design without worrying about leaks or mildew. The peace of mind allows for relaxation and rejuvenation.
Strategic Lighting Elements
One of the top goals for the redesign was to make the dim space feel bright and airy. Several lighting strategies were employed to transform the ambiance from dreary to cheery. Firstly, an existing small window was enlarged to usher in ample natural light. Secondly, the shower area was opened up by eliminating the enclosure, allowing light to permeate throughout.
Thirdly, adjustable LED lighting was incorporated in strategic spots. LED strip lights surround the mirror providing perfect visibility for grooming. Waterproof ceiling fixtures supply ambient lighting on dimmers to set the mood.
Finally, the tile, finishes, and accessories were kept light. White and gray porous porcelain tile helps reflect light. The absence of dark accent colors also prevents light absorption. Together, the lighting plan enhances the lightness and luminosity of the petite but mighty bathroom.
Storage Solutions
One major challenge in small spaces is integrating storage neatly. With no room for clunky cabinets, thoughtful solutions were required. Beginning with a wall-hung floating vanity, the space below was maximized with a combination of open and concealed storage. Baskets provide easy access to everyday items. The cabinetry offers two drawer compartments for organizing toiletries hidden from view.
The shower niche also recoups the lost recesses from the previous enclosure. This cubby discretely built into the wall acts as shelf to stow shower essentials. Lastly, the medicine cabinet continues the concealment concept with shelves behind the mirror for discreet storage.
By taking advantage of every nook and vertical surface area, the wet room bath does not sacrifice storage despite its modest footprint. The minimalist look also avoids appearing cluttered.
Key Takeaways
This dazzling wet room transformation offers many inspiring lessons for small bathroom renovations:
- Ditch boundaries -eliminate shower enclosures to remove obstacles and open up floorplans. Wet rooms allow continuous finishes and natural light to flow.
- Waterproof everything -use robust materials like tile paired with membranes to withstand constant moisture. Conceal waterproofing behind beautiful finishes.
- Strategize layout – thoughtfully zone spaces for wet and dry functions. Place fixtures and features based on use patterns.
- Add light – enlarge windows, use reflective surfaces like tile and mirrors, install ample task lighting. Create a bright and airy ambiance.
- Get clever with storage – use niche cubbies, floating furniture, drawer compartments. Conceal necessary items neatly.
With meticulous planning and execution, even the most modest and awkward bathroom spaces can be utterly transformed into breathtaking wet room retreats. This dazzling makeover exemplifies the tremendous potential bathrooms have when approached creatively.
Frequently Asked Questions About Wet Room Designs
Here are answers to some common questions about creating wet room bathroom layouts:
What exactly is a wet room?
A wet room refers to a bathroom designed without containment around the shower area. The whole space is waterproofed with drainage built into the floor. There are no doors or curtains enclosing the shower. Water simply runs across the central floor area and empties into a linear drain.
What are the benefits of a wet room?
Wet rooms create a sleek, contemporary look with minimal obstructions. They open up small bathrooms by removing bulky enclosures. The continuous finishes and lack of barriers make wet rooms feel more spacious. They allow ample natural light into the shower area. When properly designed, wet rooms can also reduce mold and mildew issues.
What special construction is needed for wet rooms?
Wet rooms require extensive waterproofing, including on the walls and ceilings. This usually involves tanking the whole space with a waterproof membrane. Floors need a linear drain flush to the floor. Robust and impervious finishes like ceramic tile work best. Ventilation is also important to minimize moisture buildup.
How much does a wet room cost compared to a regular bathroom?
The intensive waterproofing required makes wet rooms more expensive. You’ll need to factor in added steps for tanking the walls and ceilings as well as installing linear drains. Fixtures also must be drainless and work within a sloped floor. Depending on finishes and accessories, wet rooms typically cost 25-50% more.
What maintenance is required for wet rooms?
Periodic reapplication of waterproofing sealants helps maintain protections. Check that all seams and joints remain intact. Clean linear drains regularly to prevent clogs. Ensure the ventilation system is working optimally. Monitor grout and caulking and touch up when needed. Apply sealers to natural stone surfaces annually.
Can you have toilets and vanities in a wet room?
Yes, wet rooms can incorporate toilets, vanities, and standard bathroom fixtures. The dry plumbing components simply need to be zoned separately from the main showering area. Many wet rooms have a partition dividing the toilet and vanity area from the open shower space.
How do you minimize mildew and mold in a wet room?
Proper ventilation is key. Ceiling fans, operable windows, and dehumidifiers keep moist air moving. Tanking surfaces with membranes prevents seepage into walls. Maintenance like reapplying sealants also keeps moisture out. Finally, antimicrobial additives can be integrated into grout and caulking.
Conclusion
For cramped bathrooms that lack natural light, a well-designed wet room can provide an ingenious solution. With strategic space planning and robust waterproofing, even the tiniest baths can be opened up and infused with spa-like luxury. While wet rooms do require careful construction techniques, the visual payoff and enhanced spaciousness makes the investment worthwhile for many homeowners. Just like with this remarkable renovation, by re-imagining layouts and finishes, tremendous transformations are possible. With an innovative wet room, you can turn a dreary and cramped powder room into a bright, breezy oasis.
