How to Design a Kid-Friendly Chicago Bathroom with Style
Creating a space that is safe and fun for children often feels like a compromise on style. A kid-friendly bathroom doesn’t have to mean bright primary colors and plastic characters overtaking the space. It’s about smart, intentional design choices that prioritize safety, organization, and durability while seamlessly blending with your home’s overall style.
This is especially true in the bathroom. Practicality must meet design. For many Chicago families, it is a balancing act. With the right approach, you can create a beautiful bathroom that will work for everyone in the family.
Our Areté Designers will walk you through creating a chic, functional, and safe bathroom for your Chicago home. We aim to prove that family-friendly design can also be elegant.
Areté Values Safety First
When designing a space for children, safety is the top priority. The bathroom, with its hard surfaces and water, presents unique hazards. The good news is that many safety solutions are now designed with aesthetics in mind, allowing you to protect your kids without cluttering your design.
Non-Slip Surfaces
Slippery floors are a major concern. A stylish, high-quality non-slip bath mat is a simple and effective solution for inside the tub or shower. Look for mats in neutral colors or subtle patterns that complement your tile. For the main floor, consider large-scale tiles with a matte or textured finish. These naturally provide more grip than glossy, smooth surfaces and can be a stunning design feature.
Soften the Edges
Sharp corners on vanities and countertops pose a risk for active toddlers. When selecting a new vanity, opt for one with rounded edges. If you’re working with an existing fixture, discreet corner guards made from clear silicone can be applied to soften sharp points without being visually intrusive.
Similarly, a soft-spout cover for the bathtub faucet can prevent bumps and bruises during playtime. Many modern designs are available in sleek finishes like gray or white, blending right in with your fixtures.
Smart Storage for a Tidy Space
Bath toys, colorful washcloths, and step stools can quickly lead to clutter. Effective storage is the key to maintaining a serene and organized bathroom. The goal is to keep kids’ items accessible to them but neatly out of sight when not in use.
Built-in and Hidden Solutions
If you’re remodeling, consider incorporating built-in storage. A recessed niche in the shower is perfect for holding shampoos and bath toys. Deep drawers in a floating vanity can hide a surprising number of items. For a quick fix, use woven baskets or stylish bins that fit on open shelves or under the sink. Assigning specific baskets for toys makes cleanup a fun and easy task for children.
Accessible Storage for Little Ones
Encourage independence by making sure kids can reach their own essentials. A low-profile drawer or a stylish, sturdy basket on the floor can hold their towels and bath toys. This not only empowers them but also helps keep the bathroom floor clear. Choose storage solutions that match your bathroom’s material palette—like a wooden crate in a rustic-inspired space or a sleek metal bin in a more modern design.
Choose Easy-to-Clean Materials
From toothpaste splatters to water splashes, a family bathroom needs to withstand a lot of wear and tear. Selecting durable and easy-to-clean materials is a practical decision that also supports a high-end look.
Walls and Floors
Waterproof or semi-gloss paint is your best friend in a family bathroom. It resists moisture and is incredibly easy to wipe clean, keeping your walls looking fresh.
For flooring, large-format porcelain or ceramic tiles are an excellent choice. With fewer grout lines to clean, they are low-maintenance and available in countless designs, from realistic wood looks to elegant marble patterns. These materials are tough enough for family life and sophisticated enough for a master retreat.
Fixtures and Countertops
Marble is a fantastic countertop material for a family bathroom. Its timeless elegance adds a luxurious touch, and with proper sealing, it can resist staining from spilled soaps or lotions.
For faucets and showerheads, choose finishes like brushed nickel or chrome with a PVD (physical vapor deposition) finish, which is resistant to scratches and tarnishing.
Add Playful Touches to Your Bathroom
A kid-friendly bathroom should have elements of fun, but they don’t need to dominate the room. The key is to add playful accents that can be easily updated as your children grow.
Color and Décor
Instead of painting the entire room a bright color, introduce pops of color through accessories. Think colorful towels, a fun shower curtain, or vibrant wall art. These items can be easily swapped out over time. A gallery wall of your children’s own artwork, framed in simple, matching frames, can add a personal and charming touch.
Cohesive Color Scheme
Stick to the elegant and cohesive color palette you chose for the rest of your home. Use kid-friendly accessories to add accent colors. Keep the main elements such as the tile, vanity, and walls in your preferred neutral or muted tones. This will ensure the room feels connected to your overall design vision.
Elegant Fixtures
Don’t overlook the “jewelry” of the bathroom. A sleek faucet, modern light fixtures, and sophisticated hardware can completely transform the space. These small details reflect quality and intentional design. Even with a rubber duck in the tub, stylish taps show that this is a beautifully curated room.
Areté: Create Your Perfect Family Bathroom
Designing a bathroom that is both stylish and kid-friendly is entirely achievable. By focusing on safety, incorporating clever storage, choosing durable materials, and adding thoughtful, playful touches, you can create a space that the whole family will love for years to come.
Your Chicago home deserves a bathroom that is as functional for your kids as it is beautiful for you.
Ready to transform your bathroom into a stunning, family-friendly retreat? The team at Areté is here to help. We specialize in creating custom spaces that blend impeccable style with real-life functionality. Give us a call at 773.683.3033 or contact us today to start designing the bathroom of your dreams.