STORAGE iN THE BATHROOM (FORM 4)

Talking about activities in the bathroom can easily lead to discussing your client’s storage needs. What does your client want to keep in the bathroom? Where will they use the different items stored in the bathroom? How frequently do they use each item? These are some examples of in­formation that is useful to you, the designer, in planning bathroom storage.

The users of the bathroom space can complete the storage inventory checklist in Form 4: Bathroom Storage Inventory. This inventory is divided into several sections, by location of storage: near the vanity/lavatory/grooming center; near the bathtub/shower; near the toilet/bidet; and other; as well as for display only. In addition, your client is asked to identify frequency of use and type of storage. The Form 4 checklist has many common bathroom items already listed to make it easier to use. This checklist will be very helpful in the design process, so encourage your client to be thorough in completing it. Also, it is helpful if the client has completed this inventory in advance of the in­terview.

You will want to compare Form 3: Checklist for Bathroom Activities with Form 4: Bathroom Storage Inventory. Are there supplies needed for an activity that are not included on the storage inventory? Do some of the storage items suggest activities that are not included on the checklist? You may need to go back to the client for clarification.

If you are going to design a clothes closet adjacent to, or integrated into, the bathroom, you may need more detail than is provided in the bathroom storage inventory. Form 11: Clothes Storage Inventory for Hanging Clothes, Form 12: Clothes Storage Inventory for Folded, Rolled, and Other Types of Clothes, and Form 13: Worksheet for Folded or Rolled Clothing are available to gather specific information for designing closets. If you will be incorporating an exercise area in or near the bathroom, you may want to use Form 1 5: Assessment for Exercise Area to help in planning the space. These forms are provided and discussed in chapter 9, "More Than a Bathroom," along with more information about planning closets and exercise areas.

Towels

Towels need special consideration when designing a bathroom. In addition to the storage inventory information on towels, you need to consider the regular users of the bathroom, their activities, and the size towels they use, to determine how many towel bars are needed. Do not forget to ask about special towel storage features, such as heated towel bars or towel warmers.

Your client may want a linen closet in, or adjacent to, the bathroom. Refer to chapter 9 for Form 14: Linen Closet Storage Inventory for more information on planning linen closets.

	Form 4: Bathroom Storage Inventory Instructions: This inventory is divided into sections representing areas in the bathroom. Many of the typical items found in bathrooms are already listed. Check those items you want to store in the bathroom. Add any additional items needed. Complete the form, indicating how many of each item you have, how frequently you use it, and the type of storage you would like. Blank lines are included for items you have that are not listed. A space for notes is at the end of each section. Include information about special size or space requirements, items that need to be stored away from children, or other important details.
	Items Stored Near the Vanity/Lavatory/Grooming Center
✓	Item to Store	How Many?	Frequency of use	Type of Storage
Often	Sometimes	Cabinet	Open Shelf	Drawer	(Other Describe)
	Barrettes, pins, clips
	Contact lens supplies
	Curlers: electric
	Curling iron
	Hair brush, comb
	Hair care products, e. g., mousse, gel
	Hair dryer
	First aid supplies
	Glasses: drinking
	Lotion
	Make-up/cosmetics, e. g. mascara, lipstick
	Medicines, vitamins
	Nail clippers, files
	Nail polish, manicure supplies
	Perfume, cologne
	Razor
	Razor, electric
	Shaving cream, after shave
	Soap
	Tissues
	Toothbrush
	Toothbrush, electric
	Toothpaste, dental floss
	Towels, face
	Towels, hand
	Tweezers
	Additional vanity/lavatory/grooming items:
	notes: (continued)

Items Stored Near the Bathtub/Shower
✓	Item to Store	How Many?	Frequency of use	Type of Storage
Often	Sometimes	Cabinet	Open Shelf	Drawer	(Other Describe)
	Bubble bath
	Cleaning supplies
	Clothes: dirty
	Clothes: robe, pajamas or sleeping clothes
	Clothes: underwear
	Douching equipment
	Lotion
	Powder
	Radio, CD player
	Razor
	Scale
	Shampoo, conditioner
	Shower gel
	Soap
	Sponges
	Squeegee
	Television
	Towels, bath
	Towels, bath sheets
	Towels, face or hand
	Towels, guest
	Toys
	Additional bathtub/shower items:

Form 4: Bathroom Storage Inventory (continued)

items Stored Near the Toilet/Bidet
✓	item to Store	How Many?	Frequency of use	Type of Storage
Often	Sometimes	Cabinet	Open Shelf	Drawer	(Other Describe)
	Books
	Diapers; clean
	Diapers; soiled
	Magazines, newspapers
	Medicines
	Sanitary napkins, tampons
	Soap
	Toilet bowl brush
	Toilet bowl cleaners
	Toilet paper
	Towels
	Wet wipes
	Additional toilet/bidet items;

Other items to Store (if a separate linen or clothes closet is planned, additional information may be needed)
✓	item to Store	How Many?	Frequency of use	Type of Storage
Often	Sometimes	Cabinet	Open Shelf	Drawer	(Other Describe)
	Accessories, e. g,, scarves, belts
	Clothes: folded clothes
	Clothes: rod storage (specify height)
	Clothes: rod storage (specify height)
	Coffee maker
	Coffee or tea supplies, e. g., cups, spoons
	Exercise equipment
	Household linens, miscellaneous
	Household linens, pillows
	Household linens, pillow cases
	Household linens, sheets
	Jewelry
	Laundry products
	Robe, pajamas, nightgown
	Shoes, slippers
	Additional items:

Notes:

Form 4: Bathroom Storage Inventory (continued)

items For Display
✓	item to Store	How Many?	Frequency of Use	Type of Storage
Often	Sometimes	Cabinet	Open Shelf	Drawer	(Other Describe)
	Antiques
	Baskets
	Bottles, jars, bowls
	Decorative items, miscellaneous
	Pictures, artwork
	Plants
	Additional display items:

YOUR CLIENT’S BATHROOM PREFERENCES (FORM 5)

After determining bathroom activities and storage requirements, you need to ask your client what they do and do not like in a bathroom—and what is feasible for their space and budget.

Begin with their current bathroom(s), even ones they are not planning to remodel (at this time). Ask what they do not like about the space. Be very specific. Let your client volunteer information first, such as:

• There is not enough light over the vanity.

• The space feels crowded.

• There are not enough towel bars.

Then ask what they do like, such as:

• The bathtub is comfortable for soaking.

• The towel racks are convenient to the shower.

Ideas suggested by your client, positive or negative, can indicate areas of strong feeling. Remember these as you develop your design.

Next, ask your client to talk about what they want in a bathroom. Let them suggest ideas, but be sure to cover the major features. Form 5: Your Client’s Bathroom Preferences can help you collect and organize this information.