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A House Beautiful report says the first priority in a bathroom renovation should be the floor plan and how the room functions, rather than decorative choices. Designers interviewed for the story point to layout, storage, vanity use and plumbing locations as areas to address before selecting finishes; one designer says the shower may be the first renovation target if the budget permits.
A House Beautiful report on bathroom renovations says homeowners should start by fixing the layout and functional flow, before choosing tile, countertops or other finishes. Designers interviewed for the story said the floor plan determines how well the room accommodates daily routines, storage and fixtures, although one designer said the shower could be the first specific feature to renovate when the budget allows.
Janelle Patton, principal designer and owner of Lark Interiors, told House Beautiful that her team begins by examining whether a bathroom’s layout works. She said a floor plan can reveal wasted space and create room for improvements such as a larger shower, better storage, a more functional vanity or additional closet space. Patton said designers settle these questions before making decorative decisions because the room’s layout shapes what can follow.
Nureed Saeed, founder and creative director of Nu Interiors, also emphasized functionality and flow. She said the positions of the toilet, shower and sink need to be considered, including whether the toilet area can be made more private or the shower enlarged. The report does not offer a single layout recommendation for every bathroom; the appropriate changes depend on the space and the household’s needs.
The vanity is another major functional consideration, according to Kelly Collier-Clark, founder and principal designer of House of Clark Interiors. She described it as one of the bathroom’s most-used features, serving handwashing, facial care and makeup routines as well as storage. For a small room where a larger vanity may not be practical, Collier-Clark suggested refreshing the area with lighting and a mirror. She separately recommended considering the shower first if renovation funds permit, citing its plumbing and tile work and its effect on both appearance and function.
Layout Decisions Shape the Renovation
Starting with the floor plan matters because fixtures, plumbing and available space can limit later choices. If the layout leaves little storage or an awkward path through the room, selecting attractive finishes will not by itself address those practical problems. The designers’ advice is to identify what is not working in daily use and decide what the room needs before committing to visible upgrades.
The report also distinguishes between a general priority and a particular project. Function and flow come first as planning principles, while a shower renovation may be a practical first construction project when the budget allows. Homeowners should not read that as a universal instruction to replace a shower: the recommendations are expert guidance from designers quoted in one home-design report, not a technical assessment of any individual bathroom.
That distinction can affect how people plan spending. Addressing the layout early may help clarify whether a larger vanity, improved storage or a shower change is feasible. Only after those needs are understood does the report recommend adding optional features aimed at comfort or wellness.
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The Designers’ Renovation Sequence
The House Beautiful story presents recommendations from several interior designers in response to a question about which bathroom improvement clients should tackle first. Its central sequence is to plan the floor layout, assess how fixtures and storage serve everyday routines, and then select finishes and extras. The advice is based on designer interviews rather than a survey or an industry-wide renovation standard.
After the functional basics are settled, the designers say homeowners can weigh optional additions such as steam showers, jetted tubs, cosmetic refrigerators, Bluetooth-enabled rain showerheads and heated bidet seats. Saeed described these as client preferences that can be combined with functional planning. The report does not provide prices, installation timelines or a comparison of the costs and benefits of those features.
“Function first—always.”
— Janelle Patton, principal designer and owner of Lark Interiors
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Costs and Room-Specific Needs
The supplied report does not state how much a renovation or any suggested upgrade costs, how long projects take, or whether moving plumbing is necessary in a particular bathroom. It also does not identify a single floor plan or fixture order that applies to all homes. The designers’ recommendations are general guidance, and the best choice will depend on the room’s dimensions, existing plumbing, budget and the people using it.
The report does not establish that a layout change will increase resale value or quantify any financial return. It focuses on making a bathroom work better for its current occupants. Whether changes are feasible, and what permits or specialist work may be needed, remains specific to each project.
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Plan Before Choosing Finishes
For homeowners considering a renovation, the next step suggested by the report is to identify daily frustrations and discuss the floor plan with a qualified design or renovation professional. That discussion can cover fixture placement, privacy, storage, vanity size and shower dimensions before choices about tile, countertops or optional features are finalized.
After the functional plan is settled, homeowners can compare the cost and practicality of the desired upgrades against their budget. The report does not announce a follow-up study or a scheduled next development; its recommendations remain general until applied to an individual bathroom.
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Key Questions
What should be addressed first in a bathroom renovation?
The House Beautiful report recommends starting with the floor plan and functional flow—including fixture locations, storage and how the room supports daily routines—before choosing finishes.
Does the report say the shower must always be renovated first?
No. Kelly Collier-Clark said she would recommend renovating the shower first if the budget permits. The report’s broader first priority is function and layout, and the right project depends on the bathroom.
Which parts of a bathroom’s layout should homeowners review?
The designers cited the toilet, shower, sink, vanity and storage. They also suggested considering privacy and whether the available space could be used more effectively.
When should homeowners select tile and other finishes?
The designers recommend deciding how the room needs to function first. Once the floor plan and practical requirements are clear, homeowners can move on to tile, countertops, lighting and other aesthetic choices.
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