Commercial Bathrooms: Tips & Guidelines

As an experienced interior designer, I like to think I possess a keen eye for aesthetics and functionality in every space I encounter. One area that particularly captures my attention is public bathrooms. Often overlooked in terms of design, commercial restrooms actually play a crucial role in shaping the impression of a business. The good news is that upgrading a commercial bathroom doesn't have to be an exorbitant endeavor. There are numerous high-impact updates that can be tailored to different budget levels, ensuring an enhanced restroom experience.

Personally, I have numerous pet peeves when it comes to poorly designed bathrooms. Neglecting regular maintenance, poor ventilation, gaps between toilet partitions to faucets with inadequate spouts that hinder proper hand washing, unattractive paper towel dispensers, and uninspired industrial finishes, the list goes on. That's why I cannot emphasize enough the importance of creating statement restrooms in any building or public space. Restrooms are a fundamental part of any structure, serving a critical function by providing essential facilities for personal hygiene and convenience.

Overall cleanliness is very important to feel like your bathrooms are usable to begin with. Making sure you have a janitorial staff regularly and effectively sanitizing and cleaning these spaces is a fundamental rule for an inviting restroom. Poor ventilation can also lead to odor and damage to your bathroom finishes and hinder their appearance. High levels of humidity can destroy wallpaper applications and form mold growth to a change in the color of your ceilings, these effects will all negatively affect a user’s experience.

To achieve a less "commercial" atmosphere, I highly recommend incorporating elements that add color and visual interest. Artwork, wallcoverings, and statement tiles can go a long way in transforming the space. Adding bold wallpapers or paint colors to highlight the sink area and incorporating individual mirrors with sconces can create a spa-like ambiance.

Statement restrooms can positively impact users' well-being. By creating a calming and relaxing atmosphere, stress levels can be reduced, leaving users feeling refreshed and rejuvenated. Achieving this can involve incorporating natural materials, soft lighting, and beautiful unique designs.

There are several trends that can elevate your restroom design:

Touchless Technology

In light of the COVID-19 pandemic, touchless bathroom fixtures have gained popularity. Hands-free faucets, soap dispensers, and paper towel dispensers reduce the spread of germs and bacteria.

Water-Saving Features

Many businesses are embracing water-saving fixtures such as low-flow toilets and urinals to promote environmental consciousness and reduce water usage and costs.

Design and Aesthetics

Commercial bathroom design is no longer solely focused on functionality but also on aesthetics. Building owners are investing in stylish bathroom fixtures, tiles, and accessories to create a positive and memorable experience for customers.

Accessibility

Prioritizing accessibility in commercial bathrooms is crucial. Ensuring compliance with ADA guidelines through features like grab bars, accessible stalls, and sinks caters to individuals with disabilities.

Gender-Neutral Bathrooms

Creating gender-neutral or all-gender bathrooms fosters inclusivity and provides a welcoming environment for people of all genders and backgrounds.

High-Tech Amenities

In high-end commercial buildings, bathrooms can be outfitted with high-tech amenities like built-in TVs, sound systems, and programmable lighting, creating a luxurious and personalized experience.

Along with some of the current trends, upgrading some of the products used in the restroom is equally important. Avoiding poor-quality items such as cheap toilet paper, harsh hand soap, and cheap plastic towel dispensers. As well as providing complimentary feminine hygiene products can greatly enhance the experience for customers and employees.

Functionality especially in high-traffic areas, is crucial. Ensuring proper placement of hand dryers in relation to the sink can prevent water from dripping across the floor and causing damage over time. Additionally, selecting appropriately sized wastebaskets is vital to avoid the perception of a lack of care and cleanliness.

Restroom updates can range in cost.?Some mid-range updates can incorporate touchless fixtures, which have gained popularity due to increased hygiene awareness. Upgrading lighting fixtures to include task lighting and statement sconces can dramatically improve the user experience. Swapping traditional light switches for motion sensors promotes energy efficiency.

High-range updates can include upgrading surfaces such as stalls, flooring, wall tiles, countertops, sinks, and ceiling tiles.?It can also add functionality and character while ensuring easy maintenance. For other high-impact upgrades, consider options like solid wall partitions instead of standard stalls to create a luxurious feel and enhance privacy. Adding shower and locker areas promotes health and wellness for employees. Bold design choices like geometric tiled walls, floating backlit mirrors, and aesthetically pleasing bathroom stall doors can create a memorable restroom experience, leaving a lasting impression on visitors.

Ultimately, commercial restrooms, despite their utilitarian nature, can still be designed to be comfortable, functional, and visually appealing. Collaborating with a skilled design team can help create a restroom space that shows care for employees and customers alike. Designers play a crucial role in enhancing the overall experience and well-being of building users while promoting inclusivity, accessibility, and a sense of pride in the space.

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