Brilliant Bathroom Features You’ve Never Considered
Whether you’re looking to enhance your current bathroom, make the most of a small footprint or add more WOW-factor to your bathroom design or renovation, there is no better place to gain insight and inspiration than renowned bathroom designer Adrienne Dorig Leland of Dorig Designs.
The mastermind behind some of the most awe-inspiring bathroom projects we’ve come across, Adrienne does more than design stunning spaces, as she’s known to incorporate highly customized features that meet the unique needs of her clients. So without further ado, here are 11 brilliant bathroom features from various Dorig Designs projects – organized into three distinct categories including functional, aesthetic and accessible – all of which are sure to spark some inspiration.
Functional
Heated Towel Drawer
Is there anything better than a long, hot shower to start or end the day? You might think so until you experience the sensation of wrapping yourself in a clean, cozy and perfectly heated post-shower towel. Adrienne is known to include towel warmers in a variety of ways, but transforming this warming drawer (typically used in kitchens) into a luxurious bathroom feature is our favorite.
Wall-Mounted Toilets
Wall-mounted toilets are one way to turn an otherwise mundane bathroom necessity into an intentional design element. With the tank existing behind the wall and out of sight, this alternative to the traditional toilet not only saves space but creates a more streamlined look with the bonus of being easier to keep clean. The Geberit In-Wall Toilet System is one of Adrienne’s favorites, which fits in 2x6 or 2x4 constructed walls so they work well in remodels.
Docking Drawer
Adrienne includes Docking Drawer Blade Series outlets in every project she can, which are not only safe – featuring an interlocking safety feature that cuts power to the outlet when surrounding temperature exceeds 120 degrees – but also simple to specify into drawers of any type.
Providing an additional, convenient power source in the bathroom (which often include only limited and awkwardly placed outlets), Docking Drawer outlets offer the ability to connect hot tools and styling accessories safely inside the drawer, eliminating the need to plug and unplug and reducing the amount of cords and clutter that would otherwise take over (and take away from) beautiful vanity surfaces.
Aesthetic
Wall Stencils
Adrienne recommends wall stencils to add fun patterns to the bathroom, which is a budget friendly alternative to wallpaper that offers a similar look without the risk of moisture damage.
Wall Stencils
Adrienne recommends wall stencils to add fun patterns to the bathroom, which is a budget friendly alternative to wallpaper that offers a similar look without the risk of moisture damage.
Ceiling Track for Shower Curtain
Instead of a traditional shower curtain rod, consider using a ceiling track like this. Not only will this provide a full view of your beautiful tilework, but hanging the rod higher can make the bathroom appear taller and more grand.
Bold Colored Tile
Don’t be afraid to go bold! Imagine starting each day by showering in a space wrapped in color. Handmade fish scale tiles in teal make a fun statement in the back of this shower and shampoo niche.
Textured Tile
In bathrooms with a neutral palette, varying the size and texture of tile creates interest. Here the small pebble tile in the niche contrasts with the larger 12x24 sized tile. And the smoothness of the 12x24 tile allows the texture of the hand carved tile, the focal point of the bath, to stand out.
Textured Tile
In bathrooms with a neutral palette, varying the size and texture of tile creates interest. Here the small pebble tile in the niche contrasts with the larger 12x24 sized tile. And the smoothness of the 12x24 tile allows the texture of the hand carved tile, the focal point of the bath, to stand out.
Floor to Ceiling Tile
Create the perception of a larger space with floor to ceiling tile, making even the smallest of bathrooms appear larger (and more glamorous, if you ask us!).
Rough Textured Edges
Another aesthetic feature that Adrienne recommends are rough-textured edges like you see on this countertop. Unique details like these can make your space memorable.
Shampoo Ledges
This one may not be new to you, but it’s one you’ll want to be intentional about including in your bathroom design plans. Offering a designated space for your shampoos, soaps, razors and sponges will keep you from cluttering shower ledges and floors, creating a more organized, cleaner aesthetic with improved functionality. And using stone bases like this, with little to no grout, are not only easier to clean than common alternatives but they can provide you with the opportunity to pull in materials from around the bathroom.
If this isn’t a realistic feature for your space, check out these wall-mounted soap dispensers that boast similar benefits to those mentioned above, with the additional benefit of being an environmentally friendly alternative.
Accessible
Transitional Toilet Seat
If you’ve ever managed a toddler through the dreaded potty training phase, well.. you’ll be sorry you didn’t see this one sooner. This layered toilet seat is a transitional feature that not only allows you to change the size of the seat to fit every member of your family from kidlet through adulthood, it eliminates the need to house (and clean) an additional toddler potty in the bathroom. For all the future parents and grandparents reading this - you’re welcome.
Transitional Toilet Seat
If you’ve ever managed a toddler through the dreaded potty training phase, well.. you’ll be sorry you didn’t see this one sooner. This layered toilet seat is a transitional feature that not only allows you to change the size of the seat to fit every member of your family from kidlet through adulthood, it eliminates the need to house (and clean) an additional toddler potty in the bathroom. For all the future parents and grandparents reading this - you’re welcome.
Curbless Showers
Commonly incorporated into projects with small footprints, curbless showers take up less space, offer an elegant aesthetic and easier access for those with limited mobility.
Adjustable Shower Head
Not only beneficial to families with small children, an adjustable, pole-mounted shower head like this adds flexibility to any household comprising individuals of varying heights. It offers a more relaxing shower experience for those who are seated and makes cleaning the shower a breeze.
Booster Drawers
Instead of constantly shuffling step stools around the bathroom, which are necessary for at least a period of time to give those little ones a boost, we love (love, love!) these transitional drawers. These booster drawers (as we like to call them) are rated for 100 pounds, allowing your kids to step up safely until a boost is no longer needed, at which point you can simply remove the lid and enjoy the extra drawer space.
Booster Drawers
Instead of constantly shuffling step stools around the bathroom, which are necessary for at least a period of time to give those little ones a boost, we love (love, love!) these transitional drawers. These booster drawers (as we like to call them) are rated for 100 pounds, allowing your kids to step up safely until a boost is no longer needed, at which point you can simply remove the lid and enjoy the extra drawer space.
We hope this inspires some creative thinking on how to design the beautiful, highly functional bathroom of your dreams. Find more bathroom, kitchen and other interior inspo by following @dorigdesigns on Instagram - and don’t forget to follow us too!
