BOSTON FURNITURE

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 (continued)

Form 4: Bathroom Storage Inventory (continued)

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.