Fix This Before You Build or Renovate


Hello Reader,

Would You Really Invite Guests This Far Inside?

Let’s talk about a layout mistake many homeowners don’t realize until it becomes awkward.

In the drawing above, notice how a visitor has to walk past the living room, past the kitchen, through a corridor, and right by the private bedroom just to reach the bathroom. That is a big red flag.

This is why placing the guest bathroom deep inside the house right next to private areas is not ideal. The kitchen is a semi private zone, the bedroom is fully private, and no homeowner really wants guests walking into those areas. It creates discomfort, disturbs privacy, and honestly just feels wrong.

But this doesn’t mean you place the bathroom right at the entrance either. As shown in the sketch, when the bathroom is the first thing you see upon entering, it creates a very awkward and unwelcoming experience. Imagine walking into someone’s home and the first thing that greets you is the toilet. It not only disrupts the sense of entry but also makes the whole space feel poorly planned. The entrance or foyer is meant to feel warm, inviting, and set the tone for the home, not highlight the most private function of the house.

Here’s a better approach to bathroom placement near the entrance. In the above layout, a short corridor is added with a feature wall that blocks the direct view of the bathroom from the living space or the main entry. This simple design trick makes a huge difference. It keeps the layout clean, maintains privacy, and creates a more welcoming entry experience. Instead of staring at a toilet as you walk in, your eyes are guided toward the living space, while the bathroom is tucked away subtly behind the wall.

Practical and Decorative Ideas for the Feature Wall Area:

  • Shoe rack with overhead cabinet
  • Wall art or photo frames
  • Full-height mirror
  • Vertical indoor plant wall
  • Wooden or fluted wall paneling
  • Minimal console table
  • LED strip lighting or spotlights
  • Textured paint or bold wallpaper
  • Wall-mounted coat hangers
  • Niche or hidden storage shelf
  • Floating shelf with decor pieces

For more practical tips like this, keep an eye on your inbox.

Thanks for reading.

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