Before we answer this question, let’s establish exactly what type of bathroom we’re talking about. An en suite bathroom is one that is connected to and only accessible from a bedroom. In the past, en suite bathrooms were typically only found in the room’s largest bedroom and maybe not even there, as many of us remember growing up in a home with a grand total of one bathroom. While it’s not uncommon today for multiple bedrooms to include en suite restrooms, we are focusing on primary bedrooms and their accompanying bathrooms in today’s piece. Why? Because this is the only type of en suite bathroom in which the open concept idea has taken root.

1. What is open concept design and how is it being applied to en suite primary bathrooms?

In open concept design, one room flows into the other without partitions and walls separating the various spaces. In fact, open concept design became so popular that we might consider it the norm for main living spaces. Many modern homes have a “great room” that includes a kitchen, dining room, and living room, with few if any barriers between them.

In older homes, however, it is more common to see these spaces divided by walls and often even doors, rather than open entrances. The open concept living area, or “great room,” remains in use even though – as a recent article from The Spruce points out – there has been a renewed interest in closed concept spaces ever since families found themselves at home together all day during the pandemic. At that time, the need for separate work spaces and quiet retreats came into the forefront.

Getting back to primary bathrooms, open concept design has been used to add what you might call edgy luxury to this part of the home. Basically, instead of having a bathroom next to the bedroom with a door joining the rooms, one large open space houses both the bedroom area and that bathroom area. Your first thought might be, why would any homeowner do this? So that’s what we’ll look at next.

2. Why are homeowners considering open concept design for their primary bathrooms?

For starters, this look is evocative of high end hotels, and seems likely to have originated there. Even though some guests have responded negatively to having a clear view of the potty from the bed, a number of hotels are holding onto the idea, which would indicate other guests like it.

Also, there are benefits to open concept design beyond its edgy, spa-inspired vibe.

• Savings on materials if it’s a new build
• Bathroom getting natural light from bedroom windows
• More spacious feel for both areas

Finally, bathroom appliances today are much different than they once were. In many homes, gorgeous frameless glass adorned with stylish hardware and showing off beautiful wall tile has replaced a shower curtain hanging in front of a fiberglass insert. Soaker tubs, bespoke vanities, custom mirrors, and the like have further elevated what was once simply a utilitarian space. Even in compact bathrooms that can’t accommodate a hinged door, homeowners can elevate a tub/shower combo with frameless sliding glass shower doors. Luxury tile is also having a heyday with Zellige, hand-painted, and large format stone tiles turning shower walls into things of beauty. All this to say, some couples don’t want to hide these attractive – and expensive – pieces behind walls; they want them to contribute to the visual appeal of their primary bedroom.

3. So is an integrated en suite bathroom a terrible idea?

Is this a terrible idea? It depends. For starters, assuming this is a couple’s space, both spouses need to be enthusiastic about the idea. Don’t go this route if either person prefers a private shower and/or toilet area. Also, even if you’re both on board, it’s crucial to consider your long term plans for the home. Most people aren’t neutral on the topic of open concept bathrooms – they are a love it or hate it trend. So if you’re planning to sell the home, it’s a much safer bet to honor the tradition of the bathroom as a private space. On the other hand if it’s your forever home, go for it.

But what if re-sale is in the distant future and you want to enjoy this style in the here and now? There are steps you can take to enjoy the benefits while mitigating potential concerns from homebuyers.

• Leave the toilet out of the open concept approach. This can mean putting it in a little water closet, hiding it behind a knee wall, or installing a glass partition using U-channels or clamps in the same finish as your shower hardware.
• Make use of “smart” glass that can be changed from clear to obscure and back again with the flip of a switch.
• Have a glass room divider installed made of clear glass but with a custom privacy strip applied in the middle through sand-blasting or acid-etching.
• Include interior floor-to-ceiling vertical blinds that can be opened to visually separate the spaces.
  
  

It’s YOUR call!

What do you think about open concept en suite bathroom designs? An amazing new trend? Or a terrible idea? Whichever camp you land in, Glass Simple is here to help with your glass shower hardware needs. Browse our user-friendly site and feel free to give our team a ring at (571)707-7760. With more than a hundred years of combined industry experience, we can help homeowners navigate the many product options and specifications in the world of frameless glass shower hardware!