Last time I blogged about the Bungalow Barn, it didn’t have a roof or sides…
…but BOY a lot can change in a couple of weeks!
The bathroom is going to be down at this end, and that’s our house on the left side of that photo. Jim and Katie’s vanities, commode and shower will all sit against the barn’s back wall, and since it backs up to an alley (and is on the first floor) we opted not to do windows back there. (PS- That crepe myrtle tree will grow back. They just trimmed it up so they could work back there.) There is one bathroom window on the car pad side of the barn though…
Here’s a reeeeally rough sketch of how everything will be laid out inside the bathroom:
You’ll notice there’s going to be a barn sliding door that covers the washer and dryer. It will also act as a bathroom door when they need privacy in there. I saw this cute barn door hook on Pinterest last night and I’m thinking that it might work well as a “lock” on the sliding door:
And speaking of sliding doors…I’m wondering if instead of a swinging shower door, we might be able to do a sliding shower door, like this:
And speaking of the shower…here’s sort of what the (half) walls on each side of the door will look like:
Can you envision that? One half wall will sit next to the commode, and the opposite half wall will sit next to the laundry cabinets/counter. There won’t be a step up and into the shower though. We’re doing a zero clearance entry, so Mr. Palmer doesn’t have to step over anything. Kind of like this…
…but not nearly as fancy. 😉 We will have the same fixture set up though. Controls and a shower head & a sprayer head at both the front and back of the shower, as well as a rain shower fixture up above. The builders are adding a (high) window to the side wall of the shower for extra natural light too. Like this:
And back to the washer and dryer. Katie doesn’t want two front loaders (she wants a laundry center), but she does want a some cabinetry and a place to hang things that need to air dry to the right of the appliances. Kind of like this:
Obviously hers will look much different (sliding door in front of the washer & dryer, no window, no cubbies, etc.), but you get the idea. I’m looking forward to blogging more about the barn next week…who knows what they’ll have done by then! 🙂
PS- Friendly heads up: today is the last day of this month’s Blog Threads pre-sale over at BlogThreads.com!
Perfect for Mr. Palmer, or anyone else… to have something to sit on when taking a shower and that’s good looking too! Love your ideas!
Layla, I urger you to consider putting some high windows in along that alley wall, above the mirrors–small ones; they don’t need to open. I suggest square ones, with four panes–I see similar ones in barns in the midwest.
Inviting rooms have natural light coming in on at least two sides.
When I read that somewhere years ago, it was a real “ah ha!” moment for me.
Explains what is wrong with so much “McMansion” construction as far a feel, and why cottages can be so inviting.
Also explained why I so dislike most motel rooms!
I agree. The more natural light, the better! Unfortunately those walls have already been framed up, but I will check with the builder today about the possibility of adding one there. Thanks for the vote of confidence. I had been thinking of asking if he could put a high one in the shower, like this:
http://www.decorpad.com/photo.htm?photoId=116384&index=20¤tPage=0&spaceId=2
Hi Layla! I don’t comment much, but LOVE your blog
and following along with all the developments in your
life! Can’t wait to see how this turn out!! One question,
do you really call your father-in-law “Mr. Palmer”??!! : )
Thank you, Peg! No, I just call him “Dad”. 🙂
I love your style so much. The bungalow barn is an amazing endeavor, and what lovely people you are to want to come together as a super-family. 🙂
I do have a question this time. How the heck are non-front loaders going to factor into your plan? I have mental images of your MIL perched atop a ladder to put wash in the top of a stacked set, or a six foot wide sliding door covering a side by side. I’m sure you have it all figured out, so thanks for the giggle.
Oh! It’ll be one of these, Lori:
Stackable Washer & Dryer
I guess I should’ve mentioned it’s got *one* front loader!
🙂
Has your MIL used one of those washer/dryer combos before? I had one in an apartment and it was difficult to keep up with laundry because so little fit in to the washer.
Also, try to make the shower faucet as accessible from the shower door as possible. Especially for your FIL–so no one gets sprayed in the face while trying to turn on the shower. ?
And I second the “transom window” idea high on the bathroom walls. My parents put in simple panes of glass high in their basement bathroom to let light in from the adjacent bedroom and it really made a difference.
It’s looking good!!
Hi Carrie!
I’m not sure if she’s used one of those washer/dryers before, but it’s all we’ve got room for, so it’ll have to do. Thank you for the heads up about it though!
And, yes, the shower will have controls and shower head & sprayer head at both ends of the shower. The sprayer head will be located near the built-in bench down at the commode end of the shower.
I talked to the builder this morning, and we’re going to do a (high) window in the shower. Like this:
http://www.decorpad.com/photo.htm?photoId=116384&index=20¤tPage=0&spaceId=2
Thank you for joining me on this journey- I look forward to sharing the next update with you!
Ohh! I like that window! Can’t wait I see more updates!
I strongly urge you to see if you could squeeze in a stacked set of normal frontloaders instead of those miserable laundry centers. They are really loud, extremely inefficient, and they take forever to wash and dry a small load. If it’s at all possible, you might see if the builders could modify the area. I stacked my Samsung frontloaders in a rental once (actually replacing one of those laundry centers) and I loved them stacked.
Katie *really* doesn’t want stackable front loaders, but I will check and see if they would fit and tell her about the noise factor. Thank you!
Okay, thank you! My brain was melting. As always, I can’t wait to see the finished product!
Wow! You have a quick working crew! That’s quite a transformation in a few weeks! How exciting! I love all of your ideas for the bath/ laundry. Looks like shower will have plenty of room for a stool to rest on if standing becomes an issue. I think your sliding shower door sounds like perfect solution.
Love the hook you discovered for their bath entry barn door!
Yes! There will be a nice big built in bench at the commode end of the shower too! 🙂
I love your design, it’s going to be beautiful!
My elderly parents remodeled their bathroom recently and the smartest thing they did was to install the vanity/sinks a few inches higher than normal. My dad has back issues and it saves him having to bend down so low to brush teeth, shave, etc. Something to consider if you haven’t already installed them.
Layla,
I love the look of the new addition. I want to share that I have the drying rack that you show from IKEA and I love it. When folded down it only takes up a few inches. Perfect for the area you have. Keep smiling; I love to hear you laugh.
Layla, just a FYI. I had a stackable unit similar to what you’re considering in my FACS department when I was teaching. Both lids have a tendency to be problematic. Neither one seems to appreciate that they should stay put when opened. The dryer door will conk you in the head, so you need to be very conscious that it may swing closed while you’re digging clothes out of the washer. The washer lid doesn’t always stay open for the second pull of laundry from the tub. The unit performed well but you just need to be aware of those pitfalls in order to avoid injury and aggravation.
Love seeing the progress. Praying for a swift processing for Sonny. My nephews family is still waiting on that last signature. I know the frustration.
Thank you for the heads up (no pun intended), Bridgett! I will do some research about them today. Hopefully we can find one that has doors that stay put! And thank you for the prayers about Sonny. We’re hoping to receive his passport this week! 😀
Since there’s going to be a low wall on each side of the door, I don’t think it could slide open…the walls will be in the way?
I was going to say exactly the same thin about a sliding door and two half walls. Also, have you or your inlaws ever had a rain shower head? They are very pretty, but I HATE them! I have good water pressure but the rain shower heads are like someone spitting on you! Even though there would be other shower heads I’d save the added expense of the rain shower head and put it into something else. Just my thoughts. Love the design and wish I could get my remodeling underway….your designs are so inspirational!
Hi, Layla! I have a friend who recently built a completely accessible home, as he uses a scooter. One feature that makes bathing easier for him is having the faucet controls in a location that he can reach from the bench. The shower head is completely adjustable (on a bar where it can slide up) for someone who is showering standing up.
I know the addition will be beautiful!
Yep! That’s what we’re doing too! We’ll have a shower head at one end, a shower sprayer (like you’re talking about) near the bench end, and the rain shower head in the center of the ceiling. Exciting stuff! 🙂
Love the layout and design, and glad you are adding the window. If the laundry center proves problematic, guess Katie can always borrow yours! 🙂 I’ve used them before in rental condos, but only a few times. They are small, I don’t know if you could wash an entire set of queen size sheets at once, but since there is no room, we all adapt somehow, right?
Progress is happening on our end too – we finally have foundation, and sub-floor is happening today! I figure we must be about two weeks behind you all! Excited beyond words, and I know Katie and Dad are as well!
Some “been there-done that” thoughts: although very pretty, glass doors aren’t recommended for seniors with mobility issues. A 30″ opening to accommodate walkers, chairs etc is minimum but leaves no room if bathing assistance is required. Curtians also provide easy access if a fall occurrs in the shower. There are many other suggestions available on the ADA and AARP websites.
Oh, yes. We will get the glass door, but we may not use it right away. The builder suggested we store it and use a curtain if that works better for Dad Palmer. 🙂
Layla,
Just wanted to share, please make all door ways, and space around the commode wide enough for a wheel chair. Even if they need hip surgery or knee or ankle, they will spend time in a wheel chair like my husband did 4 years ago for 2 months. I couldn’t believe our 1988 rental house could NOT accommodate the wheel chair in the half bath.
The long window on the side that is now almost the length of the wall, in the bathroom, for me as a grandparent, I’d be cautious that grandkids didn’t see my shadow in the bathroom. I definitely like the idea of windows near the ceiling even tho’ it may not go with the barn look. Please ask your inlaws about how comfortable they’d be with that long window and them using the bathroom and kids were outside playing…. it’s definitely something they need to have a say on.
Right there with ya, Ann! The entire barn was design with handicap accessibility in mind. Extra wide doorways and hallways, appropriate countertop and commode heights, etc. The architect followed the guidelines required for everything to work best for Jim and Katie.
Also, that tall window in the bathroom will have a plantation shutter covering the bottom half, and a roman shade on the upper half. That way, that can pull the shade up when they want natural light to flow in, but still have privacy on the lower half with that shutter. They’ll also be able to close both the shutter *and* the shade when they want total privacy. 🙂
My shower has sliding doors and I like them. Looks like a nice plan.
Where are you purchasing your barn door from? I’ve been wanting one for years now. I heard they’re also pretty easy to make.
Oh, we’ll probably just have the builder make it, Beverly. Nothing fancy. 🙂
So exciting and thank you for sharing! Is the addition going to have a metal roof and where are you thinking about putting a barn quilt?
Home Depot has a very similar hook for $7
http://www.homedepot.com/p/Everbilt-6-in-Black-Decorative-Hook-and-Eye-20494/203561803?keyword=+6+in.+Black+Decorative+Hook+and+Eye
I just got it for a latch board for my toddler son. I’m not intimately aware of weird latches and locks! haha
Awesome! Thanks for the heads up, Candice! 😀
Beautiful design! I’m a bit jealous at the speed at which your project is coming together. My husband and I have been building our cottage for almost a year now, but we are doing all the work ourselves, so that takes longer I guess. I think the washer and dryer you have picked out for the space is perfect for 2. We have a similar set up and it works great! I have to split the sheets into two separate loads, but I’m sure your in-laws will have access to your larger machines, if necessary. And, if the unit is level, the doors shouldn’t close by themselves. I can’t wait to see additional project updates and the final reveal! I’m so excited for you all!sha
Oh, no need to be jealous, Shauna. Our original start date was last Fall, and then we had a second start date of January 1st. The whole bare was supposed to be finished in 2 months from those points, so we’re actually waaaay behind schedule- LOL! 😀
We have the same style of sliding shower door that you are considering. It’s great! The bathroom is really long and narrow, so there wasn’t a lot of room for a swinging door because a bath tub was non-negotiable (duh!). The sliding door doesn’t get in the way at all. I am not sure that it would work well with two half walls, though. The sliding part of the door has to be on the inside. Maybe you could alter the location of the glass to accommodate the wall. Though I think it would make more sense to have one half wall on the side with the bench, and leave the other side open for the sliding door. I have pictures of our bathroom on my blog, if that would be helpful!
The barn room looks amazing. Have you decided on shower doors? The sliding frameless one is gorgeous but there have been issues with them “exploding” and causing injuries. It happened to me at a beach rental that had a gorgeous newly renovated bathroom. Our family was the first to use the shower. While showering, my friend heard a strange creaking sound and when she touched the handle to slide the door open, it exploded glass everywhere. Luckily she only sustained cuts on her foot and hands but it could’ve been much worse.
I know that you’re resources won’t steer you wrong but I wanted to let you know of the dangers.
I love reading your blog, but have never commented before. I am a physical therapist and deal with elderly patients that have had to undergo home modifications. One thing when you are considering the entire bathroom/cottage is that I would suggest that it be wheelchair accessible even if that is not their case now. The zero clearance shower is great, but I would also recommend you see if the sliding glass door or any glass door for that matter has a wide enough entrance for a portable showerchair/wheelchair. Sometimes curtains are best simply because they are able to allow more room. Another consideration might be that the washer/dryer and sinks be accessible from a wheelchair level as well. The stackables are great on space, but would be hard for someone that cannot stand well. Grab bars are always great too by the toilet and in the shower. Good luck on the build and many congratulations on your adoption!!!!
Hi Holly!
Yes- the architect who designed it made sure to make the whole place handicap accessible and followed the required guidelines when he was designing. Wide doorways and hallways, tall toilet, etc. And like I mentioned in a comment above, we plan to see whether the shower door (that comes as a part of our plan) works best for Jim, or if he’d rather have a shower curtain while he’s living in the barn. We can always store the door if he’d rather go with a curtain. There will be LOTS of grab bars (secured to doubled-up wall studs) in and around the shower too. As for the washer and dryer, that’s the only type of unit that will fit in the space, but we’ve got another washer and dryer in our side of the house if his mom isn’t able to use the stacked unit one day.
I worry about the hook for the sliding barn door as a lock. It would be almost impossible for someone to get in if there was a need. Example, Dad Palmer slips in the shower but has locked the door. I also have seen my parents with their arthritic hands have a hard time getting things into place. As “ugly” as it might be a regular doorknob with a lock might be a better solution. Those doorknobs usually have a hole that can have a paperclip or something similar pushed in and unlock the latch.
Good point, Kate. Although he would never be getting in or out of the shower without assistance, and the door would never be locked while he’s in there. I was thinking it would offer Mom Palmer some privacy if she wanted to latch it, but maybe I’ll rethink our options.
I’ve been so excited to see the barn go up! Your bathroom ideas are of course fantastic! As a physical therapist, I’m thinking you might see if you can grab someone in the home health field or the like and run past the stationary/sliding shower door idea. My thoughts are making sure that a helper can also get through the opening if anyone ever needs help in and out. Also, look into possibly putting in a taller toilet as this can be another difficult transfer. Thank you Layla, yours is the one post I enjoy following every single posting! : ) Melinda
Oh, yes! The toilet will be taller. 🙂 The whole place will stick the handicap accessibility guidelines according to our architect. We’re going to stick with a swinging door on the shower, and we’ll let Jim decide if he wants to use it, or if we should store it (for future use) and use a curtain for the time being instead.
Here’s a thought… Place the shower controls (on/off knob) below on the pony wall so your in-laws don’t have to reach across the shower or step in to turn it on. Did this for my elderly Mom for added safety. She just reaches down along the side wall as opposed to leaning across where she could loose her balance. Not sure I described it enough…hope you get the idea.
Oh- yep! That’s exactly what we’re planning to do, Anne! 😀
Have you considered a washer dryer in one? They wash and dry in the same machine. Saves space and you don’t have to change the load from one machine to another. My sister has one and loves it. It does take more time to do laundry since you can’t have a load washing and another load drying at the same time like you could with two machines but with laundry for only two people she says it’s worth the space and ease and hasn’t been a big adjustment. Plus since it’s just one machine you can build a shelf to make it higher so you don’t have to bend over with storage beneath. You may want to check them out. http://www.lg.com/us/washer-dryer-combos
Oh wow it’s really coming up fast!! That bathroom sounds wonderful and I LOVE those sliding glass doors. One of my favorite styles for sure.
Can’t wait to see more!
Lauren | Lovely Decor
xx
Hi Layla,
We just remodeled our bathroom and used that kind of vintage cast iron lock on our barndoor. It works great. I was going to show you…but just realized I can’t attach photos here. If you would like to see pics just send me your email.
Hi Darlene!
You can find me at [email protected]! 😀