Your Ultimate BATHROOM Planning Guide

Create a Retreat: Make your bathroom easier to use, clean and organize with advice from GH's experts on counters, tiles, storage and more!

Vanity Project 

Use this chart to pick the perfect countertop material for your family's lifestyle.

ASK THE EXPERT

CAROLYN FORTÉ HOME CARE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

How can I design with cleaning in mind?

Tips from the GH Cleaning Lab

Install an exhaust fan.

Ridding your bathroom of humid air during and after a shower is one of the best ways to keep mold under control and cut down on scrubbing. Some fans will sense moisture and turn on automatically, making it a no-brainer, but even one that operates via a wall switch is a good addition.

Use bars and hooks.

Towels stay fresher longer when they're able to dry quickly, so it's best to hang them up after use. Towel bars, especially long ones, usually hold two large towels. Adding a few hooks behind the door or on a wall near the shower means that even in a busy bathroom, everyone gets a dry towel.

Consider a one-piece toilet.

Select one with a streamlined style so it will be easier to clean. With modern one-piece models, the tank and the bowl are connected, so there are fewer crevices for dirt and germs to hide in and for you to clean. This saves you time and simplifies cleaning.

What to Know About a Wet Room

You might have seen the trend and been curious-or dubious. Our home experts share key considerations that will enhance any bathroom.

WATERPROOFING

Because every surface in a wet room can get damp, materials must be waterproof, not just water-resistant. Porcelain, made from dense clay fired at high heat, is nonporous and durable. Large-format tiles offer a clean, contemporary look with few grout lines for easy upkeep.

VENTILATION