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A House Beautiful report says designers recommend addressing a bathroom’s layout and everyday function before choosing finishes or extras. The designers differ on which fixture to prioritize: one recommends the shower if the budget allows, while another stresses that the floor plan comes first.
Bathroom renovation plans should start with the floor plan and everyday function, rather than tile, countertops or luxury features, according to designers interviewed by House Beautiful. Their advice matters to homeowners because layout decisions shape how well the room supports daily routines and can affect choices about the shower, vanity, storage and plumbing.
Janelle Patton, principal designer and owner of Lark Interiors, told House Beautiful that she starts with the layout when a bathroom is not working. She said some rooms have wasted floor space, and that rethinking the plan may make room for a larger shower, more useful storage, a functional vanity or additional closet space. Patton said designers should settle those decisions before moving on to decorative selections.
Nureed Saeed, founder and creative director of Nu Interiors, also emphasized functionality and flow. The report says she advises considering where the toilet, shower and sink belong, including whether the toilet area can be more private or the shower enlarged. Those are design considerations, not a one-size-fits-all plan; the right solution depends on the existing room and the homeowner’s needs.
Kelly Collier-Clark, founder and principal designer of House of Clark Interiors, singled out the shower as a first renovation priority if the budget permits, because its plumbing and tile can affect both the room’s appearance and its use. She also described the vanity as one of the bathroom’s most frequently used features, serving handwashing, facial routines and makeup, as well as providing storage. In a small room, she said, improving the mirror and lighting may help refresh the vanity area.
Why Layout Decisions Come First
Starting with the floor plan can help homeowners address practical problems before spending on finishes that cannot fix them. A room may have attractive tile yet still lack usable storage, counter space or comfortable circulation. Planning fixture locations and dimensions first gives the renovation a functional basis and helps guide later choices about materials and appearance.
The advice also reflects the trade-offs involved in bathroom remodeling. Moving plumbing or changing a shower can have different costs and construction implications from updating a mirror or light fixture. The House Beautiful report does not provide cost estimates or technical guidance, so homeowners should treat the designers’ recommendations as planning principles, not a budget or construction assessment.
For people renovating for resale, the designers’ comments place emphasis on the room’s daily use as well as its potential appeal to future buyers. Collier-Clark said the bathroom is one of the spaces people use at the beginning and end of each day. That is her rationale for making the renovation serve the current household, rather than focusing only on resale.
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The Designers’ Different Priorities
The article’s headline asks what homeowners should fix first, but the source offers a sequence rather than a single fixture that suits every renovation. Patton’s recommendation is to address the overall layout before decorative decisions. Saeed likewise stresses the placement of key fixtures and the way the room functions.
Collier-Clark’s shower recommendation is qualified: she says she would prioritize it if the budget permits. The report also notes that the vanity may be a better target for some homeowners, particularly when storage, counter use or lighting is the main frustration. This distinction matters: the floor plan is the first planning step in the designers’ guidance, while the shower is one possible early physical upgrade.
After the functional basics are addressed, Saeed said homeowners can consider comfort-oriented additions such as steam showers, jetted tubs, cosmetic refrigeration, Bluetooth-enabled showerheads and heated bidet seats. These are examples of options she named, not required features or recommendations for every bathroom.
“Function first—always.”
— Janelle Patton, principal designer and owner of Lark Interiors
What the Advice Does Not Specify
The report does not identify a single renovation plan that applies to all bathrooms, nor does it provide project costs, timelines or technical specifications. It does not say how much a layout change or shower renovation might cost, whether plumbing must be moved in a particular home, or which upgrade would deliver the greatest return on investment.
The recommendations are attributed to designers and are not a substitute for an assessment of a specific room. The source also does not establish that every bathroom has wasted space or that changing the floor plan is feasible. Homeowners would need to weigh the room’s dimensions, existing plumbing, household routines and budget before deciding what to renovate.
Apply the Advice to Your Room
For homeowners planning a project, the designers’ proposed order is to list the room’s daily frustrations, review the floor plan and decide how the toilet, shower, sink and storage should work together. Once those basics are settled, they can compare possible vanity or shower upgrades and then select finishes and optional comfort features.
The next steps depend on each property and project. The House Beautiful report does not announce a product, building standard or renovation program; it presents expert guidance. Homeowners considering substantial changes will need to obtain project-specific design and construction advice before deciding on a final scope.
Key Questions
What should be addressed first in a bathroom renovation?
The designers interviewed by House Beautiful recommend beginning with the layout and everyday function. They say to decide how fixtures, storage and available space should work before selecting tile or countertops.
Does the report say to renovate the shower first?
Kelly Collier-Clark recommends the shower as an early renovation priority if the budget permits. The report’s broader planning advice is to settle the floor plan and functional needs before choosing finishes.
Why does the vanity matter?
Collier-Clark describes the vanity as a frequently used area for handwashing and personal routines, with an important role in counter space and storage. She says a smaller bathroom might benefit from updated lighting or a mirror rather than a full replacement.
What upgrades should come after the layout?
Once functional needs are addressed, Saeed suggests homeowners can consider optional comfort features, including steam showers, jetted tubs and heated bidet seats. The report presents these as possible extras, not necessities for every project.
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