BIRTHDAYS & BATHROOMS | Help us choose our bathroom!

We are in the sweetest stage of life and we are lapping it up while cracking on with the house.
This week was Ollie's first birthday as a dad and we move onto our new family bathroom. Which layout would you choose?

[@pimmspimms5462]

Teddy’s little face at the beginning of this video! He is such a dream come true… 💙

[@johnniealford25]

Oh my goodness, I don’t know how Teddy could be any more precious! Huge smiles on my face!!!

[@Kathleen5429]

Me too! I can't stop grinning.

[@heatherwieler726]

I would do a bath shower combo - be a long time until Teddy is taking a shower on his own - easy to bath boy and dog in the bath tub with a hand held shower head (& clean the tub, tiles etc)

[@ninabarone2510]

Agree with all the other comments to keep with the original bath/shower combo! My childhood home has a beautiful free-standing antique wardrobe filling that “empty” space similar to what you all were looking to fill in with the shower and it is truly the most used linen closet of the entire house. Once the kids get older you’ll want ample space for “dirty towels” (aka for dogs, dirty jobs, puke clean up, art projects, etc) plus shelving for bath towels and beach towels and toiletries… also linens for the adjacent bedroom!! All in one place :) 11/10 would recommend losing the additional shower in the corner and going full on storage unit!

[@melaniep5094]

My family has always been involved in real estate and home renovations and the biggest mistake we've always seen is when people made choices based on home resale value instead of what worked for them. Good on you and Ollie for choosing what works for you with both the primary bedroom/ensuite and for this bathroom/shower! The home will always sell, so the most important thing is that you're happy while while you're living there x

[@AliPoole-fb6xk]

Storage, storage, storage in the family bathroom your beautiful baby is going to grow, grow, grow, that means more stuff. Make it attractive ( detailed in the style of your Victorian home. With the right fixtures a tub/shower combo would work out so perfectly. With a wall or ceiling shower head and a hand held sprayer. So practical as he grows. We have this setup and just love it. Practicable and beautiful. Please consider this option. No need for the separate shower stall. Go with traditional fixtures and such, then add fun, age appropriate I.e Art, towels and other decor that can grow with your child/children. I am sure whatever you choose will be perfect, you have beautiful taste , a bit safe ( you are in the remodeling stage ). You are young, your taste will change. As a professional Interior Designer I know your home will be a showstopper. Class, taste and talent can’t fail.

[@TheBrieanna]

I would do a bath/shower combo in the nook and a storage cabinet or a double sink instead of the separate shower.

[@valarya]

^ this

[@Redtop1965]

You can get some lovely shower curtains and change them easily, plus you only have a bath to clean and no shower cubicle. Extra storage is always a good idea.

[@jennifershevlin9300]

His little laugh 😆 he's absolutely adorable 🥰 😊

[@carolinejohnson22]

What a gorgeous baby Teddy is... .Royal icing is really easy to make, just icing sugar and egg whites, then spread it on the cake with a palette knife..... I agree the bath would look best in the nook with a shower. Rather than cramming extra showers in, a cabinet would be more useful.... Looks like you're going to be busy with all your plans...🤭🌺

[@MichellePatrick-ip3kx]

I was just going to say this. Especially if you’ll have 2 or more children. Use tub/shower combo in the alcove and double vanity next to toilet. Much better for property value as well. Oh and do yourself a huge favor, avoid natural marbles in family bathrooms. Floors around toilets will stain yellow. Boys 😂

[@OtikaOtikaOtika]

Woud do bath-shower combo, larger sink/counter area and storage by the door. Freestanding bath would be nihtmare to clean behind, because kids splash as crazy 😉 And if you decide for corner shower, don't do sliding doors as they are nightmare to clean.

[@hazel6275]

Awww what a beautiful baby those little giggles priceless x

[@rebeccafrancis8227]

Happy Birthday Ollie!!!

[@TheTattooedCrafter]

100% have a stand a lone shower and bath for your main bathroom. Will still look gorgeous but keep it really practical and easier to clean moving forward. Think the layout is perfect. Can still have fun with the tiles etc but making it much easier to clean is a must. Option two with the bath in the nook is the best position. X

[@bamalady7314]

Double sink and storage with a bath/shower combo in the nook. A bath/shower combo is easier to wash babies/toddlers, and dogs. You already have 2 stand alone showers. There will never be enough storage in a family bath. While no one will likely never take a shower simultaneously as someone is taking a bath, you may have two kids brushing teeth or washing hands at the same time. Eliminate the future fights now over sinks and storage with a double sink and storage.

[@valarya]

Well said!

[@jmk1962]

Also need storage for kiddies bath toys unless you want them out on display all the time which I'm guessing they won't.

[@margaretorden7568]

Well said and so practical.

[@melodiepoulin207]

Love seeing your clips with Teddy, you two are radiating pure joy ! As for your bathroom layout, I have been an interior designer for about 10 years and have some form of OCD and my favorite layout was when you aligned the shower and bath on the back wall, and put the toilet and sink inside that nook. Otherwise I would definitely explore the option of having a bath/shower combo. Perfect for young kids and dogs as well. Definitely plan on having some storage in there to hide away towels, toys. If you put your bath in the nook, I would do a shower/bath combo there, and on the opposite wall have the toilet near the window, and then have a vanity + storage on the far left.

[@moiragoldsmith7052]

HEY! Master Baker and Confectioner here of 46 years experience....that cake is very good. I am glad you got the fresh fruit...but the whole ensemble is excellent. Don't doubt yourself Laura. 👏👏💫🥳

[@amymartens1908]

Teddy is so cute!! I think for a family bathroom a tub shower combo works really well. Also maybe a double vanity instead of the stand alone shower would work great especially if you plan to have more children

[@ChristineDonnelly-ez7mf]

Combi bath / Shower in nook.Storage a must.

[@jillychandler]

Teddy is the most georgios looking baby ever! Such a happy boy too. You have a beautiful house. Blessings from Jilly & Madge the rescue greyhound, from a sunny West Devon, England. xxx

[@valarya]

Is there literally ANYTHING more heart-melting than baby giggles? And with cheeks that cute? I don't think so! 💜 For the bathroom: Why not put the shower in the built-in bath/nook? Then you can have a nice storage cabinet left of the sink or do a DOUBLE sink for guests.

[@clairemorgan8750]

I would do a bath/sower combo and have extra storage / potentially a double sink. I think if your thinking long term eg. more children and having the children grow up to teenage years in the house then it makes more sense. Ultimateltly it would become the kids "bathroom" and I think you will need the extra storage for towels/toys / hair products/ Laundry basket etc. Plus no one will use the bath / shower simultaneously other than when the kids are younger.

[@kaysmele7029]

Never have curved glass in a shower it will drive you mad ! Hard to keep clean with a squigie. I have a square with rounded edges from matki and the family never do the curved bits!

[@Cblackburn3083]

Trust me - do a bath/shower combo in the nook. Make a larger vanity with plenty of storage and the toilet in the corner. Those quad showers always look cheap and they suck to shower in because they are so tiny.

[@itsmehaley2]

Ohhhhh that giggly happy baby my heart 🥹🥹🥹

[@janetclark7300]

How absolutely adorable is the little monkey ❤❤❤

[@SOCO1992]

Oh what a beautiful bundle of joy. I am so happy for you and Ollie. ❤

[@deborahdoll4111]

Such a beautiful boy♥️Really. He obviously has a wonderful connection with you. Niche is the word.

[@marionandrews176]

Teddy is adorable 🥰 I like the option with the bathtub tucked into the nook instead of under the window.

[@Jewelybee7]

You can tell he's well loved. He's such a happy boy. ❤

[@heidibarlow6687]

Yay!!! I love a good Reno by you two, it will be beautiful ❤️ Baby Teddy is adorable!!!!

[@rowenagilpin4953]

I would put the shower & toilet in the nook. Then you won’t see the loo from the door. Then the bath under the window, can still be semi built in giving you space around the bath for toys etc. then basin & storage in the rest of the space

[@cantocant2346]

You always have the most beautiful wrapping paper and decorations. Teddy is gorgeous.

[@DevonMel]

I like the design with the bath in the nook as it gives you a lot more floor space (which is very useful when you have children). Personally I would try to go for the square shower instead of the quadrant shower - I've had a quadrant shower and while they are OK for children, if you have guests to stay who will use the bathroom they aren't very roomy and they'll be forever banging their elbows on the shower screen). Teddy is adorable and looking more and more like his Mummy.

[@MK-vf3vt]

Footage of the baby is the best! Those giggles, so so adorable. I might be in the minority to suggest this - do you really need a bathtub? How often does it get used? If the bathroom is small to begin with, not having a tub will make it look spacious and give you options.

[@jacquieincolour9084]

Can you get a cuter, happier baby?????!!!!!!!!! Adorable. 👏👏👏👏👏👏😍

[@omonoooo]

Teddy is so beautiful! Such a happy little boy 💕 Every best wish to you all 😊

[@Jewelybee7]

My goodness your baby is gorgeous. What a little doll ❤

[@cantocant2346]

The cake turned out beautifully!

[@lisar2809]

Just throwing out another suggestion...with the bath in the nook, what about trying the toilet where the towel rail is (to the right of the window wall as you look at it). As a mum, it can be handy to have somewhere to sit and supervise bath time 🙂 It then gives more space on the shower wall for a bigger vanity/ shower. You could use one of those vertical pole towel rads with under floor heating.

[@kashmir0203340]

When there are going to be multiple people in a bathroom at the same time (kids + at least 1 parent), you need room to move around. That is why I think the design with the bathtub in the nook will be the more practical one! And like you said: we have noticed we use the ledge of our bath A LOT since we have kids 🤣 Also: kids love to splash around, so go for the easy clean-up! You can still choose if you prefer the shower or a double sink with storage. I would personally go for the shower. Very practical in the long run.

[@amandamurray693]

Oh my goodness Teddy is adorable! 💙

[@hilltop9098]

Laura you can use cornflour to roll out icing instead of icing sugar. As a cake maker this would be my first choice especially in warm weather as it is less likely to make the icing sticky. Your cake came out great. 😊

[@soniagallaher3544]

Well done on the cake. For future reference when rolling out fondant, put some vegetable fat down on the counter to stop it sticking. It’s a pain, but also get a bit more than you think. I think you can also buy it ready rolled out? Regarding the shower, we had a quadrant one and I hated it as it was hard to clean and the rollers for the door kept on coming off. But I think it was also a cheap version from Wickes which wasn’t very good

[@Kwazulujabul]

Be mindful of the very small size 700x700mm. If you drop something, difficult to bend to pick it up.

[@sarahward9723]

I would start by figuring out where the plumbing needs to go, as for the toilet in particularly this can be limited and may dictate some aspects. Re. Quadrant showers, i personally would avoid as they really dont give you a lot of elbow room, I'd push for the square shape. Other layout options would be to put the toilet and shower in the area where you like the bath (could divide this off with a custom tiled wall or half wall with glass on top for light), with the bath along the opposite wall and sink unit as you walk in to the left. You will still have the room then to divide off a section immediately on the left as you go in for full height storage, either separately or as part of the vanity unit, the walkway/flow will be unobstructed to all areas and not tight around the doorway area, and you'll have a better sized shower. Gokd luck!

[@carolking1573]

You never have enough storage in a bathroom. I have been in my home since my twenties and I am still figuring it out. Love to you all, such a beautiful family.

[@SouthernPioneer1965]

Maybe it’s the American in me .. but it makes more sense to just have the tub/shower combo. And use the space for storage. With a growing family storage is always needed .or if it’s going to be used by your growing family .. a double sink vanity could come in handy more than the shower.

[@jillmartin8255]

Definitely with you on bathroom design. Bath in niche looks good.

[@TeaaLuni]

Teddy is ADORABLE

[@smgreenartsprivate]

Happy Birthday wishes Oliver best Dad ever and Mum too. Yes priority on safety proofing your home :) I would have just made a second cake actually and layer it. Maybe order a made cake might save time plenty of specialist bakers out there can do it and some deliver as well. Maybe look up Chloe's Cakes :) or Hummingbird Bakery :) What about low based bathtub with shower so can do Teddy and Otto when you need to clean them. Very practical to have than just a shower. You could have a dual sink without the extra separate shower and area to move around and keep a dresser for provisions for the bath and toilet. Especially if you are using it as a family bath. You could put a chair in the room without the extra shower as it makes it crowded to me. Those quadrants are small for certain sized people not for every guest or user.

[@charleneedwards9386]

Making a cake i applaud you👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾...when my son was six months I was so exhausted I could barely cook dinner 😂😂😂 i love that you seem to be loving this stage of parenting....i wish i had enjoyed this stage more

[@friisab]

Bath in the nook. With children who splash, it will contain the water better. Use a porcelain (or similar) "marble" tile, for lower maintenance.

[@jmk1962]

A bath/shower combo works for hair washing young kiddos whilst they are sitting in the bath so make sure you have a hose attachment option on your bath whether you go for the seperate shower or not. Storage is a must in a family bathroom for all their bath toys and clutter too.

[@lauralavin9226]

Teddy is beautiful. So happy 😊 your a great mum

[@SpadeFungi]

Aww I couldn't love this video more and Teddy's perfectly cute face !! I do miss your weekly updates. I hope we get them soon but I understand life is a lot more busy for you guys now.

[@katiealam6565]

I love option one,one thr left with thr storage behind the shower 😊

[@triciap6006]

I vote for a tib/shower combo. Thats pretty standard in the U.S. Easy to clean and works for all ages. I use it as a shower for myself and as a bath/shower for my toddler.

[@stknmggs1788]

Omg! Teddy! Love the new plans. I like the rectangle bath in the alcove best!

[@zellalaing5439]

Bath in the nook and keeping the toilet closest to original placement and square shower. Hopefully some colour!

[@thefoxinthepurplecoat5440]

I have 2 quadrant showers and one square. The quadrants are AWFUL! They are never big enough ! Your second design looks great with the bath in the nook. Love your channel, and Teddys giggles at the start were so adorable 😊 x

[@susanweimer8829]

For the future if you need icing sugar (powdered sugar) just put regular sugar in a blender and give it a good whiz….. powdered sugar 😊

[@annalp7520]

Oh my god … the intro to this video!!! 😍

[@deirdregahansuttle5698]

Your little boy is just beautiful and you are so relaxed with him -,gorgus. IRELAND

[@leiapressly1860]

Try putting the shower in the nook, and the tub in front of the window. That would put the vanity and toilet on the wall you are moving. This will make the main space feel open and only close in the nook. The nook would be blocked by the tub on one side but you can still enter on the other side. Plus if that nook is bigger then you want the shower you could put shelves in the back corner.

[@kathrynjoyful]

Option 2 with the bath in the nook is best but I would go the square shower not the quadrant 😊

[@debras9020]

Teddy is adorable. I bet it's difficult getting things done because of all the kissing! What a doll.

[@debrap947]

Baby = ADORABLE +++ I don't see the issue with a tub/shower combo? There will be less maintenance(save $$$ on initial build and cost of unit) for a family bathroom and at least the 3rd one you will have in your home. Plus double sinks(more storage) if you have more kids is ideal. Personally, I strongly dislike a corner shower anyway it's just weird.

[@beemum25]

Teddy liveness and joy is such a treat to see. Love the cake! Both the layout are great - but seeing the toilet when you first open the door is something I wish we hadn't had to do - we have a very small bathroom and had no choice. If you can tucking the toilet into the nook would be nicer visually as you walk in prehaps put the toilet on the outside wall to make flow easier.

[@hannahl610]

Although I think hiding the toilet around the corner is nice for the aesthetics, having the sink near the window would give better natural light for checking yourself in the mirror 😅 Strongly advise square shower though, my parents have a quadrant and it feels so cramped. Also I’ve never understood why people don’t use those pull out kitchen larder cabinets in bathrooms as well. It’s so much more practical than super deep open shelves.

[@betsymorrisroe9136]

Easiest way to cut cake layers is to use either heavy thread or dental floss. Laying the cake flat, press a length of thread across the back, making sure the thread is across the middle of the cake. horizontally Pull both ends of the thread around the cake, crossing them in front. Slowly, keep pulling the crossed thread ends in opposite directions until the thread has completely cut through the cake.

[@imonka100]

Teddy is adorable.

[@pomme800]

The cake was beautiful🎉❣️

[@stellamex1]

I would definitely do a bath w/ shower in nook, a double sink and the rest storage, (especially if you think there might be more kids in future)

[@carolannmurray4024]

Teddy is absolutely gorgeous xxx

[@janewolfe9137]

Such a delightful age! Enjoy every minute. Thank you so much for sharing your videos with us! A Great Gram from MO.

[@josieleugner546]

The interaction between you and Teddy is so sweet at the start of the video 😊 What about quartz instead of granite? It's cheaper and still has the same finish.

[@MissMac88]

Girl always go for as much storage as possible, especially if you’re thinking of more kids. You know girls need a lot of things. Go for tub/shower combo and one sink with tones of storage surrounding it.

[@Anarosestudio]

Can’t wait to see the result! May I please ask which program you’re using for the layout simulation? ☺️✨ thank you!

[@Lubs2013]

The best videos are here. 🌟

[@itsmehaley2]

I think Ollie was looking for the word “vignette” maybe 🤣

[@jaymac-uu8vt]

I think the word Ollie was looking for was vignette. A square shower would be best if you can fit it in. If you have the bath in the nook, make sure that you can get hold of both sides of the bath to get in and out. I would definitely not do a bath/shower combo but add a shower style tap to the standalone bath for bathing dogs and young children. Maybe have the bath and. shower along the same wall and have the toilet and sink in the nook - better for noise privacy and not seeing the toilet from the hallway.

[@JL-hn6hi]

FWIW, without me pondering any pros and cons, my quickest and most positive floor plan reaction was when you placed the tub next to the shower on the long wall. I guess it just felt right.

[@mkp8942]

Oh my your son is adorable. How precious

[@sidneysb2]

Goodness how quickly baby is growing what a lovely little face to see ❤😊

[@carolvosloo1326]

I use the free version of Sketch Up which is a 3D program. It allows you to place everything you want to scale. Not difficult to master with some practice and so helpful visualising your plan

[@Plumb-y6k]

Aww he adores his mama and vice versa, beautiful 😍😍😍

[@Al-hv4rb]

Omg teddy is just the cutest baby

[@susanweimer8829]

Those quadrant showers are so small and never comfortable to shower in. Do a tub shower combo and build in more storage would be my suggestion. I hear people complain about those showers but they never complain about too much storage.

[@menagers]

Cute! ❤

[@paulah.l.]

I don't personally see why the separate shower makes more sense than extra storage. If this is meant to be a bit of a kids' bathroom, the cupboards would be full of stuff in no time! But, it is your home and you're the one living in it, do what feels right for you.

[@Shir463]

Hi Laura, great volgs, the house is coming on nicely. Can i just ask which app for the floor plan you were using ?

[@Britbabe53]

I like the bath in the nook :)

[@natvtxn1213]

Okay, we need a modeling agent stat for the cutest baby ever! He's already competing for camera time. 🤭 So adorable!!!

[@allisonmoorehead7656]

Absolutely precious ❤

[@sandiwalker761]

Now that Teddy is almost mobile, you will be on constant alert. Fun time but exhausting, too. I laughed at him finding the camera.

[@carolynhopkinson8642]

I would go for the second plan with bath in the nook. A shower is good for teenagers and older people so good to have both x

[@mechellepillay8801]

Wjat a beautiful happy boy❤

[@ceahorse56]

Teddy is so sweet and precious! Have you considered a pocket door for the bathroom?

[@katarzynaciszewska6355]

Bath shower combo is so much better

[@cherylreid9165]

People may not notice when you have everything lined up but many do!!!! If it is not lined up, those who usually don't notice, will still recognise that something is not quite right. (I am obsessed by tile lines that do not match up and go to incredible lengths to make sure that the tiles sizes correspond etc. Yep I measure them before buying.)

[@SKRIBBLEproductions]

I would go with option 2 with the shower in the nook. I would have a separate shower too. And maybe have a fun file in the nook around the bath

[@KhouriFamily]

I think you should use that extra space in the family bathroom as a closet for the bedroom, so have it bump into the bathroom. Or a larger sink vanity. Honestly a tub with shower combo is way more useful for kids than a standing shower where you need to be reaching in to help them. I guarantee kids won’t use a standing shower for many years