Interior Designer’s Room-by-Room Planning Checklist : Guest Bathroom
Designed for clarity, comfort, zero confusion, and effortless hosting
1. Room Purpose & Design Intent
Primary Function
Comfortable, intuitive use by guests
Clear, stress-free hygiene experience
Short-term use without instructions
Secondary Function
Easy reset between guests
Neutral, universally appealing design
Minimal questions (“Where is…?”)
Design Philosophy
This bathroom is designed to:
Be instantly understandable to someone who’s never been there
Feel clean, calm, and welcoming
Offer everything a guest might need — without clutter
Reset quickly after use
This is not a personality-heavy bathroom. It’s a hospitality bathroom.
2. ZONING & FLOW (FOUNDATIONAL)
☐ Sink & Handwashing Zone
☐ Vanity & Grooming Zone
☐ Shower / Bath Zone
☐ Toilet Zone
☐ Guest Supply Zone
☐ Night-Use Lighting Zone
Everything must be visible and obvious without opening multiple drawers.
3. VANITY & SINK ZONE
Furniture & Fixtures
Vanity with drawers or cabinet (soft-close)
Sealed countertop (easy-wipe)
Sink basin (low splash)
Faucet with smooth, quiet flow
Countertop Setup (Guest-Facing)
Decorative tray holding:
Hand soap dispenser
Lotion or hand cream
Tissue holder
Toothbrush cup (empty or with disposable brushes)
Counter must look intentional and uncluttered.
4. MIRROR & GROOMING SUPPORT
Shopping List
Large mirror (well-lit)
Fog-resistant mirror coating or spray
Optional magnifying mirror (subtle)
Small countertop mirror (optional)
Lighting must flatter all skin tones.
5. SHOWER / BATH ZONE
Fixtures
Tub/shower combo or walk-in shower
Non-slip surface
Handheld shower attachment
Anti-scald temperature control
Storage (Guest-Ready)
Built-in shower niche or shelf
Refillable, neutral bottles:
Shampoo
Conditioner
Body wash
Comfort
Clean shower curtain or glass enclosure
Quiet glide curtain hooks
Towel hook inside shower
Squeegee (stored discreetly)
6. TOILET ZONE
Fixtures & Accessories
Toilet with soft-close lid
Toilet paper holder (easy reach)
Clearly visible backup toilet paper storage
Lidded trash bin
Covered toilet brush
Subtle deodorizer
Nothing should require searching.
7. GUEST SUPPLY ZONE
(This is what makes guests feel cared for)
Shopping List
Small drawer or basket with:
Extra toilet paper
Fresh hand towels
Washcloths
Travel-size toiletries (optional)
Shelf or cabinet with:
Extra bath towels
Hair dryer (optional, labeled)
Label discreetly if needed.
8. LINEN & TOWEL ZONE
Storage
Hooks for hand towel(s)
Towel bar for bath towel
Shelf or cabinet for folded towels
Basket for used towels
Textile Sets (Rotation)
Bath towels (minimum 2)
Hand towels (minimum 2)
Washcloths
Bath mat (2 for rotation)
Neutral, plush, hotel-like textures.
9. LIGHTING (CLEAR + NIGHT-SAFE)
Layered Lighting
Overhead ceiling light (dimmable)
Vanity lighting (even, no shadows)
Shower-safe recessed light
Pebble or fairy lights:
Under vanity
In glass container on shelf
Plug-in night-safe glow
Controls
Dimmer switch
Warm bulbs only (2700–3000K)
Spare bulbs stored in cabinet
Guests should feel safe navigating at night.
10. SOUND, AIR & COMFORT
Shopping List
Quiet exhaust fan with timer
Soft-close hardware throughout
Absorbent textiles to reduce echo
Door sweep (if hallway noise carries)
11. JOY & AESTHETIC FINISH
(Subtle, calming, universally appealing)
Shopping List
One framed art piece or print
Plant (real or faux)
Decorative bowl or tray
Neutral scent element (very light)
Seasonal hand towel swap (optional)
The room should feel thoughtful, not decorated.
12. POWER, HARDWARE & FINISHING
Shopping List
GFCI outlets
Cord clips (hair dryer storage)
Light plate covers
Plug-in plate covers
Outlet safety covers (unused)
Wall anchors
Drawer liner material
Touch-up paint (color noted)
13. CLEANING & LONG-TERM CARE
Stored in Bathroom
Microfiber cleaning cloth
Counter spray
Glass cleaner
Extra trash liners
Laundry bag for towels
Cleaner Notes
Wipe counters, mirror, fixtures, floor
Replace towels from designated stack
Empty trash
Do not rearrange guest supply basket
FINAL DESIGNER APPROVAL CHECKLIST
☐ Guest can use bathroom without asking questions
☐ Everything needed is visible or obvious
☐ Lighting feels flattering and safe
☐ Towels are easy to find
☐ Night use is gentle on eyes
☐ Cleaning is quick and predictable
☐ Space feels welcoming, calm, and clean
What Comes Next
If you’re at the point where you no longer want to think about your home — and you’re ready for it to quietly support your life instead — you can learn more about working together here:
