Interior Designer’s Room-by-Room Planning Checklist : Preteen Girl Bathroom
Designed for growing independence, self-expression, confidence, and easy upkeep
1. Room Purpose & Design Intent
Primary Function
Daily hygiene and grooming
Developing self-care routines
Safe, age-appropriate independence
Secondary Function
Emotional regulation during transitions (school → home, morning → night)
Personal expression without chaos
Easy cleaning for shared household systems
Design Philosophy
This bathroom is designed to:
Feel welcoming, not overwhelming
Support experimentation (hair, skincare) without mess spreading
Grow with her from preteen → teen
Be durable, forgiving, and easy to reset
This is not a “mini adult bathroom” or a toy-filled kid bath.
2. ZONING & FLOW (FOUNDATIONAL)
☐ Vanity & Grooming Zone
☐ Sink / Daily Hygiene Zone
☐ Shower / Bath Zone
☐ Toilet Zone
☐ Storage & Supply Zone
☐ Personal Expression Zone (controlled)
☐ Night-Use Lighting Zone
Movement should feel intuitive and confidence-building.
3. VANITY & COUNTER ZONE
Furniture & Fixtures
Vanity with multiple drawers (priority over cabinet doors)
Soft-close drawer hardware
Sealed countertop (easy-wipe, stain resistant)
Sink basin (low splash)
Faucet with controlled flow
Countertop Setup (Daily Use Only)
Decorative tray for:
Toothbrush holder
Soap dispenser
Daily skincare (2–3 items max)
Small mirror (optional secondary)
Tissue holder
Drawer Organization (Extensive)
Drawer dividers (modular)
Hair tools drawer insert
Skincare organizer trays
Period care drawer (discreet but accessible)
Backup drawer:
Toothpaste
Hair ties
Cotton pads
Deodorant
4. MIRROR & GROOMING SUPPORT
Shopping List
Large main mirror (good lighting reflection)
Optional magnifying mirror
Hair tool heat-safe mat
Heat-resistant drawer holster
Outlet access with cord control
5. SHOWER / BATH ZONE
Fixtures
Tub/shower combo OR walk-in shower
Non-slip tub surface or stickers
Handheld shower attachment
Temperature-control valve (anti-scald)
Storage
Built-in shower niche(s)
Hanging shower caddy (minimal)
Uniform refillable bottles (shampoo/conditioner/body wash)
Comfort
Soft shower curtain (washable)
Curtain hooks (quiet glide)
Hook inside shower for towel
Squeegee stored discreetly
6. TOILET ZONE
Fixtures & Comfort
Toilet with soft-close lid
Toilet paper holder (easy reach)
Backup toilet paper storage (hidden)
Accessories
Lidded trash bin
Toilet brush with cover
Discreet deodorizer
7. STORAGE & SUPPLY ZONE
(This prevents clutter everywhere else)
Storage Furniture
Under-sink cabinet with bins
Wall cabinet or shelving with doors
Drawer unit (if vanity drawers are limited)
Labeled Storage Bins
DAILY USE
HAIR
SKINCARE
BATH
BACKUP SUPPLIES
Clear labels reduce friction and arguments.
8. LINEN & TOWEL ZONE
Storage
Hooks for daily towels
Shelf or cabinet for folded towels
Basket for used towels
Textiles (Rotation Sets)
Bath towels (2–3)
Hand towels
Washcloths
Bath mats (2 for rotation)
Optional robe
9. LIGHTING (CONFIDENCE + COMFORT)
Layered Lighting Plan
Overhead ceiling light (dimmable)
Vanity lighting (even, shadow-free)
Shower-safe recessed light
Fairy lights or pebble lights:
Around mirror edge
Shelf glow
Inside glass jar for night use
Controls
Dimmer switches
Night-safe lighting option
Warm bulbs only (2700–3000K)
Spare bulbs stored in cabinet
10. SOUND, AIR & SENSORY COMFORT
Shopping List
Quiet exhaust fan with timer
Soft-close hardware throughout
Absorbent textiles to reduce echo
Optional gentle scent element (very light)
11. JOY & PERSONAL EXPRESSION
(Controlled, age-appropriate, flexible)
Shopping List
Small framed art or quote
Decorative mirror tray
Plant (real or faux)
Color or texture accent (towels, mat)
Seasonal swap item (keeps room fresh)
One “chosen by her” decorative object
Joy is allowed — clutter is not.
12. POWER, HARDWARE & FINISHING
Shopping List
GFCI outlets
Cord clips & concealment
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
Small step stool (if needed)
Cleaner Notes (If Applicable)
Wipe surfaces, mirrors, floor
Replace towels from designated stack
Do not reorganize drawers
FINAL DESIGNER APPROVAL CHECKLIST
☐ She can use this space independently
☐ Lighting feels flattering and gentle
☐ Mess stays contained
☐ Supplies are easy to find
☐ Night lighting is calm
☐ Space feels personal but not chaotic
☐ Cleaning is fast and predictable
☐ Room will grow with her
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:
