(That is the way to save money on a bathroom remodel, BTW, to keep things where they are.) Sometimes it is just toooooo expensive to relocate a tub or toilet. Sometimes there's no possible way to change the master bath layout and make a significant difference. Unless it features some spectacular tile, they typically don’t come off as being a very impactful visual destination. Now don't get me wrong - showers can be beautiful - but, really, they're just some flat, tiled surfaces that aren't all that sensational. I’ve worked on a few bathrooms where the shower was the first thing you saw when you walked into the space. Architects understand the importance of the vista. If you look at higher-end homes, architects will typically have the tub serve as the focal point, with a window situated behind when you walk in. Typically, these bathrooms are laid out so that a vanity or closet doors are seen the moment you walk in. After all, if my clients are going to go to all the expense and trouble to remodel a master bath then they sure better feel that “ahh.” sensation when they walk in during the project's final, grand reveal. That line of sight, or vista, is key when trying to set the tone and ambience of the room. To get that spa-like, peaceful, “ahh.” moment when you walk into your bathroom, you need a beautiful sight to see. It's what you see first when you walk in. It's one of the most important things I look at when laying out a bathroom. However, most of the time, no real thought was given to the overall design of the bathroom. This was done to make the space seem larger and more luxurious and to take advantage of every square inch of wall space. In these homes, there are large, cultured marble tub surrounds, not-so-attractive vistas, and everything is usually lined up around the room with a big open space in the middle. However, in a house that’s not quite so expensive, usually some improvements can be made. So, if I’ve been called in to remodel one of these types of homes, my job is to re-skin the bathroom to get some up-to-date finishes and fixtures. These spaces have been architecturally laid out in a very specific way to bring drama and luxury to the space. Many times, in bathrooms in higher-end homes that have been designed by architects and designers, moving things around isn't all that necessary. The best master bathroom layout has a beautiful vista I think it’s a great reference for when you start considering your own bathroom refresh! This is an older post with that I’ve updated with more images and information. If you have the budget to move things around, and your fixtures aren't in the most advantageous positions, it’s always a good idea to - at the very least - explore the options the layout presents you. And one of the first elements of each project I consider is the layout. I’ve done a lot of bathroom remodeling design over the past several years.

Large square master bathroom layout