Multigenerational homes

Shared bathroom Materials and Finishes for Multigenerational homes

Select materials by where they will be installed, how they are cleaned and what can be repaired when one part wears.

Bathroom planning reference: compare fixture arrangements before selecting finishes.

Compare the options

Set the brief: Mark high-touch, wet and impact-prone surfaces separately before picking finishes.
Compare: Ask suppliers for care instructions, repair options and a full sample with exposed edges and joints.
Before buying: Price installation, replaceable pieces and long-term maintenance alongside the initial material cost.

Worked example

Water repeatedly reaches the painted wall beside a frequently used shower.

Choose a suitable wet-area finish for the exposed zone and inspect the edge and junction samples before installation.

How to test it

Put the sample beside its adjoining materials and test the agreed cleaning method on a spare piece.

Apply it to this space

Layout: If the plan allows, separate vanity access from the toilet and shower zone.
Detail: Use durable finishes, reachable towel storage and clear personal-item compartments.
Trade-off: A split arrangement eases simultaneous use but takes more wall and plumbing planning.

The Elixir portfolio

Photographs for design inspiration