A Welcoming Bathroom

How to make a utilitarian space beautiful, timeless, and accessible

- BETSY WATSON,STACY ZARIN GOLDBERG PHOTOGRAPHY

FORM AND FUNCTION were top of mind when designing a bath for this Arlington, Virginia, couple, one of whom uses a wheelchair. “We wanted to make sure it was livable for both of them,” says interior designer Sara Swabb of Storie Collective, who partnered with Tanya Smith-Shiflett of Unique Kitchens and Baths on the space. While the pair made decisions specifically with accessibility in mind, their choices are smart for any bath, as they support changing needs over the years. “I always want to make sure a project is going to outlive my time in the home,” says Sara. “Building for longevity, not for a quick turnaround, is important.” Here’s how to design a bath that is aesthetically pleasing and easy to navigate.