Hey Gibby -- 6 x 10 bath here [finally demo'd last week!] and I know that my size isn't even that small. I've been on the lookout for 3 or so years and it's been surprisingly difficult to find ideas. Aside from "recess whenever possible," of course! There's the "monochromatic = more spacious" school of thought but IMO there are alternative ways to lead the eye around the room and create interest in a small space. Things to consider: * color / color contrast * the lines of an object (round vs square) * judicious use of oversized scale * having some consistency with eyelines/sightlines of your vertical elements Here are some of the apparently-smaller baths I've found that put at least one of the above into action: We're adapting this built-into-doorway cab for our bath -- ours will be built out from the wall, perpendicular to the sink, and serve as a med cabinet. I'd use a wall-hung if this were a full bath, but I do love this! [Note horizontal cladding] I was involved in this [5 x 8 with TWO doors!] bath: Grabbed space from kitchen to make this 15" cubby: IMO one of the biggest challenges with small baths is to create negative space that serves to set off what IS in the room. In our case, we splurged a bit on a demilune/semicircle vanity instead of a square or rectangular one -- given our bowling alley dimensions, it helps carve out some pleasing curves. However, having lived in a place where the tiny wall-hung sink, toilet, and clawfoot were all accessible from one spot I know negative space is sometimes non-existent! I've enjoyed the book below, which has a mix of sizes and lots of materials in it --"ideas for tiny half-baths, medium-size his-and-hers, and large, luxurious home spas. Specifics on ventilation, waterproofing, faucets, showers, tubs, and more." Here is a link that might be useful: New Bathroom Idea Book (Taunton Press)

I agree that having the toilet separate from the rest of the room is key. I don't think it's as big an issue to have someone showering while the other is brushing teeth (as long as it's not a perfectly clear shower, of course) I would have a "separate but equal" set up - like many master baths. A stack of drawers for her stuff, a separate one for his. Maybe two shower niches so that she can put her shampoo and body wash in one place and he can put his stuff in another. I remember many a morning in high school constantly wiping off the mirror while I tried to get ready because I was first shower and my sisters were showering after me and everything was fogged up - so how about a really good exhaust fan or a window that can be opened to let out the steam? I'm actually working on a new vanity top shared by my three kids and I'm debating having two sinks on 66in vs. one sink. Part of me thinks the counter space is more valuable to three teens, and part of me thinks that the extra sink might be more handy. I've got two boys - and so there may be tooth brushing and shaving going on at the same time. But then again, I've got a girl who will want to spread out I'm sure. So, I can't help with that!

Regarding girls sharing bathrooms, our former home was previously owned by a family with 9 kids, seven girls, and only one bathroom with one sink which had a wrap-around the corner vanity and mirrors on both walls. DH and I went to school with several of them and when we bought their parents' home, they shared with us fun stories of them all lined up squeezing for mirror space and the use of the sink. Stories told with laughter and they are still a close family as we are all middle-aged and older. I guess I'm sharing this because I think the need for all sorts of extra space in the bathroom is silly, imho, and a waste of space. Let your kids grow up with stories of learning to share. :)

The "regular" bath layout that jensbride posted first is very similar to what our DD & DS shared for years and worked very well. The door, however, was a pocket style and placed directly across from the toilet. This allowed the vanity to be scooted around the corner to take up the whole wall. It leaves the toilet close to the tub, but with lots of elbow room. Our kids just learned to keep the door partially closed when the bath wasn't in use due to the "view".