Hiding powder room door in dining room

5 years ago

We have a reasonably sized living room/dining room combination area. Our design dilemma is that the powder room door for our downstairs is located in the dining room. We avoided this problem for years by using the area as a pool room then a nursery for triplets. We've finally sold the pool table and have a small seating area for the LR and we're getting ready to install new flooring throughout the downstairs. I'm leary of putting in a dining area unless I flip it to the LR area or just put in two small seating areas. We have a large kitchen table and a pool with two dining areas out back so I don't have to have a formal dining area (but I'd like one). Here's a picture of our set up today. It's not pretty and we're in the throes of Xmas countdown. The dogs make a mess of the sofa hence the cover and lots of cushions everywhere. I'd like constructive suggestions on how to camouflage the restroom. Thanks and make this a happy Christmas for me!!!!

Featured Answer

flopsycat1

5 years ago

Dogs, triplets and Christmas! Congratulations on having the time and energy to think about home design projects.

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Comments (21)

H B
5 years ago
Would it be possible to put the door on a different wall?
PRO
BeverlyFLADeziner
5 years ago
A bathroom off the dining room is a terrible location. Is there an alternate way to gain access?

Can the door swing into the bathroom?.

You haven't given us all the necessary images to advise you.
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tedbixby
5 years ago
last modified: 5 years ago
How are you currently using your livingroom? Is it the main area where you family spends their time or used for quiet time?
njmomma
5 years ago
last modified: 5 years ago
Not a Pro.

If the door way cannot be put in different location consider a Pocket Door, Hidden Door with Shelves or a door covered in wallpaper to disguise it on the wall.

Here is some inspiration:

1.

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2.
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Martha's Vineyard Summer Home · More Info
njmomma
5 years ago

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maddielee
5 years ago
Painting the door and trim the same color as the wall might help a little.
Oliviag
5 years ago
i would avoid a pocket door or barn door for a bathroom that opens to a room...not enough soundproofing or privacy.
whats on the other sides of the the bath?
dyliane
5 years ago
paint the door and the trim door the same color of the wall, will help to disguise it. Lower all your art, is too high
PRO
karen paul interiors
5 years ago
Just repeating someone else's question. What do you have on the other side of the bathroom? Can't imagine having a dinner party and being the one who has to use the room!.
Chrissi
Original Author
5 years ago
Sorry for dropping the ball. Was up till 12:30 finishing Xmas and up for the last hour prepping breakfast:)
Other side of the wall is actually a stairwell and coat closet, and kitchen. The center of our home is an irregular circle (staircase) I'll pull out the blueprint and add it here in a bit. Waiting for the kids to wake up!
I'm certain the ability to relocate the door won't be easy and it will be expensive. At this point I've seen great pix of possibilities from fellow Houzz members and I'd love to know ways to decorate around it (screen???) flipping room (LR/ there and move dining room to the front or just do two small comfy seating areas with a screen or something in. Front of the door. Hers some pix of the house from th front and walking thru and around the stairwell. It won't let me add more. First is walking in the front door. Could possibly mmake this wall an entry but then there's a door right when you walk in. To the left of entry is the LR. Then the dining room with powder room on right looking into the kitchen. Come through and on right is semi circular wall then will come stairs and back into foyer with a closet and garage entry.
PRO
JAN MOYER
5 years ago
Bad design is bad design. For now? Paint the door and the trim in wall color, and KEEP THE DOOR CLOSED. Otherwise? I'd rip it entirely, and find a new location for the function.
Izzy Mn
5 years ago
I don't think I've ever seen a bathroom door open outside rather than into bathroom. Also door looks wider than usual, or it's just the photograph. Very odd, was this maybe for some kind of handicap accessible reason for this configuration?
Oliviag
5 years ago
the blueprint will help. is ther another bath on this floor that you use as a guest bath? if so, i wouldn't worry. if it's just for the kids...
i remember my first memory of really bad design. a half bath, just behind the sofa of the family room. everyone could hear everything... in a friend's home. i always limited my liquids so i didn't have to use it. sadly, they made the very best coffee...and i could only have one cup.

..
Chrissi
Original Author
5 years ago
No reason for the oddity by the builder. Not handicap accessible on purpose. No other bathroom on this floor. I don't know why I didn't notice it before we bought the house and I haven't figured out how to change it yet. I've had health issues the last year that make me want to try to make a full bath with shower in that area but I know it will be pricey. Not certain it's worth all of that but I would like to use the space more so I need a way to make it more private and not weird.
PRO
karen paul interiors
5 years ago
The same people who make Murphy Beds also make special doors that look like a bi-fold bookcase (if you want) or they can actually make up any look within reason! Wondering about the placement of this door and if it can actually become a china cabinet or bookcase (if that's preferred). I'm posting one of their many threads just to give you a feel for versatility. There's always something about hidden rooms that piques the interest of adults and children. Turn your lemon into lemonade. Enjoy!

https://www.themurphydoor.com/gallery/surface-mount/
Chrissi
Original Author
5 years ago
Great idea Karen Paul! Gong to take a look now:)
User
5 years ago
last modified: 5 years ago
Have same setup - but my house is from the 1880's. When modern plumbing was installed they put the bathroom off the Dr.

Suggestion, use the heaviest door you can and have a good vent.

It is what it is
User
5 years ago
I once had a powder room similar to your but it opened to the family room. n yes door opened out with no way to change it. We simply kept it closed as much as possible. But of course with triplets I don’t know how easy that would be. Lol.

Triplets - wow God bless u. My D had twins n thats double trouble. Lol. :).
Oliviag
5 years ago
i know I'll sound like odd opinion here, but...
I'd keep the dining room as dining room, bathroom, or no. Get a heavy door, insulate the wall , and a loud motion activated fan. Panasonic used to make one, though pretty quiet...
few people use the bathroom during dinner. after the party retires to the living room, the bathroom in the dining room is far more private.
if you can add a small shower, good for you . the triplets will need more spaces in the future...
best of luck. and merry Christmas
PRO
karen paul interiors
5 years ago
Just for fun...Teen on her way to the "room". LOL!

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