The Dated Bathroom Design That John Legend & Chrissy Teigen Ditched In Their Home
When superstar house-changers John Legend and Chrissy Teigen had an issue with their Beverly Hills home's layout, they knew they'd need help to create the cozy, family-oriented space they desired. The famous couple ditched an entire bathroom in their home and combined their dual closets, which is practically unheard of in these days of bathroom additions and remodels. Specifically, what Legend and Teigen did was combine two smaller, adjoining primary baths into one. They did the same for their his-and-hers closets, yielding a single, oversized walk-in that both share. As Legend said (via YouTube), "We don't need to be separated."
In the 1950s and 60s, the number of bathrooms in the home began to increase, including the change to ensuites attached to the primary bedroom. Another shift included that of having separate bathrooms for each spouse or partner who shared the main bedroom. In some cases, entire rooms were created while, in others, a water closet or shower was situated in a different space with its own door.
That left many with smaller spaces for each individual. Fast forward to today's homes, and people now have the additional house space to justify revisiting areas allocated to their baths. There are loads of bathroom remodel ideas that can inspire you and help you decide what changes will work. But for many, what used to feel unique — having one's own smaller, private bath space — now is less of a draw compared to creating a full-on, hotel-spa experience on a grand scale.
One oversized bathroom with space for your favorite features
This idea of a spa-like bath experience isn't just for the rich and famous. While John Legend and Chrissy Teigen enjoy an overly spacious home, your own may be in a good position for consolidating your dual baths. A well-thought-out remodel could transform two underutilized rooms into something more enjoyable and functional. Legend and Teigen did away with two rooms because, as Legend put it (via YouTube), "We thought that was a little redundant."
Determining whether your house is your "forever home" and, therefore, a candidate for a you-specific overhaul, is a good place to start. Consulting an interior or bath designer and contractor will ensure an intelligent layout. A designer can re-envision the bathroom, so you adore the space and have a more relaxing experience. A designer will also be able to reconfigure any remaining space in clever, useful ways to fit your needs and add value, like creating better flow in an awkward area.
The new, expansive environment allows for luxurious features like a double shower with spa jet towers, a sauna booth or steam shower, and perhaps also a bidet, something still trending post-pandemic. Or, you could do like Legend and Teigen did and create one massive shower and have a separate freestanding soaker tub. "I do bath time with the kids," Teigen said (via YouTube), indicating the tub. For those excited to make changes, you can incorporate these best bathroom renovation tips as you jump-start your project.
Consider the alternative: When not to ditch dual bathrooms
Before you hire a designer, first determine if you should consider this update. John Legend and Chrissy Teigen's remodel isn't for everyone. If you're planning to move in the foreseeable future, consider that only 26% of Realtors recommend a bathroom renovation before selling, according to the National Association of Realtors 2022 Remodeling Impact Report. Also, reducing the number of bathrooms could negatively affect your home's value, though to what extent is situation-specific.
Be aware of other factors, as well. For those whose dual bathrooms aren't adjoining, there could be substantial costs to remodel your space, especially when plumbing moves are involved. And, bodily functions aside, that extra room gives the freedom to spread out personal items without worrying about overflowing into a partner's area. Some couples enjoy the extra privacy and elbow room, and consider it helpful in maintaining their relationship.
Deciding whether to consolidate two bathrooms into one will depend on your situation. You'll want a solid understanding of the costs, trade-offs, and benefits. If you keep your separate, smaller bathrooms, you may still want to update them so you love your space more. As Legend said (via YouTube) regarding their separate bathrooms, "It feels very, like, Victorian." If you feel the same but aren't able to undergo a big reno, there's no reason not to make other updates. By changing out vanity hardware, refreshing paint, or installing new faucets, mirrors, or lighting, you can find alternatives to transform your small bathroom on a budget.