Bathroom in Panel House: From Standard Shower to Functional Space

INMYROOM continues exploring the blogger Dasha Karakulova's apartment in a P-44 house. The bathroom, just a few square meters in size, has become a real lesson in efficient space usage. Everything necessary for a family of three fits here, and thoughtful solutions transformed a typical shower into a multifunctional zone.

Over 35 years, this bathroom has undergone two major reconfigurations, each aimed at increasing functionality. Now it accommodates a bathtub, washing machine, multiple storage systems, and even a spot for relaxation with a wooden tray for watching movies in the bathtub.

Key points from the article:

• Reconfiguring the corridor allowed placing the washing machine in the bathroom;
• Closed storage for toothbrushes is more hygienic and aesthetic than open;
• A Soviet-style shower with a ceramic handle outperforms modern counterparts;
• A round mat softens the squareness of a typical room;
• A wireless light with motion sensor is an ideal solution for the toilet.

Before: rectangular bathroom with limited functionality

Initially, the bathroom had a classic rectangular layout of a panel house. The corridor was straight with no angled corner, limiting the possibilities for placing household appliances. "There was a wall cabinet, and the wall formed a right angle, and there was a standard rectangular bathtub with a shelf," Dasha recalls.

The tiles in the bathroom are evidence of the early 2000s. "This is very typical of the design from 2002. Of course, this was a mistake," admits the owner. But the quality was so good that the tiles still hold up perfectly.

The toilet did not have thoughtful lighting—only standard overhead light, which is not always convenient, especially at night.

After: Multifunctional space with thoughtful zoning

The main change was reconfiguring the corridor. They removed the straight corner and made it angled, creating space for a washing machine. "It turned out that here there was this corner, and the washing machine was placed there," Dasha shows.

However, the engineering design had some issues: "I have questions for the engineers—why did they place the tap in this way? I can't pull out the machine without dancing around. I have to remove the tap, push out the machine, if I need to clean under it or call a master."

Additional storage was organized above the washing machine for cosmetics and bath accessories. "I realistically assess storage in my home, and I'm not willing to display bottles on the machine. So I hide them—this storage satisfies me completely."

Storage system: Beauty through order

The biggest discovery was moving toothbrushes from the sink to a closed cabinet. "Since this is the only bathroom in the house, it serves as both a guest bathroom and a technical space. Here, shoes and dirty clothes are washed. Closed storage of toothbrushes is more important than their proximity to the sink."

Her husband was initially skeptical about the convenience of this solution, but he quickly adapted. "Recently I asked if he was tired of taking his toothbrush from the cabinet. He said he had gotten used to it so much that the idea of closed storage is more important for aesthetics than proximity to the sink."

The cabinet holds a whole household: "We each use several brushes—some stiffer, some softer, electric. A few of each, plus toothpaste. All in special organizers so they don't fall down."

Soviet Shower vs Modern Technology

The highlight of the bathroom is a Soviet-style shower with a ceramic handle, which Dasha removed from another apartment during renovation. "The only thing needed to make the Soviet shower compatible with modern hoses was to buy a connector. The shower has M50 threading, while modern hoses usually have half-inch threading."

The 500-ruble connector solved the problem, and now the family enjoys the benefits of vintage plumbing. "The charm of this shower is that it has sufficiently large holes, and it gives a great flow. Shampoo rinses off very easily, like a tropical shower. I can control it—don't like showers from a height."

Details That Change Perception

A round mat instead of a standard rectangular one—a simple but effective solution. "I didn't lay down a rectangular mat, but took a round one. It lies snugly, but I like that it softens the squareness of the room."

Showerheads were replaced with retro models after the old ones "burned out." "It burned out so badly that no amount of polishing could save it. I saw them in a store—this is what I needed. They played well with the border."

Installed curtains on beautiful metal rings instead of standard plastic ones. These small details create a feeling of thoughtfulness and attention to detail.

Storage for Bath Accessories

An original solution was found for children's toys—beach bags. "This is a beach bag, it doesn't mind water. Here are bath hats and bright children's toys that my daughter still plays in. I shake the water off and throw them in— they dry peacefully because the bag has holes."

This kind of storage is both practical and aesthetic—nobody would guess that bright toys are hidden in the neat bag.

Hair dryers are stored in special wall-mounted holders. "We use them every day so they're easily accessible. I attached the holders to brackets—very convenient."

Wooden Tray for Relaxation

A special pride item—a wooden tray made by a friend who is a carpenter. "Specifically so I can sit in the bathtub and watch YouTube. It has special supports, and I put candles on it and all that."

In winter, the tray is actively used—"this is bath time," and in summer it just stands for beauty and collects envious glances from guests.

Lighting with Thought

A wireless flashlight with a motion sensor was installed in the toilet on a magnet. "It automatically turns on when entering, charges about once a week. Very convenient, especially at night."

This solution is much more practical than a standard switch—no need to search for the button in the dark, the light turns on automatically.

Dryer as Part of the Interior

Even the clothes dryer became part of the thoughtfully designed system. "Usually it's in the bedroom, I'm not at all embarrassed by that. In winter, a large radiator—everything dries quickly and spreads a pleasant smell. In summer, it goes to the balcony."

In the bathroom, the dryer fits behind the bathtub and can hold a set of clothes or towels. "Also, due to its placement, it dries quickly."

Practical Tips from Dasha

"If I were to design a bathroom now, I wouldn't make open shelves above the sink. Maximum closed storage—this is both more hygienic and more beautiful."

A plant watering station found a place next to the bathtub—convenient for filling water for indoor plants.

Even small details are thought out: a tray that "perfectly fit in as if it were built-in, and hides a small flaw where the coating was damaged." A rhythm emerged: wood—white—wood—white.

This bathroom proves that even the smallest space can be made as functional as possible. The key is to think vertically, use every centimeter, and not be afraid of unconventional solutions. As Dasha says: "It's important that every item has its place—then it's easy to keep order, even if we help each other with household tasks."