A savvy mom helps perfect a spot that’s comfortable, safe, and just plain fun

If you want to design with kids in mind, ask an expert. Former preschool teacher Nadia Blair knew exactly what to put where—and why—when she and her husband, Aaron, added a bath for their boys to their Austin, Texas, house. She put a premium on safety, choosing a low tub, sink faucets that help prevent scalding, tub-shower controls out of kids’ reach, and textured floor tile. “The grout is dark because, you know, they’re boys,” says this very practical mother of Townes, 2, and Hayes, 6 months. Working with CG&S Design-Build during a whole-house redo, Nadia also lobbied for extra space alongside the tub to ease the bathtime routine. “You want to be able to lift a kid out and turn around without bumping into the sink or the toilet,” she says. As for finishes, “I wanted the bath to transition with the kids, to be fun and cheerful but not childish.” A lively paint scheme was a given, but “later on, if the kids are like, ‘Mom, I’m so over turquoise,’ we’ll just repaint it,” she says. Right now, it’s just right.