SFGate

pcmom1 Well, let's see, looking at the floor plan I am thinking I would put a stacking washer and dryer into the area where the toilet is now (if not needed then some cabinets). I would flip the toilet 90 degrees and place it along the shower wall, and build it into it's own space for privacy. A pocket door would go between the washer/dryer or cabinet and the end of the shower.

takk33 Thank you for your comment, pcmom1!
It is a great idea, but we have a laundry room upstairs, so we don't need washer and dryer in our basement.
Our constructor already put drains, water pipes, etc, so we can't change the layout anymore, but we can change shower room length.

Dytecture 3x5 is a good sized shower, especially for a basement bathroom. I wouldn't extend it given the additional cost of tiles and labor does not outweigh the benefits. It's a good idea to finish or close that area off, perhaps with a linen tower.

takk33 Thank you for your comment, Dytecture!
I also appreciate the image that gives me an idea!
My constructor said 3x5 is a good size, too.
As this shower is going to be just a "display" (we have enough bathrooms upstairs), I wanted something a "wow" factor in the bathroom, which made me think of 3x8 shower room.

nFORMAL design Well...there are all kinds of things you could do for "wow" factor that doesn't involve a 3'x8' shower.

What about a steam shower area or shower sauna in that corner...kind of like a sauna for one or two!

nFORMAL design Plus, if you designed it right, you could get a good tub and a nice shower in that bathroom. Plenty of space.

takk33 Thank you for your advice, nFORMAL design!
Yes, a steam shower with bench or sauna sounds great!!
Due to our limited budget, we gave up on havinga steam shower or sauna.
We thought about a free stand tub, but we have 3 tubs upstairs and a hot tub outside, so we decided to put a extra large shower room like an updated hotel bathroom.

nFORMAL design Here is another idea. Make the floor an entire shower across there, and have two very large shower heads...one on each end with a bench that runs the length. It would be pretty amazing.

pcmom1 If you can't add a shower head to that side, another "wow" would be an atrium area for plants. Might be a refreshing sight in a basement!

pybo I really like nFormal design's idea of having 2 shower heads if it can be added.

nFORMAL design Here are some more ideas. I'm thinking more of the rain shower heads that come straight down or are even integrated into the ceiling. That is "WOW" factor.

Don't get hung up on the style of decor in the photos...just think concepts. Also, the non-Houzz attached photo at the bottom...love the look, but remove tub and put another shower. As we joke around and say, that would be "pimp".

[houzz=Pope Street]

[houzz=Group 41]

takk33 Thank you nFORMAL design for so many helpful advice and great ideas!
The last photo is gorgeous!! This is really "WOW" factor.
We decided not to have a tub, but having a tub in the shower room is perfect as you don't have to worry about soaking floors or your body cooling down when you walk from the shower room to the tub. It is like Japanese bath style.
I will save this idea when we renovate our master bathroom someday in the future. :)

Thank you pybo for sharing the photos.
I fell in love with O Interior Design's one.
Due to our limited budget, we can't have a steam shower or add another shower, but building a shelf next to the shower room is also a good idea.

Thank you pcmom1 for another idea!
It should look nice to see some plants in the basement bathroom without windows.

nFORMAL design I guess we should have asked what your budget would be. The shower/plumbing wouldn't be that expensive and if the plumber is already there (unless it is built right now) labor would be minimal.

nFORMAL design If anything, do not leave that area open if you have only one shower head. I'd add a small partition wall at the back of the shower and then put built-in storage in the corner.

[houzz=
]

takk33 Thank you so much nFORMAL design. You are full of ideas!
We are finishing the whole basement floor, so I have to keep a good balance with other ongoing projects.
The plumbing for the ceiling mount rain shower and shower kits on the wall is done already.

I think I can summarize all the helpful opinions from everybody that 3x8 shower room is a bit too long in our 8x8 basement bathroom unless I install two showers, sauna, or tub etc..(I wish we have enough budget!)

Im getting toward to the idea putting built-in shelves besides the shower room.
We are not planning to use this shower room and we don't really need any storage (we have quite decent size of linen closet outside of the bathroom, plus 48 inches wide single vanity), however, it is always good to have a space to put change of clothes or towels near shower room entrance.

Which is the best solution to fill up the open space?
1. make 3x5 shower and 3 feet wide shelves next to it
2. extend shower to 3x6 and put 2 feet wide shelves?
3. make 3x5 shower room surrounded with glass panels put long floating shelves starting from near toilet to the top left corner of the bathroom wall?