Make Even the Smallest Bathroom Feel Spacious
Bathrooms are often the unsung heroes of our homes. While the kitchen may get all the glory as the heart of the house, the bathroom is where we start and end our days – a private oasis amidst the chaos. But what if your bathroom is on the smaller side? Never fear, my friends! With a little creativity and strategic design, you can make even the tiniest of bathrooms feel like a luxurious spa retreat.
Let There Be Light
One of the key elements to making a small bathroom feel more expansive is lighting. According to designer Vern Yip, you’ll want to stick to a consistent metal finish across all your fixtures, from the faucet to the towel rack. This creates a cohesive, flowing look that doesn’t break up the space.
But it’s not just about the fixtures – the type of lighting you choose can make a big difference too. Designer Jenny Wolf recommends going with a high-gloss, super dark paint color for small, windowless bathrooms. This creates an illusion of depth and helps bounce the little light you have around the room. Pair that with thoughtfully selected light fixtures that bring in plenty of illumination, and you’ve got a recipe for a bathroom that feels airy and open.
Reflect on This
Mirrors are another powerful tool in the small bathroom arsenal. Designer Phillip Thomas suggests using frosted mirror tiles or sheets to create a reflective, glow-y effect that blurs the boundaries of the space. Metallics and shimmery mosaic tiles can also help visually expand the room.
But don’t stop at just one mirror! Designer Julia Miller used an entire glass wall for the shower in a 75-square-foot bathroom, which allowed light to bounce and flow throughout the space. Strategically placed mirrors can create the illusion of depth and make your bathroom feel double its actual size.
Embrace the Unexpected
Sometimes, the key to making a small bathroom feel larger is to lean into the quirkiness of the space. Designer Louise Copeland did just that in a San Francisco Victorian, covering the walls in dramatic, marbled Italian paper that evoked the nautical vibe of the nearby bay.
But you don’t have to go that bold if it’s not your style. Designer Miranda Cullen suggests embracing a monochromatic color palette, whether that’s a rich, moody hue or a crisp, bright white. The key is to create an immersive experience that draws the eye in and makes the space feel intentional, not an afterthought.
Space-Saving Strategies
Of course, function is just as important as form when it comes to small bathrooms. Designer Phillip Thomas recommends raising fixtures off the floor – think floating vanities and wall-mounted sinks and toilets. Not only does this preserve precious square footage, but it also creates the illusion of more open space.
And let’s not forget about the tub! Thomas suggests opting for a modern, curved version instead of the traditional claw-foot style. This not only saves space, but the open, airy design helps the room feel bigger.
At the end of the day, small bathrooms may present a unique set of challenges, but with the right design approach, you can transform even the most cramped quarters into a serene, spa-like retreat. So don’t be afraid to get creative, my friends – after all, your dream bathroom is just a few strategic design choices away.
And if you’re in the Aberdeen area and looking to revamp your tiny bathroom, be sure to check out ABC Home – the experts in making the most of every square inch. With their skilled team and passion for design, they’ll have your bathroom feeling bigger and better than ever.
