Make Your Bathroom Look Larger With These 5 Tricks

Bathrooms typically aren't the most inspiring spaces to design.  You've got all of the plumbing fixtures to deal with in an often cramped space, and your decor has to be moisture-resistant.

While I'm sure you'd much rather spend time and effort on a living room or bedroom, remember that the bathroom is one place that every guest in your home will be using.

So...where do you start?

Here are 5 great tips from Zillow Blog and Designer Jaque Bethke of PURE Design Environments, Inc.

1. Know your audience and set the scene

Who is going to be using this bathroom the most?  Guests you are entertaining?  The kids?
What about the frequency of use?  Is this an every day bathroom, or an on occasional bathroom?

If its a day to day bathroom, make sure you're using a classic and timeless design - you don't want to get tired of a "trendy" space.  However, if it is a space for guests, go ahead - have some fun.

If its used by guests, consider what you don't need, like a vast array of towels or soaps.  It can exist purely with good-looking function, without the frills.

If there's a shower involved, this will affect your design as well.  Make sure you avoid things like wallpaper, for example, which can deteriorate over time in the presence of humidity.

2. Save Your Space

Once you've established who is using the bathroom and how often it will be used, the next step is space optimization.  Storage is a priority, as clutter can instantly make a room feel smaller.

You can use a medicine cabinet alone, but many also need counter space.  Consider over the toilet storage shelves, or installing wall fixtures.

If you're undergoing a renovation, wall-hung sinks and toilets save space by hiding the pipes in the walls.

3. Light is your friend

Light can easily augment a space ten-fold.  Consider using reflective items and glass to bounce more light around the space.

Can you add a skylight?  This is a great way to bring in the light.

Appropriate light-fixtures can also do the trick.  Avoid hanging ceiling lights or bulky fixtures.  LED lights are typically the preferred type.

A neutral or light color palate can easily work to your advantage as well.

4. Use an accent wall

You hear about accent walls in the living room or dining room, but an accent wall can actually do a lot for expanding a small bathroom space.

You can paint one wall a different color, sure.  But also consider using accent pieces like an antique mirror, fun light fixture, or artwork.

Fine detailing will be noticed and appreciated in a small space, so go for it!

5. Splurge on something that you love

Sure, its natural to want to spend frugally on the bathroom to save money for your larger spaces.  Designers agree, however, that since it is such a small space, you can spend a little more.

Dan McLaughlin of general contracting firm S + H Construction says, “You can be playful without spending the farm.  You don’t need to cover 150 square feet of floor with tile. Instead, you can cover just 20 to 30 square feet of wall.”

For a powder bath, don't worry about the style matching the rest of your home - this is the one room where you can get a little off course.  Represent your style and own your space.


Want a professionals guidance?  Send me an e-mail or give me a call and I will put you in touch with our recommended designer in your area.