SMALL BATHROOM REMODELING IDEAS
FOR THE ILLUSION OF SPACE
S t r e t c h your small bathroom remodeling efforts to make your bathroom not only look larger, but feel bigger, too!  Remodeling a small bathroom does not mean that you'll have to do a complete makeover. Instead, let's go for the illusion of more space.
The floorplans on the right show a small (7' x 12') bathroom/laundry combo as it was originally built in the sixties, and the simple remodel.
Changing the swing on the hall door, adding 3 sets of louvered bi-fold doors, changing out the vanity, reorienting the toilet, enlarging the shower stall, painting and adding a plant or two was all that was necessary to create a much more open and inviting space. The entire small bathroom remodeling project was less than $600.
The very first thing to do, however, is to remove anything you don't really need in there. Also take out things that look large. Replacing a large vanity for a smaller one and a medicine cabinet for a wall mirror and adding lights around the mirror gives more light and more space.
The difference, perhaps, between a small bathroom remodeling project and a regular bath re-do may simply be the focus. Think light, bright, smaller fixtures, more light, etc.
Paint the bathroom with light soft colors, which reflect ambient light.  Use warm colors such as tans and soft orange with an accent wall painted in a bolder "cool" color, such as sky blue or green. Your small bathroom remodeling experience might use "hiding places" to put items out of sight.
Light reflected from the bathroom window and the overhead lighting sometimes does not produce enough illumination to adequately fill the room. If this is your situation, install a larger mirror (or mirrored wall) opposite the window.
As the image on the left suggests, there are some wild and crazy new things out there, so get to a big box and explore! One unique, unusual or kinky thing just might be the spark that sets your whole remodel on fire!! A small bathroom remodeling project is easier than you think, and could also be very inexpensive. Below are things to consider.
A DOZEN SMALL BATHROOM REMODELING TIPS:
1. Replace your big 'ol out-dated toilet with a small eco-friendly, low flow toilet. You'll recoup the cost in water savings and it will, actually, add visual space.
2. Brighten up the place with paint and fabric. Use what's called the "60-30-10 Rule." 60% Dominant Color, 30% Secondary Color, 10% Accent Color. This works for all the rooms and areas of the home.  Accent colors could be towels, candles, the shower curtain or rugs. Secondary color could be an accent wall, the vanity or even paint the ceiling something other than white.
3. Add a bit of wallpaper with simple lines or texture. Stay clear of busy patterns and keep it light. A 6" to 8" wallpaper border (right) around the top of the walls will add height to the room.
4. If you have both a shower stall and bathtub, consider taking out the shower stall and add a shower head to the bathtub. A clawfoot tub (some as short as 48"), corner baths and baths smaller than the one you have now physically, as well as visually, adds more room. And an all-in-one will add some style and open up a new area. Also consider removing the tub and have a "shower only" bath.
5. Remove the opaque glass shower enclosure (or the dark colored shower curtain) and put in a clear, frameless door or curtain. Use sheer or soft colored drapery fabrics for the curtain.
 6. A Pedestal Sink adds more floor space, a wall mounted sink clears the floor completely and a smaller vessel sink will add more counter space to your vanity. Check your local big box for the new really cool bathroom sinks.
7. Leave out only what is absolutely necessary; the bar of soap or dispenser, a hand towel, bath towel, trash container and a few essentials or decor items. Organize.
8. Use larger or multiple mirrors to make your bath (and any room) look bigger. A mirrored wall will work wonders in a tiny space.
9. No wall to wall carpeting. Ever. Use runner carpets to give length to the floor rather than those stumpy, rectangular bathroom carpets.
10. Light wood or tile floors will highlight the cool colors and make the space appear to be larger. A light vanity top, too, is a good idea.
11. If the bath is beneath a roof and not another room, your small bathroom remodeling project could include installing a skylight. Even an inexpensive tubular skylight (many available for under $200.00) will make a huge difference!
 12. Add some art or a plant or two. There's something whimsical or even extravagant about art and plants in a bathroom. And those things suggest that you have the space to be whimsical and extravagant.
If you've got a few great ideas, please send them to us. If we print your idea, we'll give you credit. Click here.
Bathroom Designs and Ideas
With these easy bathroom designs and ideas you can make your small bathroom into an extension of your home and not just another room. Bathroom Designs and Ideas provides sound advice and tips on decorating your bathroom.__________________________________________
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