by Sandra Gillhouse

Created on: August 07, 2011

Even a small bathroom can be transformed into a spa-like retreat with a few minor adaptions to create a larger feeling atmosphere. And careful planning and budgeting can help keep your remodel from spinning out of control. 

Things to do first:

Remove everything that is not attached to the walls, floors or plumbing, so you can get a good look at the space you have to work with without a cluttered view. I’m talking everything, medicine cabinets, makeup drawers, towel shelves even the toilet paper roll!

Next step, the plan:

After an awestruck moment of how much bigger the space already seems, consider what needs your bathroom will accommodate as far as users go (will the children use this space or is it adults only). Yes the children will need some consideration if you want this to be efficient and accommodating. For instance bath toys will need an under cabinet basket that is easy to access but also hide. Children need certain safety features as well, step stools, and tub safety kits for small children, but they don’t have to interfere with an adult like setting if you plan the space well.

Step three, creative fun:

Your decorating starts here. Pick colors for the walls that amuse or salve your soul. Don’t be too matchy-matchy, but try to keep in mind your towels and floor mats that will accentuate those colors. The paint of course, must be semi-gloss for easy cleaning and light colors add the resemblance of space better than dark shades. If your budget allows, a good disguise for small space is to add mirrored corner cabinets above the sink. A his and hers private space, leaving drawers and under cabinets for the children’s supplies, helps to keep everyone happy.

If you are going full destruction of an old bathroom, you might consider an upgrade to a sophisticated pedestal sink. They are great for adding floor space and cutting back on counter clutter, but I don’t recommend them for a bathroom children use mainly because cabinets beneath provide a space to hide the items that reduce the adult ambience.  

Another really great space reduction for small bathrooms is a glass track door for your shower. Shower doors make clean straight lines from shower to walls and give the appearance of more space both inside and out of the tub. Once you have redone the space it’s time to add your necessities.

Step four moving in:

Think less is more. Reduce the clutter that you normally fill your space with by careful consideration as to whether you really need these items in the bathroom or can they be used somewhere else? For instance makeup could be done just as easily at a lighted mirror from your dresser in the bedroom or a special makeup table. Toys of course can be rotated so you don’t need a hundred rubber duckies and boats, instead try to cut down to a small basket of three or four favorites that you change from week to week so the children are still delighted. Remember the basket is put away out of sight every night. Finally draw a nice warm bubble bath turn down the lights and light a few aromatic candles and bask in a job well done.

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