Is your master bathroom cramped and dreary? Instead of demolishing your entire powder room, or giving up on it entirely, work with a general contractor to make some small but significant improvements. When done correctly, these ideas will make your bathroom seem welcoming and spacious.
Are you ready for the illusion of more elbow room? Read on for 15 of the best ways to transform an itsy en suite, tiny powder room, or micro guest bath into a (somewhat) palatial space.
Is your windowless half-bath especially drab? To brighten up this space, opt for high-gloss paint. Like a mirror, the sheen reflects artificial light and can help your claustrophobic water closet feel more spacious.
The color of your paint also matters. Besides stark white – a classic color, especially in small rooms – we suggest a peachy nude or sea green. A very subtle shade of pink can open up a small space and add visual interest while an earthy green affords a sense of calm, even if the cabinets in your small bathroom are chaotically overflowing.
If you have the benefit of natural light in your bathroom, use it to your advantage. Ditch dark and heavy blinds, and instead, opt for something lighter. Our top pick? Plantation shutters. These shades provide privacy while still allowing light to pilfer in.
A sheer curtain made from silk or linen can also offer privacy without blocking out natural light. The best window treatment depends on your space. If you’re going for a more traditional aesthetic, plantation shutters are key. But if you’re going for a more natural atmosphere, linen curtains will do the job
Cabinets are great for stowing away toiletries and hair dryers. The downside? They take up valuable space in an already cramped bathroom. The solution? Replace your cabinets with open shelving.
Open shelving is a game-changer in a smaller-sized bathroom. It makes the space feel lighter and more spacious. If you’re going for a minimalistic look in your tiny powder room, consider natural wood shelves. To make a bolder statement, paint the floating shelves a fun color like blush or emerald.
Are you too attached to your cabinets to bid adieu? Don’t worry. A simple restaining or painting project can transform your tiny space into a palatial retreat.
Dark wood stains like red mahogany and walnut tend to absorb light from the room, making your lavatory feel dark. Instead, opt for lighter oak and pine stains. You may even choose a lightly colored stain like classic gray or Sedona red.
Depending on your aesthetic, you may choose to paint your cabinets instead. Stark white cabinets are always a safe bet in a small space. However, soft grays and light blues are a good choice, too.
Making a small bathroom look bigger requires some magic and lots (yes, lots) of mirrors. Typically, a bathroom has just one mirror. But why stop there? For a funky flair and the illusion of space, incorporate multiple mirrors of varying shapes and sizes.
Place a mirror above the sink and another near the tub. Or, if you want to make a statement, consider mirroring an entire wall of your tiny bathroom.
Does your tiny half-bath feel like a dungeon? Brighten it up with a backlit mirror. An LED bathroom mirror is a chic way to light up your bathroom, especially if you don’t have room for sconces.
Depending on the extent of your small bathroom makeover, you may scrap your shower curtain altogether and have a contractor install a glass shower door. This adds the illusion of space since there’s no longer a barrier between the shower and the rest of the room. This modification will open up your tiny en suite immensely.
There’s nothing better than a long bubble bath with a glass of wine. Or is there?
Though your soaker tub is relaxing after a hard day at work, it takes up a lot of room. In fact, a standard-sized bathtub requires about 13 square feet. That’s a big slice of your 40-square-foot bathroom.
If you can dare to part ways, swap out your tub for a corner shower. Corner showers are practical and space-saving – they require about nine square feet. For an even more seamless design, consider a curbless shower.
Lighting fixtures obviously add brightness to your tiny space. But not all sconces are created equal. Some fixtures emit offensive fluorescent light while others simply don’t emit enough light. This can make your room feel dark, shadowy, and cramped.
Instead, select fixtures that offer a warm glow. Also, think about aesthetics. For example, if your bathroom has an industrial style, you could use lighting fixtures with steel cages.
No one says you must have a full-sized sink in your little bathroom. Instead, consider a corner sink or a small pedestal sink. Or, for extra flair, consider installing an earthy bamboo basin or patterned ceramic bowl.
Without a traditional vanity, the room will feel significantly bigger. Of course, this upgrade may require assistance from a professional (a licensed and vetted general contractor).
A wall-mounted faucet is exactly what it sounds like – a faucet mounted directly to a wall, extending above a sink. Though this project will also require assistance from a licensed professional, it’s a true space saver. It also adds a modern touch.
Cabinet hardware is typically the most overlooked detail in any bathroom, tiny or not. However, it makes a big difference. Outdated drawer pulls can look clunky and tasteless, especially if you’re going for a modern look.
Fortunately, upgrading your cabinet hardware just requires a screwdriver and some patience. For a contemporary aesthetic, select simple stainless steel pulls. For a country chic look, select something more ornate, possibly with a brushed brass finish.
After swapping out your cabinet pulls, you may want to replace your towel hangers, hooks, and toilet paper hanger for a more cohesive style. Though a mismatched aesthetic may go over well in a large bathroom, pairing brass pulls with stainless steel shower hooks will look busy in a small space.
A fresh paint job and a new shower can provide the illusion of square footage, making your tiny bathroom feel a smidge bigger. But what if you actually need more elbow room?
If your powder room needs a more intensive remodel than you feel comfortable tackling, call Portico. As a vetted and reliable general contractor in Charlotte, Portico can remodel a bathroom into a spa-like retreat.
Call us at 704-915-5151 or contact Portico online today to learn more!
