Remodeling a small bathroom can be a tricky proposition, especially if you want to create an impression of larger space, fit all accessories in the available one and avoid a clutter, all without compromising on a tasteful effect and functionality. This requires some careful planning and, if you are going to be doing any extensive remodeling, also a building permit from the relevant city authorities.
Drawing Up a Plan:
Whether you choose to do your bathroom remodeling yourself or hire professionals, drawing up a plan will facilitate the work. You can save yourself time and expense if you know beforehand what exactly you want to do and how to go about doing it. Start out by collecting design ideas from photographs, magazines and any other sources. Make a list of the accessories and features that you'd like to incorporate in your bathroom. Draw the accessories and features at a scaled down size on a paper and cut out the shapes. Make two rough drafts with accurate, scaled-down measurements of your bathroom, one showing the current design with all its features and the second showing an outline of the new desired one. Place the cut-out shapes on the second rough draft and move them about to see if you can fit in the accessories and how you can best utilize the available space.
Saving Space:
Save space in your bathroom by fitting sliding doors rather than hinged ones. Doors that slide into an in-wall cavity also look pretty cool, so that's another plus. You can also attach door hooks that fold down flat when in the cavity and can otherwise be used to hang clothes and towels from.
Install a wash-basin with shelves under it where you can store soaps, toothpastes, cosmetics and other such items. A cupboard or shelves over the toilet or tall cabinets along empty walls can also offer much-needed storage space. These can hold all the necessary items as well as decorative objects that brighten up the bathroom.
A bath-tub is a space-devourer, so consider installing a shower instead. Get a shower cubicle with curved sides as that will be more space-saving. You can cordon it with bright shower curtains that complement your bathroom tiles.
When remodeling a small bathroom, it's important to keep in mind that you can only give an illusion of space not extend the available one-unless, of course, you're going to knock down a wall or two. And so, you may not be able to fit in all the accessories you want. Think realistically and let go of all non-essentials if they clutter the area.
Giving an Illusion of Space:
Light gives a spacious feel to a room, so arrange windows in a way that allows in plenty of natural light and at the same time ensures privacy. If possible, consider installing a sky-light.
Install artificial lights in the bathroom corners and, if you can, strip lighting along the walls. With good illumination, your bathroom can look larger than it actually is.
Mirrors can optimize on the light and add to the impression of space, but don't go overboard with them; too many will create a ghastly effect in a small space. Go for just one or two. Try an ornate or Venetian wall mirror, strategically placed for good light reflection, that will also serve a decorative purpose. Actually, there are a whole lot of varieties in wall mirrors. Take your time to find one that goes with the overall design scheme.
Plan a bathroom color scheme that will enhance the available space. Which means, go for light or pastel color schemes rather than dark ones for the floor, walls and ceiling. And, even with light colors, don't pick the entire gamut. Simplicity and good color coordination is the key here. Another important factor is pattern, which, if applied in a vertical fashion, can give an impression of increased height to your bathroom. So paint walls in vertical stripes, or fit wall-paper and bathroom tiles in a vertical pattern. You can also tile the entire wall and add a border of a different color near the ceiling. Using large, identically-shaped tiles with narrow grout lines for both walls and floors can also help.
Add little decorative touches with plants in tiny pots and attractive bath items that go well with the decor. Keep soaps, toothbrushes and other such things properly in their assigned places. A less cluttered room always looks larger, not to mention neater.
