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On the JJ Barnes Blog, I check out top tips from Zara O’Hare, an interior design expert at Land of Rugs for how to make my small bathroom look bigger.
While I love my home, there is no doubt we are pressured for space, and I’m always looking for tips on how to make the most of the space we do have. Our bathroom is particularly dinky, and I’m regularly having to shower while children come in and out to use the loo or brush their teeth or ask me to find a very specific toy they lost three months ago, and that makes the space feel even smaller.
Because I’d love to turn my attention to making my bathroom feel not only bigger, but like a space I could actually (maybe) relax in, I decided to get some advice on a few simple tricks I can use to make my bathroom appear much larger than it actually is.
To help me out, Zara O’Hare, an interior design expert at Land of Rugs, sent over her best 6 methods to transform smaller and compact bathroom areas into more spacious and inviting spaces.
1. Choose the Right Colour Palette
One of the most effective ways to create a sense of space in a small bathroom is to make the most of light colours.
Light colours, such as soft whites, pale blues and pastel shades reflect more light and can make the room feel brighter, airier and a little bit bigger.
Darker tones will mute a room making it feel smaller and cosier – but won’t give you the bigger illusion.
Consider painting the walls and ceiling the same light colour to eliminate any abrupt visual boundaries, this technique can make the room feel taller and more open.
-Zara O’Hare
2. Know Your Tiles
Additionally when designing your bathroom, using the same or a similar colour for your floor tiles can create an illusion of a continuous, unbroken floor enhancing the perception of space.
If you’re opting for tiles in your bathroom, the expert recommends going for large tiles as opposed to small ones.
Funnily enough, small tiles will actually make your bathroom appear just that, smaller.
3. Embrace Large Mirrors
Mirrors are a well-known trick for making any space feel larger.
In a small bathroom, mirrors can work wonders by reflecting both natural and artificial light, as well as the room itself.
A large mirror on one wall or a mirrored wall can visually double the size of your bathroom.
If your space is limited, consider mirrored cabinets or mirrored tiles as an alternative. The combination of reflective surfaces and storage can be a game-changer in small bathrooms.
-Zara O’Hare
4. Clear Curtains and Guards
Using a clear shower curtain or clear glass shower door will instantly add a little bit of room to a smaller space.
Using a block colour in this instance will actually break up a room, thus making it appear smaller.
However, like using light colours in a bathroom, clear curtains and doors will create the illusion of never-ending space.
-Zara O’Hare
5. Save Space Where You Can
Space-saving fixtures are essential in small bathrooms, especially if you’d like to have a clutter-free environment.
Wall-mounted sinks and toilets, for instance, will help to free up valuable floor space and create a more open and less cluttered environment.
Fixtures like this give the impression of a larger floor area while providing all the functionality you’ll need in your modern bathroom.
When choosing a vanity or cabinet, select a compact design that doesn’t overwhelm the space for the feeling of spaciousness.
-Zara O’Hare
6. Open Shelving
Clutter is the enemy of spaciousness and to help to maintain a tidy and open appearance in your small bathroom, incorporating open shelving for storage is a great idea.
Open shelves can house towels, toiletries and decorative items while keeping them easily accessible without creating clutter.
Recessed niches in the shower or above the bathtub are not only practical for storing soap and shampoo but also eliminate the need for protruding shelves or caddies that can disrupt the flow of the room.
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