KISS the Small Bathroom Remodel

KISS - an acronym for Keep It Simple and Straightforward

Many homeowners start their small bathroom remodel project by trying to incorporate everything that they would like to put in a large bathroom. Cramming too much into a small space is a BIG Mistake. The mistake we see is the homeowner’s choice of decorative items and fixtures that are too bulky or ornate. The Golden Rule for Small Bathroom Remodels is simple, clean lines and decoration will make the space look larger. The best way we’ve found to achieve stunning results with a small bathroom remodel is to keep it simple. Most of the times, less is more and this is especially true for a small bathroom. So how do you start the planning process?

1. Start with the large items: sink, toilet & shower or tub
2. Choose the most compact toilet you can find. Choose a taller model over a shorter wider style.
3. Choose a pedestal sink or wall mounted sink. This will leave more floor space and make the room feel bigger.
4. Choose only a compact shower or only a spa tub. (A spa tube is smaller and deeper.)

Moving right along, here’s a few ideas for the decorative items:

• Use fewer wall-mounted towel rings or rods. Choose a ring beside the sink to save space.
• Cover an entire wall with a mirror -- this will create the appearance of a much larger space.
• Choose a mirror with no frame or a mirror with a small frame -- this will make the room look bigger and the mirror will reflect light farther in the room.
• Store extra linens nearby, put only a minimum at any one time.
• Place light fixtures where they will reflect light throughout the room.
• If you don’t have a window, consider adding a tube light to bring in sunlight.
• Find creative ways to add storage in walls.

Lastly, a few ideas for decorating:

• Choose light and brighter colors.
• Use glass block windows or frosted windows instead of curtains -- again, this will make the room look larger.
• Use wallpaper or paint design that draws the eye upward to make the room appear larger -- either vertical stripes, vertical designs or a border at the top of the wall.
• Use small shelves above and under sinks, toilets, etc. to provide storage and decoration.
• Keep color combinations minimalist -- no more than two colors.
• Avoid clutter -- don’t set decorative items around that are not necessary.
• Add luxuries in ways that do not use more of your space (massaging shower heads, spa tub, radiant floor heating, fog-less mirrors, heated towel rods, fragrances, etc.

Small spaces demand KISS, especially if you want to create the feeling of spaciousness and elegance. Clean simple lines, lots of light, no clutter, and an eye to the necessary will help you create a very comfortable and luxurious small bathroom remodel.