When designing a bathroom begin by considering its size, because many bathrooms are very short on space. However, there are several designer tricks that can be used to make them appear larger and more luxurious than they actually are. As a matter of fact, even bathrooms that are quite large can look very small and cramped when they are not properly designed, so these same tips work for making any sized bathroom look more open and inviting.
Color Choices
One of the key components to making a room feel larger or smaller is color. Darker more saturated colors tend to make a room feel like it is closing in, which makes it seem smaller than it actually is. Lighter, brighter colors tend to open up a space making it feel larger and more spacious than it actually is. Using light neutral or pastel shades for wall and tile colors is a great way to make a bathroom look larger than it actually is. To add a spa feel to the space use cool colors like blue or green, and to make a room feel bright and energized bring in warmer tones like melon, taupe and yellow. While light colors on the walls goes a long way towards brightening up a bathroom, keeping the ceiling and floor colors light helps to further open up the space. Then complete the look of the room with light colored fixtures and adequate lighting.
Brightening the Space
Since dark spaces seem to close in and make a room feel smaller, adding the proper lighting to a small bathroom can go a long way towards opening up the space. Make sure that the room has adequate overhead lighting for general use, and then add proper task lighting where needed, specifically around the mirrors for grooming. While mirrors are quite functional in the bathroom, they are also excellent accessories from a design standpoint, because they are perfect for reflecting light around the space, which in turn makes the bathroom feel a little larger and more open. By letting in as much natural light as possible and keeping window coverings as airy and minimal as possible, any small bathroom naturally looks larger. If there is a large window or skylight in a bathroom, make sure to take full advantage of it to enhance the light throughout the space.
Simplicity
Another key factor to making a small bathroom feel larger is to remove any clutter. When there are too many things in the room it tends to make the space look smaller. Keep surfaces clear and hang a single large print on the wall rather than a grouping of many smaller prints to keep the space looking sleek and open. When adding pattern to the wall, as with wallpaper, it is important to select a small, muted pattern. If it is possible to remove any other enclosures in the room like shower curtains or frosted shower doors, you will also visually expand the space. By replacing the shower door with clear glass, organizing countertops using boxes, bins or baskets and keeping the floor area clear, a tiny bathroom looks open and large.
With signature design style, Jessica Ackerman, an online writer with WallDecorandHomeAccents.com, describes bold approaches to wooden wall wine racks and modern metal wall clocks.











