Whether you’re building from scratch or renovating, making the most of your bathroom space in a can be challenging, but it’s definitely not impossible. 

Everybody loves extra space, but adding additional square footage isn’t always an option. There are a few fail safe design principles and techniques that can help you maximise any space no matter how small. 

Here we share eight simple ways you can create the illusion of greater space for your next bathroom renovation. 

Robert Fonti, Director Balnei & Colina

 

 

Image credit: Balnei & Colina

1. Bathroom Layout

The type of layout you choose can have a great impact on space, flow and functionality. Start by dividing your bathroom into functional wet and dry zones. The dry zone generally contains a vanity and toilet area. These are the most frequently used areas in the bathroom, so it’s important you keep them dry! The wet zone houses showering and bath activities.

Consider how the zones will impact each other for example you don’t want to track water around the dry zone after bathing because the next person/guest who needs to use the toilet or basin will have to dry off their feet or wipe the floor before walking in. It’s important to think about which areas of the bathroom are used more frequently and how many people use the bathroom at any one time. Also think about whether any of the zones can be integrated eg bath/shower.

Strategically position each bathroom item in a direction that encourages the flow of activity.  Having a bathroom that flows and carefully laid our for maximum functionally will help support the illusion of greater space.

Design Tip: A bathroom needs space for a person to move around with ease. As a general rule about 1m in front of a bath and 700mm in front of the WC. 

Image Credit: Canny Design

 

 

 

Image credit: Helen Baumann Design

2. Compact PC Items

Greater flexibility in bathroom design has meant that suppliers have been able to manufacture a wide selection of bathroom fittings that can help maximise your bathroom space. Consider selecting smaller fixtures to gain more space to manoeuvre in the bathroom. 

Remember that every inch counts so the key is to select shorter projection PC items where possible and compact shower and baths.

Remove your old shower curtain or frosted-glass shower doors and replace them with clear glass.  This will open up your shower area making it a part of the entire bathroom and giving the appearance of more space. 

Space saving products like in-wall cisterns are a great way to save on space, and also provide and ultra modern and seamless look.

Design Tip: When selecting a shorter bath ensure it has adequate depth so you can still enjoy an indulgent soak.

Image credit: Canny Design

 

 

 

Image credit: Minosa Design

3. Clever Storage Solutions

A recessed bath or shower niche is a clever way to add extra storage without encroaching on the overall bathroom space. Recessed shaving cabinets with mirror doors provide the functionality of a mirror with concealed storage. 

Open plan shelving is another great way to store your favourite go to bathroom and display items, whilst giving a spacious feel to your bathroom.

Image credit: Collective Sol

 

 

 

Image credit Minosa Design

4. Wall Hung Vanity, Fittings & Accessories

Opt for a custom wall hung vanity. While the additional floor space may not be usable it will trick the eye into believing the room is larger. You can opt to stretch the vanity to the full width of the bathroom. This will give you increased storage options and much needed bench space as well as making the bathroom more efficient allowing multiple people to use the bathroom vanity at the same time.

Wall mounted fittings and accessories like tapware, soap holders and dispensers add a touch of sophistication and keep the vanity space clutter free.

Image credit: Balnei & Colina

 

 

 

Image credit: Derek Swalwell

5. Lighten your Colour palette

Pale colours and bright whites on the floor and walls tend to give the illusion of scale. If you short of space, avoid using strong colours except on accessories, towels and decor.

Using a predominantly light toned colour palette is an effective way to make your bathroom appear larger. Introduce colour through feature tiles, black or coloured tapware or bright towels if you want to add interest.

Image credit: Maree Homer

 

 

 

 

Image credit: 365 Design

6. Natural & Task Lighting

Increasing the size of your window or installing a skylight will allow greater flow of natural light through the room making it appear bigger and brighter. Natural light opens up the space by bouncing and reflecting off bathroom surfaces.

Use task lighting like pendants to illuminate dark areas of your bathroom and reduce shadows. This will help lighten the space and make it appear larger.

Image credit: LSA Architects

Image via: The London Edition

 

Image credit: Fiona Lynch

 

 

 

Image credit: Assessmyhome.com

7. Large format tiles

When selecting tiles opt for larger formats that have subtle patterns rather than busy. This will mean there are less lines to break up the floor and wall area creating an uninterrupted visual flow and the illusion of larger space. 

Image credit: Lauran A Balkam Design

 

 

 

 

Image credit: Collective Sol

8. Mirrors

To further maximise your bathroom space including large mirrors can double the size of the space as well as allowing for multiple people to get ready at the one time.

Still unsure about how to make the most of your bathroom space? Leave it to the experts.

For more information about our bathroom design services or to book a design consultation, call 1300 450 320 or send us an email.

If you’re looking for further inspiration and ideas for your next renovation, signup to our newsletter or connect with us on Instagram and Facebook to stay up to date with the latest design trends.

 

Image credit: Balnei & Colina