Plump up your bathroom

Posted By CAROLYN MCTIGHE, SUN MEDIA

When it comes to bathrooms, size really does matter, especially when there isn't much to go around.

It seems like bathrooms are always getting the short end of the stick when it comes to square footage. And yet of all the rooms in a home, the bathroom is still one of the most frequently used.

Unfortunately, not everyone has the money to remodel their bathroom and turn it from a puny privy into a luxurious loo. So if you're short on time, money, and space you might want to consider a few simple tricks that can help give your bathroom the illusion of being more spacious.

Cat Hackman, a Calgary certified decorator and owner of Room 4 Refinement, has some simple tips on how to plump up a pint sized bathroom.

"The first thing you need to do is eliminate clutter," Hackman says. "Bathroom products should be stored away and not used as nick knacks."

In addition to uncluttering your countertops, Hackman also believes that a few well placed mirrors and the right coat of paint can all help make a tiny bathroom appear larger.

"Use a nice large framed mirror to give a sense of a larger space," she says. "Using lighter colours on walls and floors will also make a space look wider. You might also want to consider painting ceilings and walls the same colour, as long as they are a lighter shade like Violet Mist Blue or Salisbury Green."

Removing outdated lighting and replacing it with more energy efficient fixtures and bulbs can also help to transform a bathroom from a cold and cramped space, into a more open and relaxing room.

"Make sure your lighting is good," Hackman says."One of the worst offences in a bathroom are those old change room row of light bulbs. Instead try installing dimmers for those relaxing times in the bath or for nighttime visits to avoid being blinded by harsh lights."

Simple and affordable decorating techniques like wallpapering a feature wall or accenting a countertop with glass bowls or baskets, will not only add charm to your bathroom, but will also draw focus away from its small size.

"Try hanging a large piece of art rather than many small pieces that can make a room look cluttered," says Hackman. "A small lamp on the counter can also really give your bathroom a luxurious feel. When it comes to a small space it's important to keep things off the floor so that you have more of an open feel and can let the energy flow."

Plumping Up Tips

If you have a tall ceiling, you can use walls for shelving up high. Purchase several matching baskets to put on shelves for storage. Or use shelves for rolled up towels, spa style.

Pedestal sinks are great for small spaces, but do not provided any storage.

Wall mounted sinks and vanities work very well in small spaces, as they take up less visual space.

For very cramped bathrooms, wall mounted toilets may be the answer.

If possible, remove old shower doors and install a shower curtain, especially if the doors are opaque. Tempered glass shower doors are costly, but look the best.

Use a light coloured rug or tiles on the floor to make the room look bigger.

Eliminate any clutter that will draw attention to the lack of space in your bathroom.