How to make your bathroom look and feel bigger
Sometimes, we are working with spaces that aren't quite as spacious as we'd like them to be.
Luckily, there are plenty of ways to make a small bathroom feel bigger and more open. I’ve had the pleasure of turning many cozy bathrooms into stylish spaces that feel much more expansive.
I’m excited to share five easy tips to help you make the most of your own space! These suggestions will help you maximize every inch and make your bathroom feel brighter and more spacious!
Floating Elements
Making the most of every inch is vital in small bathrooms. At Elite Design Studio, I place a strong emphasis on this in all every design. One of the most effective ways to optimize space is by incorporating floating features. Options like wall-hung toilets, vanities, and storage units can make a remarkable difference.
Floating elements are fantastic for creating the illusion of a larger, more open environment. They help reduce visual clutter by raising fixtures off the floor. Not only does this make the space look bigger but also adds a modern vibe.
Wall-hung features also naturally draw the eye upward. This makes us focus to the height of the room, windows, and sources of natural light.
Shifting our focus upwards adds to the sense of openness and airiness. making the space feel much brighter and more inviting. Using these floating design elements helps create a bathroom that feels more expansive and pleasant to be in. By emphasizing height and light sources, we can transform even the coziest bathrooms into bright, open, and welcoming spaces.
And that brings us to the magic of lighting...
2. Lighting
Maximizing natural light is one of the fastest ways to transform a bathroom design. Natural light makes spaces feel bigger and more inviting, even in small bathrooms. It creates a brighter, more open atmosphere.
By using filtered glass, we can maintain privacy while still allowing sunlight to flood the room. This soft, diffused light creates a warm and inviting atmosphere without compromising on seclusion.
Skylights and windows placed high on the walls are particularly expansive. Not only do they bring in more light but also draw the eye upward, giving the impression of a taller, more spacious room. These features encourage a natural upward gaze, which helps to elongate the walls and make the bathroom feel less confined.
Beyond just natural light, ambient lighting can completely transform your bathrooms feeling. Thoughtfully placed light fixtures that emit a soft, warm glow can completely change the mood of a bathroom.
Any lighting that reduces harsh shadows and dark corners, can make a room feel bigger and less enclosed. Good lighting in a bathroom makes it feel clean and bright. It creates a welcoming atmosphere. This is important for a calm and relaxing space.
I like showing clients Elite's LED mirrors. They are not just practical, but also have incredible features.
These mirrors come with built in Bluetooth speakers, which adds a luxurious touch to your daily routine. They also have demister pads which keep your mirror clear even after a hot shower! The touch-free sensors also avoid fingerprints.
Balancing natural and ambient light can make your bathroom feel bigger while keeping it stylish and functional. This approach allows me to transform even the most modest bathrooms into beautiful, light-filled spaces that my clients love.
3. Adding Mirrors
Mirrors are one of the most powerful tools in design when making a small bathroom feel more open. Their ability to bounce light around the room can dramatically alter the perception of space. From vanity mirrors to full length door mirrors, they are a practical way to brighten and expand a bathroom.
Placing mirrors where they can reflect windows or other light sources blurs the boundaries of the room. This also draws the eye outward, tricking the mind into perceiving a larger area. The result is a bathroom that gives the impression of having more windows, making it feel more connected to the outside world.
Mirrors can also serve a dual purpose by doubling up as storage solutions! This is a particularly valuable feature in small bathrooms. Recessed mirror cabinets are a perfect example of this functional elegance.
Once again, Elite provides a beautiful range of modern mirror cabinets. Recessed mirror cabinets seamlessly blends into the wall, providing a hidden space for toiletries and other essentials. By keeping clutter out of sight, mirror cabinets help maintain an organized space, which also adds to the sense of openness.
4. Curves
Curved corners can truly transform the feel and functionality of a small bathroom. They create a more fluid and natural flow, making it easier to move around in tight spaces. Unlike sharp, rigid corners, curved elements introduce a softness that can make the bathroom feel more inviting and comfortable.
One of the best ways to incorporate curves is by selecting a curved wall-hung vanity. These vanities create a sense of continuity, with the rounded edges smoothly guiding the eye throughout the space. This continuous line avoids the harsh stops that straight lines often create, subtly expanding the room’s perceived boundaries.
Exploring Elites unmatched range with clients is always fun. Especially when we’re on the hunt for the perfect curved bathroom pieces that align with their personal style and needs. Whether it's a curved vanity, or rounded mirror, these elements add a sense of harmony to the bathroom design.
Each client has unique preferences, and it’s important to find the balance that suits them best. If a client prefers a boxier look, I embrace that too. Design is all about reflecting individual tastes and creating a space that feels right for them.
Whether you prefer curves or not, the end goal is always to improve your bathroom's functionality and feel. Working with you to blend your aesthetic preferences with design choices that work!
5. Colour Choice
When choosing a color palette for your bathroom, it’s all about expressing your unique personal style. When choosing a colour palette for your bathroom, it's all about reflecting your personal style. No colour choice is right or wrong, your preferences are what matter most.
Generally, darker colors can create a cozy and intimate atmosphere, perfect for a retreat-like feel. On the other hand, lighter shades tend to open the space, making even the smallest bathrooms feel larger. Darker colours create a cozy, intimate vibe, but can close in the space.
If your end goal is to make your small bathroom feel bigger, opt for light colours. This could be anything from neutral whites, soft bright pastels, bright greys or light wood tones. When using tiles and wood panels, vertical creates a sense of height and horizontal creates a sense of width.
At Elite Design Studio, part of my product and materials consultations includes mood board building. This allows us to explore and refine your preferences for colours, textures, and finishes.
Regardless of the colours you prefer, creating a mood board is a fun way to explore different looks. Laying out different options helps us to balance your unique taste with choices that suit your needs!
Some currently trending colour combinations I would recommend are:
Pairing warm whites with natural timbers - great with brushed brass and brushed nickel tapware
Soft light grey-blues with white - great with gunmetal and chrome tapware
Sage greens with taupe's and beige tones - great with aged brass and copper tapware
I love helping clients design bathrooms that feel liveable and luxurious. Whether your bathroom is small or you would just like to create a more open feel - embracing these tips can work for everyone.
Its important to create a space that will work for your lifestyles and suit your aesthetic preferences. I have helped many with interior design and floorplans for smaller bathrooms. I hope by incorporating these tips, you can create a bathroom that truely feels like your own retreat, no matter how small.
For more design assistance and offerings, check out my services page. You can also contact me to book a consultation and I can help transform your bathroom!