Small Bath Makeover

A cascade of glass block provides a sense of separation between the updated stool and a new, smartly angled vanity.

While low interest rates have kept the homebuilding industry booming, remodeling is also increasing at a rapid rate. It is estimated that more than a million homes per year undergo major renovation or remodeling, and the remodeling market is projected to grow to $214 billion or more in 2003. Two of the most common renovations are kitchens and baths. While these two rooms are often the most expensive to redo, they are also most likely to return the largest proportion of the investment when the home is sold. (A key to ensuring a good payback is to keep the cost of the project in line with the rest of the home and other homes in the neighborhood.) Significant expense and the need to make a limited space feel and live as large as possible, make careful thought and planning imperative. Here are some general principles to help you get started.

 

	One way to make a small space appear larger is by drawing the eye upward...with special ceiling detail, crown molding or a wallpaper border around the ceiling.
	Lots of light will also expand the space. If you cannot incorporate a window or skylight, you may want to consider adding accent lighting (often around the mirror) or rope lighting in molding, atop cabinets, or at the base of a cabinet or whirlpool.
	Because of the need for privacy, glass block, etched glass, frosted glass or stained glass windows are popular choices.
	Using a frameless shower door or replacing the door with a partial wall of glass block will keep the shower light and keep the entire room from looking divided. In the same way, using a half wall to compartment the toilet can provide a sense of privacy without feeling too confining.

A boldly colored basin-style sink and artistic tile backsplash complement the room's lively new artwork.
The out-of-date tile, toilet and vanity were illuminated 70's style, with a solitary light fixture.

	Mirrors are another way to visually expand a small area. Putting a large mirror on one side of a long, narrow bath can make it appear wider.
	Decorating in neutral or pastel colors will visually expand the space. Reserve bolder colors for accents. It's also wise to limit the number of colors and patterns. A shower curtain made from fabric that matches the wallpaper will increase the room's visual expanse.
	Painting the ceiling white or a lighter shade of the wall color will make the ceiling seem higher.
	While you can never have too much storage, it's important to weigh practical benefits against the danger of the room becoming crowded. Base cabinets will not close in a room as much as upper and base cabinets combined. Where feasible, recessed built-ins between wall studs can provide added storage without making the room feel smaller.
	It's best to choose timeless fixtures that will not need to be updated, reserving trendy colors to walls, towels, accents and shower curtains (which are less expensive to replace).
	If possible, separating the vanity area from the rest of the bath will allow two people to use the bathroom at the same time. Another way to eliminate congestion may be to add a grooming station (vanity, sink and mirror) to a bedroom.