A small bathroom can feel cozy and intimate, but it can also feel claustrophobic and depressing. [break] A bathroom is a very special place in the house. It’s not only a place of comfort but also your marina of tranquility where you can shower and refresh and revitalize your body and spirit.
“Just because a bathroom lacks square footage doesn’t mean it can’t be beautiful and functional. It can be small but a mighty bathroom,” states a smiling Neeru Rayamajhi Khatri, who has been in interior design consultancy for 20 years.
The trick to making your small bathrooms appear big is by creating an illusion. And all of that can be done with a little bit of visual magic, color change, and lighting.
For instance, architect and interior designer Siddharth Gopalan suggests adding mirrors.
“It’s not the size of the bathroom which makes it looks luxurious, it’s the way you plan the structure,” apprises the expert of 11 years. Gopalan advices using two mirrors placed opposite to each other, which will help give an illusion of a never-ending space.
“One mirror in front of the basin and another one behind the door can help to make the bathroom look big,” states the owner of Art Inc.
“A long strip of mirror panels spanning the length of the walls makes the area more spacious than it really is,” affirms Khatri, who particularly specializes in home decor and commercial interiors.
Next, it is about colors. Choose light colors.
“Select light colors for your walls and floor tiles in order to maximize spaciousness,” Gopalan hints and elaborates, “This will trick the eye into adding more height and width to the dimensions of your bathroom.”
“Using a palette of neutral colors from cream to white and soft color tones expand the space,” informs Khatri, a graduate of Sir J. J. School of Arts in Mumbai. Gopalan also proposes the use of light colored tiles, such as beige.
Elements such as glass sinks, and wall tiles fixed up to the ceiling level also create cleaner and open spaces.
“Pedestal sinks/basins, frameless glass panels for shower, glass blocks, and glasses can also be used to enhance spaces,” puts in Khatri.
Any room will look larger if it’s well lit, either by natural light or artificial lighting. Khatri recommends bringing in plenty of natural lights and outdoor views through French doors, windows and skylights.
“Glass tiles, which are opalescent and reflect a multitude of colors, add light and drama to an otherwise dingy boring space,” highlights Khatri and furthers, “Small floor areas can be elongated by using striated tiles.”
If you really feel the need to stretch out in your small space, you can make some decorating changes to make the area look and feel larger without moving any walls.
“Accessories such as candles, potpourris, fresh flowers, plants and paintings add a layer of sophistication to the space,” concludes Khatri.
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