Bathrooms
This bathroom on the third floor was originally a bedroom. The owners liked the quirky fireplace, so they kept it in the reconfigured space to add character to the crisp, white design. Large slate floor tiles from World’s End Tiles — complete with underfloor heating — are a practical, nonslip choice and make a great foil for the white subway tiles in the shower.
. Try a bath-in-bedroom setup. Fitting an extra bathroom into a slice of a bedroom is a great idea, and a lot of square footage isn’t needed for it to work effectively. This converted loft space includes a full-length bath that sits directly under a skylight, so someone can lie back and soak away any stresses and strains while staring into the sky.
Use built-in shelving for display. Most of us are clamoring for more storage, and this smart bathroom uses every last inch of space, with custom shelving fitted into every teeny nook and skinny alcove. The simple chunks of wood look smart against the white background.
Be smart about fixtures. With small bathrooms you need to use every trick in the design book to cram in everything you want. In this room with a sloping ceiling, a 3-foot by 5-foot, 2-inch glass-screened shower has been fitted at the highest end, while a plunge-pool-style tub is tucked nicely under the lower end and provides the opportunity to add a stylish panel of mosaics. A built-in vanity unit, meanwhile, offers sleek storage.
Work around awkward architecture. This looks like a troublesome space to work with, but the narrow dimensions and sloping roof have been skillfully harnessed to create a stylish bathroom. The mammoth roof window brings in masses of natural light (which is doubled by the mirror wall), while the nearly invisible glass shelves and wall-hung basins help to streamline and declutter.
Finish with a soothing color. Don’t be afraid to use color in a small bathroom. This duck egg blue used on the ceiling, walls and paneling lengthens the room by drawing the eye out through the windows. And isn’t it the most restful of shades to boot?
Exploit corners. Corner shower enclosures are one of the best decorating tools for bathrooms that refuse to conform to standard dimensions. Wall-hung furniture is also a boon for creating the illusion of space, as your eye can see the floor right to the wall.
Gradation With gradation the size of the same objects in a room changes from small to large, or a color from light to dark, creating a subtle rhythm that draws the eye up and down the gradation line. The gradated tile in this bathroom creates an ethereal and sophisticated effect.
Use dead space. A critical key to adequate storage is looking at unused space differently than you did in a larger home. We’ll talk a lot about shelving in the next installment of this series, but for now suffice it to say that shelves can be a downsizer’s best friend. The space over the tub often goes to waste, but not here. What a stellar way to gain both display space and storage!
When selecting a rug for a bedroom, consider the bed size as well as the bedroom size. The edge of the rug does not need to go all the way under the bed. I prefer to see a rug stop just in front of the nightstands, with just enough to step on when getting out of bed.
Big change: Go for eclectic tiled floors. Craving something different than hex tiles? Pick out a bunch of coordinating — but not matching — patterned tiles for a colorful, eclectic look. In the space shown here, the handmade feel of the tiles is enhanced by beautifully textured plaster walls, specially formulated to stand up to moisture.
Big change: Try a chic black and white scheme. Pair white subway tile with black or charcoal-gray grout for a cool (and surprisingly affordable) look. Choose simple gray tile floors and black accents on the shower and mirror frames, then bring the glamour in with shiny brass sink and shower fittings.
Add storage with vintage apothecary cabinets. Short on cabinet space? Bring in one or two petite, glass-front cabinets for a stylish storage supplement. There are new reproductions of these popular cabinets, but if you are persistent, you can find originals in antiques shops and on eBay — sometimes for a lower price than the reproductions.
Try a unique pendant lamp. Swapping out a standard-issue ceiling lamp for something more dramatic is a small change that will make a very big impact. The light shown here was made by hand in Egypt; it casts a beautiful pattern on the walls when lit.
Big change: Write a message in mosaic tiles. Have a favorite quote that inspires you? Have it permanently "written" on your wall in tiny mosaic tiles. White letters on a black background look especially dramatic.
Unpackage everything. Unpack everything and discard all the outer packaging as soon as you bring things home from the store. Stack things to the top. Look in each of your closets and make sure you are using every inch of vertical space.
Streamline toiletries. Sorting out your toiletries can make for smoother mornings, and it will probably take you a lot less time than you think. Toss toiletries that are expired, look funky or are never used. Sort what's left according to the order you use the products in each morning, then wipe off grungy bottles and clean the shelves.
Custom-fit shelves. Hard to find storage space? Look closely and you may find a few nooks to tuck shelves into. Even 6-inch-wide shelves can be enough storage for toiletries, washcloths and extra soap. Don’t forget to look up, too — a high shelf or two can be a lifesaver if you need a place for extra towels.
The water fountain sink and the mirror
Teardrop-shaped sink. Curves feel more welcoming than sharp angles in a tight space, and this unique teardrop-shaped sink is both a space saver and a focal point. The curved shower wall in this wet bath echoes the lines of the sink, creating a smooth and seamless look.
Wet bath a little too wet for you? Add a shower curtain on a ceiling track. If you plan the layout so the shower nozzle doesn’t spray directly across the toilet, you’ll have the option of dividing the space with a shower curtain.
Use a wall-mounted faucet. Mounting a faucet on the wall allows for a narrower sink or vanity, which in turn frees up square footage in the total bathroom. Don't be afraid to try a wall-mounted faucet in traditional design. It works anywhere!
Mount the towel bar on a door. Where can I put my towels? I wish I had a nickel for every time I heard that question. When space is at a minimum, mounting a towel bar on the shower door keeps towels handy. You might need to store the bulk of your towels in a nearby linen closet, but having that one towel close by to dry off with is essential.
Rain shower
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