Designers can turn small bathrooms and powder rooms into elegant spaces that meet their occupants’ needs. Special finishing touches and smart storage solutions help the most confined rooms feel expansive. Using the same tile throughout a bathroom helps it look bigger, as does avoiding using dissimilar materials. It is true even for a shower.

Think Dark

When it comes to small bathrooms, it’s easy for the space to feel cramped and visually cluttered. Opt for a clean interior design for bathroom St Louis and pare down the clutter to open and air the room. Dark color schemes can also work beautifully in a small bathroom. A dark accent wall can draw the eye upward and create a sense of spaciousness. Dark paint can bring a dramatic, sophisticated feeling to your bathroom, especially in shades of black and navy. It can also be a good choice for ceilings and walls. Dark trim and dado rails can also add an architectural feel to the space. Adding a mirror to the room will bounce artificial light around for an enlightened and visually appealing atmosphere.

Think Textured

Adding visual texture to a small bathroom creates depth without cramming the space. Texture can be achieved through tile or wall treatments, such as a handmade or marbled design. It can also be added through accents like woven baskets, a rustic ladder to hold towels or decor, or even a textured shower curtain. Choosing a light color palette for the floor, walls, and shower is another way to expand a tight space visually. One shade throughout the room eliminates visual breakup and blends separate areas to make the bathroom feel bigger. Compact fixtures, such as a narrow sink or a basin-style vanity, maximize storage while meeting functional needs. Similarly, adding a decorative shelf near the toilet allows easy access to supplies and minimizes the chance of knocking items onto the open tank.

Think Flowing

The most obvious way to make a small bathroom feel bigger is to open it up with natural light. It can be done with a skylight or simply by opening the window and adding a sheer curtain. Decluttering a small space is another key to making it feel more spacious. Getting rid of excess bottles and tattered towels frees up floor space. You can also hide away unused items in a shallow closet or even a shower niche. Clever storage solutions like wall-mounted shelves and sliding cabinet doors that conceal the hinges can help create a clean, modern aesthetic in your bathroom. Using slim, decorative baskets can add style while keeping products organized neatly. Finally, a well-placed mirror can double as a decorative element and instantly open a room.

Think Light

Adding natural light is a no-brainer in any room, but it’s particularly important in a small bathroom. Use a skylight or strategically placed window to let in ample sunlight and give the illusion of more space. Utilize nooks and crannies. Feel free to get creative with storage. Often, small bathrooms have odd nooks perfect for shelves or cabinets. Recessed lighting is another option for enlarging the room’s perceived size and increasing light in dim areas. Using color on the ceiling can also create dimension and be quite dramatic. Try trompe l’oeil painting to mimic the look of a sky for a gorgeous effect.

Think Vertically

Using vertical space in a small bathroom can free up floor space and keep items you use often within reach. The space above the toilet is another prime spot for storage. A narrow, not deep, cabinet is a great choice because it clears walking space and helps the room feel bigger.