A guest bathroom or ensuite in a condo often tends to be smaller than the main bathroom. This does not mean that the bathroom has to be cramped or crowded. With a little planning and imagination, a smaller bathroom can be airy, functional, and stylish.

Important in how you appoint your bathroom is determining who will be using it and then customizing it accordingly. If it is an ensuite or guest bathroom that will be used mainly by adults consider replacing the tub with a full-sized shower. 

“If you are OK with just a standup shower, it can save you a lot of room—a tub will take up much more space,” explains Aly Velji, of Alykhan Velji Design, who recently created three small bathroom “vignettes” for the Calgary Home & Interior Design Show, adding home owners shouldn’t “be afraid to tile the entire space.”

While tiny mosaic tile has washed up in applications all over the home, including the powder room, when tiling an entire room, especially a pared one, it might be best to think big. “If you use something larger, like a 16-by-16 or 12-by-24 it will really give an open flow to the room,” Velji notes, adding glass doors will also add the illusion of grandeur in a shower. And don’t be shy to bring in a splash of colour with the tile, as there’s no real danger in it making the room look smaller.

A custom shower can be luxurious with a bench, ceiling shower, body sprays and steam room capabilities. But when it comes to fixtures, themselves, for a smaller loo, the experts advise always keeping it simple, “minimal” faucets and accessories and avoiding the ornate.

Establish how much storage space is required and plan for cabinetry. “Go up,” says Cathy Wierenga of Edmonton’s Marble Concepts. In other words, consider a linen tower or over-the-loo storage. Banjo arms, which extend over the toilet, provide more useable counter space. Try using a smaller tapered sink or a table style cabinet. Vessel sinks are attractive and take up less space. While pedestal sinks also free up floor space, making the room look larger. Meanwhile in-wall shelving will provide more storage without sacrificing space. And low maintenance tiles such as large ceramics or cultured marble or quartz tiles are perfect for a smaller bathroom.

“When you’re choosing a vanity, think about how you can incorporate and increase your storage—with pull-out storage solutions like shelves and drawers,” says Velji, who adds that a neutral-hued vanity choice will also add to the appearance of added square footage, as will a glass, see-through model of vessel sink.

Another design trick for beefing up small baths is by using mirrors, and, like tile, this is an area where bigger is better. “Do the whole wall in mirror,” says Velji, who suggests simple, frameless reflectors versus a heavily outlined type in the interest of “avoiding over scale pieces.”

Wall hung fixtures such as sinks and toilets create the illusion of space by opening up the floor. Meanwhile, single post taps give more counter space. Smaller toilets or one-piece quiet flush toilets are both functional and stylish. A well-lit room looks larger so the experts advise installing directional lighting and use halogen bulbs for a brighter light. Wierenga also suggests pulling the plug on clutter (think: beauty products and stacks of men’s magazines), which can make a small bathroom look even smaller.  CL

When planning your bathroom:

1.     Determine who will be using the bathroom. Will it be adults, children, guests, or seniors? Customize to suit their needs.
2.     How much storage is required? Plan for cabinetry and efficient storage space. Linen towers and in-wall storage are good choices for a smaller space. Cabinets with bottom drawers will provide extra storage.
3.     Consider maintenance and cleaning requirements. Go for low-maintenance fixtures and flooring. Use larger tiles and one-piece fixtures.
4.     Budget. Determine how much you have to spend. Select smaller fixtures to help save space and money. Use alternative materials that give a sophisticated look with a sensible price tag.
5.     Select neutral colours for walls, fixtures, vanities and tiles.
6.     Reflect. Full-wall mirrors help maximize the appearance of space.
7.     Stand up. Forego the tub for a lux, standup shower with glass doors.