Is your bathroom, well, a little on the small side? For many people (including me!) this is your daily reality. But there is no reason why small spaces can’t have big ambitions. (If you really want to be inspired, see how architect Gary Chang has made his small apartment of 330 sq. ft. work in a tremendously functional way.)
Here are a few ways we are seeing homeowners and designers stretch tight spaces in bathrooms.
Medicine Cabinets
Recently 350 the National Kitchen & Bath Association (NKBA) polled its member designers in a survey to find out some of the materials, product types, and styles that they’ve incorporated into their kitchen and bath designs over the final three months of 2011. One of the space-saving elements on the rise? The medicine cabinet. Designers are integrating medicine cabinets as an effective way to gain additional storage without having to increase the footprint of a room, attenuating the need for separate shelving, cabinetry, or other storage options. (Be sure to check out all the trends for 2012 here.) Photo courtesy of NuTone
Pocket Doors
Over at Houzz.com, “Uncramp Your Small Bathroom” has plenty of fabulous ideas. (Thanks to our friends at Designer Bath for sharing this on Facebook!) Consider using a pocket door like this one to increase the space in your bathroom.
Review Existing Storage
Perhaps I’m only speaking for myself here, but it is easy to wish for additional storage without casting a critical eye on your existing storage. How can your current vanity drawers or bathroom cabinet be rejigged for maximum (and stylish-looking) storage? Go through your makeup and grooming tools and purge anything that you don’t use. What about buying inserts to help organize your toiletries?
How are you maximizing space in your small bathroom? Please share your ideas!