Unless you live in a custom home or sprawling estate, you are likely dealing with at least one small or inefficient Bathroom in your home. In fact, tight bathroom spaces are a common challenge for most homeowners in Toronto or Mississauga, where square footage comes at a premium.

Next to kitchens, bathrooms are some of the hardest working areas in the home. They service a number of different people – both guests and those living in the home – and stand up to water and moisture on a daily basis. They are also key storage zones, housing toiletries, linens, paper products, medications and other necessities.

But, just because your bathroom may be small in square footage, doesn’t mean that it needs to lack function, aesthetics or impact. Here are nine tips to consider before tackling your next Small Bathroom remodeling project:

Tip #1: Choose a smart, efficient layout

Most small bathroom renovations will retain the existing layout because there is only so much space to work with. However, if you do have the opportunity to revise the floor plan, you should focus on making the best use of available space to maximize the efficiency of your bathroom. This includes deciding on where your toilet, vanity, tub and/or shower will reside, and any other features that are important to you.

Tip #2: Remove underutilized fixtures

If you have underutilized bathroom fixtures, consider eliminating them from your design plan to create space for fixtures that you’ll actually use. For example, if the main bathroom has a bidet that is never used, remove it and use the additional space for a larger vanity. Or, if the master bathroom has a separate tub and shower, and the tub is rarely used, consider removing the tub and using the space for a larger shower.

Tip #3: Select the right size vanity

Vanities come in many different styles, shapes, materials and sizes. Ultimately, the layout of your bathroom will dictate the size of your vanity and whether or not you can accommodate double sinks.

However, there are some choices that you can make to help increase the sense of space in your small bathroom. For example, a wall-mounted floating vanity frees up visual space under the cabinetry and makes the room appear larger. Or, if you are very tight on space, a pedestal sink can work well in place of a boxy vanity. The only trade-off is the lack of storage.

Tip #4: Maximize counter space

Ample countertop space is always a concern for homeowners, especially with main bathrooms that service multiple family members.

When selecting your countertop, consider extending it over the toilet with a “banjo cut”. This will offer you additional countertop surface for toiletries and other necessities, as well as a nice clean look that takes up little visual space.

Tip #5: Consider your shower choices

If your small bathroom has space for a full-size shower, consider a zero-threshold entry, which doesn’t have a ledge to visually break up the continuous run of floor tiles from the main bathroom area into the shower.

These types of curbless showers are ideal for those with mobility issues and also offer a clean and contemporary look to any bathroom. Match that with a glass shower enclosure and you practically double the visual space in your bathroom.

Tip #6: Research clever storage ideas

When designing your small bathroom, take stock of your storage needs to ensure that you have solutions in place to maximize efficiency and organization. Depending on your layout, you can incorporate slim cabinets, vanity hutches, custom cabinet organizers, shelves and towel racks into your bathroom’s design.

Tip #7: Include natural and artificial lighting whenever possible

If you are fortunate enough to have a window in your bathroom, use the natural light in combination with artificial light sources to make your space feel larger.

You should factor in a combination of task lighting and mood lighting with recessed ceiling fixtures, vanity lighting, shower enclosure lighting and whatever amount of natural sunlight your bathroom receives. To reflect this light, install a large bathroom mirror over your vanity as well.

Tip #8: Create visual space with a light colour palette

When choosing a colour palette for a small bathroom, it is recommended that you select a light colour palette for the floors, tile, vanity, fixtures, paint and any other design elements to create as much visual space as possible. Even with the right lighting, a darker palette will close in the space and not provide an open, airier feel.

Tip #9: Partner with a professional designer

Just like any home renovation or addition project, hiring a professional designer is a smart investment even when you are undertaking a small bathroom renovation.

A designer will learn what your challenges are with your small bathroom, and what you need and want from your new space. With this information, they will design an efficient and functional bathroom that meets your wish list and respects your budget. They’ll even help you with your product selections, like choosing plumbing fixtures, tiles, colours and other design elements.

At Inspire Homes, we have a highly qualified interior designer on staff who works directly with our homeowners to turn small, dark bathrooms into functional, efficient and aesthetically pleasing spaces.

Whether your project is a small powder room in Toronto, a main floor bathroom remodel in Etobicoke, or an ensuite renovation in Mississauga, Inspire Homes can create the bathroom of your dreams that’s small in size, but big on impact.

For more information on our services, please feel free to contact us. You can also visit our bathrooms gallery to view some of our recently completed projects across the Southern Ontario.