Small Bathroom Remodel Tips for Your Home – Part One
There are two paths you can take when designing a remodel in a small bathroom space. You can choose versatile, neutral, and pale décor to make your bathroom look larger; this is the standard answer that interior designers normally recommended for small rooms.
Or, you can go down the other path and choose bold, colorful décor for your small bathroom space. In Part One of our Small Bathroom Remodel series, we’ll explore décor options that add space through neutral color and texture elements.
Small Bathroom Remodel Tip #1: The lighter-equals-larger lavatory
As previously mentioned, if you want to expand a space, fill that space with light colors in neutral tones. Light colors enlarge a space while neutral tones create a calm room. For some, small spaces may inspire feelings of being trapped. Adding things that stimulate the senses further – bright colors and busy patterns may add to some homeowner’s small-space anxiety.
New Rochelle design team Ivory & Oak created this subtle and stylish light-hued, neutral bathroom, with restrained contrasting designs and finishes including brass fixtures, marble countertops, and marble shower surround.
In the pictured bathroom decorated by Ivory & Oak you can see that a limited color palette was chosen: white, off-white, greige, gray tones and very limited black accents are used. The designers make great use of white and grey Carrara Marble for the bathroom’s countertops and shower surround. The only real contrast in the bathroom design are the brass fixtures, lights and mirror. However, notice that even though the brass pieces are in contrast, they are limited, linear in nature and rounded. They are harmonious with each other. This is a small space that exudes tranquility through design- nothing in this room is shocking or overwhelming.
This elegant and neutral bath was designed by ND Interiors, LLC of Westchester County, NY. It’s marble flooring, extremely clean lines, modern faucet, and subtle glow from its wall treatment make this small bathroom a luxe gem.
Small Bathroom Remodel Tip #2: Choose paints with light reflective values
To lighten up a small space with paint, it’s important to understand how light reflectance values, or LRV, work. The LRV is rated on a scale of 1 to 100. Paint with a score of 0 is black and absorbs all light. Paint with a score of 100 is a true white; reflecting all light.
If you have a bathroom with no natural light, take several paint samples with a good LRV and try a small swatch in your space. Be sure to try the paint with the kind of light source you intend to have in the room.
Small Bathroom Remodel Tip #3: Lighten it up
For bathrooms that are dark or have no natural light, LED light bulbs are recommended. When purchasing light fixtures and light bulbs, pay attention to their “Lumen” ratings. Most of us are used to looking for lightbulbs with the correct wattage. However, wattage only measures energy use, not light output. Lumens measure light output or brightness. Two bulbs of the same wattage can have different Lumen ratings.
Experiment with bulbs of different Lumen ratings. Typically, the average powder room will need 700-800 lumens to generate sufficient lighting, but try different lighting to get your desired effect. Some light fixtures are designed for mood lighting, but not for functional lighting. Mood lighting and functional lighting can be included in the same bathroom using separate switches or a dimmer.
Small Bathroom Remodel Tip #4: Nothing fussy
To enlarge a space, minimize the use of ornate plumbing, furniture, hardware, or light fixtures. Think instead, of classically simple or subtly modern styles. Avoid complex patterns with extreme contrasts in wall and window treatments, shower curtains and rugs. Create built-in and hidden storage to keep surfaces clear and free of clutter.
Small Bathroom Remodel Tip #5: Choose natural stone countertops
As you look for neutral and light-colored design elements for your small bathroom, consider including natural stone marble, granite or quartzite countertops. These beautiful stones come in an array of subtle, natural colors that will create space and tranquility in your small bath.
You can come in and choose from options like White Thassos marble, Bianca Carrara marble, River-White granite, Absolute Black granite (which is a charcoal gray) and Sea Pearl quartzite. All of these materials are neutral and filled with variations of gray, beige and white veining.
Sea Pearl quartzite
Academy Marble & Granite carries all of these materials in our Rye, NY and Bethel, CT showrooms. We look forward to hearing about your choices for your small bathroom remodel. Request a consultation with Academy Marble & Granite to see how our natural stone countertops complement your design goals for the smaller baths in your home.
