The modern bathroom has become an everyday oasis. Wouldn’t you like to transform yours into one, too? It does not matter if your bathroom is small – there are so many inexpensive remodelling ideas to turn even the most cramped bathrooms into spa-like spaces. We will walk you through every step of the small bathroom remodelling process.

Plan it out

Possibly the worst mistake you can ever make when remodelling your small bathroom is starting without a clear plan in mind – especially if you want to change the whole layout. Ask yourself (and your family members) some very important budget and lifestyle questions:

• How much can I/we afford to spend on this renovation?
• Can I/we afford to replace the fixtures with new ones?
  
• Do I/we need a bath tub, or will a nice shower stall do?
  
• Can we compromise and install a double duty bath tub and shower stall in one?

Do the math

Perhaps the most challenging aspect of remodelling your small bathroom is computing for and making the minimum space requirements – check your state laws if you must. There are different clearance requirements alongside major bathroom fixtures. Never underestimate these requirements, or you might fail building regulations. These clearance conditions were after all put in place to make sure that your bathroom is comfortable not just for you but for all sizes of visitors/users.

Update the hardware

You do not have to redo the whole sink or toilet if you do not have enough cash. Instead start with hardware, like the toilet flush handle or the faucet. Do you have cabinets in the bathroom? Try replacing their handles, too. There are a lot of inexpensive ‘modern’ hardware available in almost all home improvement stores. Choose those that are minimalist and elegant – ditch the old-style intricate hardware that only make your small bathroom look even smaller.

Consider all-around mirrors

Big mirrors placed adjacent to the sink and other fixtures give the illusion of continuity, and therefore the illusion of bigger space. Consider replacing small, tacky vanity mirrors with bigger, seamless mirrors that take up a whole wall – this will not only introduce spatial illusions, but also multiply the light in your small bathroom and give it more dimensions.

Splash on some color

Do not be afraid to ditch your old white and pastel scheme for a bolder palette – use reds, greens, yellows, and blues if you must. Try painting one wall a deep shocking color and then keeping everything else white – the colored wall will become your accent wall, adding depth to an otherwise flat ‘box’ of a bathroom. The rest of the white walls keep the space bright and give the illusion of roominess.

Fix the light

Another inexpensive way to spruce up your small bathroom is to put ambient lighting to support (and soften) the existing basic fluorescent. If you want a truly spa-like feel, add sconces and angled lights to illuminate accent walls. Ambient lighting softens dark corners and gives a room more dimension – something that is often lacking in small bathrooms.

Add an exhaust fan

Is your small bathroom also windowless? Wall mount an inexpensive exhaust fan (be sure it is fitted properly according to code). A simple exhaust fan can replace the window in helping reduce moisture build-up especially when your hot taps are working.

Go for glossy tiles

If you still have enough money and time left for remodelling your small bathroom, then replace its tiles with larger, glossier types which reflect light around the space. Glossy tiles look modern and sophisticated, and are also a lot easier to clean.

Create simple patterns

Want your small bathroom to feel broader than it really is? The make patterned tiles go around the bathroom to break up monotony and lead the eyes sideways, making the room wider. If you want the room to feel taller than it really is, then make the patterned tiles go from floor to ceiling.

Recessed niches

Having recessed niches built in involves a lot more work and money, but the final results are almost always worth it. Study your bathroom’s stud work to see if it can accommodate fitted placement of recessed soap trays and niches that you can use to hold bath essentials.

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