Thursday, February 14, 2013

Renovation Ideas For Small Bathrooms

Details are what count in changing the appearance of a small bathroom. If you have an eye for color and can see things in detail, you should be able to take a small bathroom and create something, if not larger, then so much nicer.


Placement of Fixtures


This is an area where budget counts completely. If you cannot afford new bathtubs or toilets and can't pay for changing your existing fixtures, then do not start at this level. But if you have the budget, take a fresh look at the space. Picture it without the toilet and tub and sink where they are. Do you gain any space or anything aesthetically by moving fixtures? If so, check what kind of plumping you have and how it could be converted. This is an area of renovation where you have to use imagination and think outside the box. Would the sink be better where the toilet is? Would a new free-standing tub be more clean and space enhancing? Unless you're a plumber, this is definitely not the time to cut corners. Request an estimate and get the plumber's opinion of your plan.








The Best Fixture Change for a Tight Budget


If a new tub and toilet are not in your budget, your best update and biggest change for the money is the sink. Most small bathrooms have the traditional one sink with a small counter surface and wood cabinets beneath. Many have only a sink with no cabinet at all. So put your money into a new sink, faucet and cabinet. Use the style of the faucet (brushed metal, ceramic, brass, etc.) to determine how the rest of your hardware should coordinate. If you have a heavy, dark wood cabinet and faux marble sink, consider a pedestal sink with a curtain skirt and hidden shelving. This will immediately open up the look of the bathroom because the large heavy cabinet can dwarf the small space. But if you want the cabinet style, think lighter and even white to add a sense of spaciousness.


Wall Color And Treatments.


Painting is your first job after any fixtures have been removed or before you make other changes. This way drips and spills may not be so serious. If you decide to paint, remember to buy only paint designed for bathrooms. Humidity is always an issue in a bathroom and some paint, mostly water-based kinds, can bubble or flake off after a short time. But some water-based paints are made for bathrooms, so choose the correct type of paint. White paint will always be good in a small bathroom. If using white, you can consider wallpaper trims since the walls are so clean. Soft, muted yellows, blues and greens are also perfect for the small bathroom. Stay away from wallpapering all the walls or using dark paint, unless you want to really push a certain dramatic style. Think clean and clear colors. And if you have any tile that is still in good shape, hold on to it. Tile comes in and out of style and it less costly to decorate around the tile than to replace it. Think about carrying your tile further in your bathroom. A small rim of tile around the base of the floor and where the walls meet the ceiling can be a fun and simple change.

Tags: small bathroom, sink with, cabinet style, This area