Practical ways to save space with on-trend colours, storage ideas and multifunctional products.
Looking at today’s modern bathroom designs, we see more compact layouts aimed primarily at one person. Multifunctional shower systems are replacing large baths. Broad vanity basins are giving way to freestanding units supported by slimmer structures. This change in scale reflects not only the need to fit into small urban homes but also a desire for understated elegance and a more intimate atmosphere. Small bathrooms may not be vast, but they need lack nothing.
In modern city homes, a practical bathroom that supports the fast pace of life gives you both time and pleasure. A small bathroom need not prevent either. Creative use of colour, clever storage and products that perform several tasks make it possible. Bathroom transformations can now follow much simpler rules than before.
Small bathroom designs offer all the functions of larger bathrooms; the only difference is their slightly smaller scale. One of the most affordable ways to create a distinctive change is to alter the colours of the walls and floor, using paint or coloured tiles. Tiling only the shower area and around the basin, rather than the entire room, leaves space for painted walls.
A neutral palette and minimal detail create a bathroom atmosphere that rests the mind and encourages focus.
Move beyond the preconception that dark colours make a small bathroom look smaller. Painting a single wall dark grey, charcoal, deep dusty rose or even black gives the space a more dignified, masculine and refined appearance. This can also work in a guest bathroom. Dark walls are increasingly common in modern bathroom decoration. Their harmony with stainless steel, copper, brass and wood brings a refreshing, contemporary touch.
A contrasting backdrop instantly highlights pale, light-coloured bathroom furniture, creating striking depth. In a pastel bathroom, for example, patterned tiles, coloured borders or wall paint can add the excitement you are looking for.
Do not leave a colour or pattern isolated in the bathroom. If you have a floral tile border, repeat similar flowers or one of its colours in textiles, rugs and accessories.
Large-patterned wallpaper has also become increasingly common in bathrooms in recent years. The main reason is that it gives small spaces perspective and makes them appear larger. Consider wallpaper that fits your bathroom’s colour scheme and the overall story of your home.
The more unnecessary details we deal with in everyday life, the more we want to escape complexity and find peace with less in our personal lives. The spirit of the times invites us to clear our minds and see the home as a place for restoration, renewal and simplicity. In bathrooms, this approach takes shape through clever storage and an uncluttered arrangement of accessories.
Start by examining your bathroom carefully. Identify unused corners, recesses that could hold shelves and spaces beneath basins. Measure where you could add cupboards with doors, open shelves or wheeled units. If you plan to renovate the entire bathroom, examine the storage offered by the new designs you are considering and plan accordingly.
Next, sort your belongings. Gather personal care products, towels and cleaning supplies into groups. Remove what is unnecessary, give unused items to those who need them, choose among duplicates and prioritise what you use most. In short, reduce the number of items causing clutter. Find storage elsewhere in the home for things that do not need to be in the bathroom; medicines, for example, could be placed in a box in the kitchen.
You now have your everyday essentials and the storage spaces available for them. Begin organising by putting the most frequently used items within easy reach and the rest on higher or lower shelves.
Wall-mounted shelves, units and under-basin cupboards will be your greatest allies in keeping the bathroom tidy.
Tall, slim cupboards are particularly useful for towels.
Turn the space above the toilet into storage with shelving, making use of an otherwise idle area.
If you lack towel storage, lean a slender ladder against the wall.
Small shelves concealed behind the mirror can hold make-up, dental products, creams and perfumes.
Wicker baskets and wooden boxes are invaluable for small items. Choose sizes that fit your shelves.
Bathroom organisation begins with separating personal care products, textiles and cleaning supplies. Avoid overwhelming the room with too much detail. Keep your needs to a minimum and do not stockpile too many spares.
One creative way to make the most of a small space is to use products that perform several tasks.
If you have a small bathroom and plan to renovate it, make sure the new designs you choose are multifunctional.
Chests that double as tables, wooden ladders for towels, mirrors with hidden shelves and basin shelves with drawers all create useful space.
Attractive jars, bowls and bottles can also create appealing storage for hair clips, brushes, cotton wool and bath oils.
Remember that unused plant pots, vases and glasses can be creatively repurposed to look beautiful in your bathroom. These are the details that will make it distinctive.
