Creating a Functional Bathroom in a Small Space
Designing a small bathroom that feels tranquil and functions well requires thoughtful planning and attention to detail. By coming up with solutions to the problems displayed in the original space, this bathroom was transformed to meet all of the clients goals. Below is a list of what was done with intention in the design process to maximize this bathroom.
Mindful Space Planning: Effective space planning is crucial when designing any small space. One of the first problems with the original bathroom, was the pedestal sink. The oval shape was impeding on the walk way and did not offer any countertop or storage space. One thing that this pedestal sink did do, was allow air flow from an existing wall vent below. By designing a custom sized floating vanity, the client was able to keep the original wall vent in place, but there was storage and countertop space added. With the narrow depth of the vanity, a wall mounted faucet was used, which elevated the overall look. By adding a recessed mirror cabinet, even more storage was added where none existed before.
Soothing Color Palette: Colors play a vital role in setting the ambiance of any space, and the bathroom is no exception. By choosing a soft color palette, the materials used promote a feeling of relaxation. Light colors can also help to visually expand the space and make it feel more open and airy. Since the roof cut into the alcove tub area, choosing a wall tile pattern that accentuated vertical lines helped to trick the eye into making the ceiling seem higher, and therefore more open and airy.
Soft Lighting: Proper lighting can drastically transform the mood of a room, and in a small bathroom, it becomes even more significant. By specifying dimmer switches and multiple sources of lighting, the mood is adjustable based on what is functional or what type of atmosphere the client is going for at a given time.
Greenery: Indoor plants and a green leaf patterned shower curtain were added, which adds a touch of freshness and color. By incorporating indoor plans that thrive in a humid environment, a sense of nature can be brought inside of the home. Indoor plants can also help purify the indoor air.
