In the news

TIPS FOR SMALL BATHROOM SPACES

20 March 2018 |Bathrooms

Is your bathroom too small? Are you finding it hard to arrange the room in a way that is harmonious and yet provides a sense of space? Cuisines Beauregard’s kitchen designers have tackled this issue, and are happy to share five tips that will make your small bathroom an integral and functional part of your home.

TIPS FROM OUR KITCHEN DESIGNERS

1 – Opt for elements that are freestanding, to free up floor space

• Don’t hesitate to play with dimensions, i.e. the depths and heights of vanities and linen closets.
• To accentuate the continuous linear aspect and give your bathroom a much lighter feel, think about installing materials that have a wood grain horizontally. 
• A streamlined and open design will create a room that is brighter, and the open floor space will be easier to clean.
  Result:  an uncluttered bathroom with pure, horizontal lines, allowing light to flow through.
• Installing mirrors on panels will make the room look larger.

 
2- Think about using luminous tones

• If your bathroom doesn’t have any windows, it’s essential that you find another source of light. The solution? Choose materials with a light-reflecting sheen, such as glossy melamine, glossy thermoplastic, acrylic or Polylac.
• If you prefer the natural look of wood, choose light shades.
• To give your bathroom a feeling of space, choose materials that are uniform in colour, and add a few colourful accents.

3- Pay attention to lighting

• Vary the types of lighting in the room:  recessed lighting in the ceiling, dome lights, suspended ceiling fixtures, wall sconces, LED ribbons built into the cabinets (to learn more about LED ribbon lighting, please read our article DESIGN FURNITURE:  LET THERE BE LIGHT!). The more you vary the sources of light, the easier it will be to create an atmosphere that exudes softness and warmth.
• A good way to create an illusion of depth is to install recessed lighting in the ceiling along the walls, to provide diffused light.
• If your bathroom has a dressing table or a makeup/shaving area, it’s essential to ensure that it benefits from the proper lighting. Choose a suspended light fixture or wall sconces with a good intensity of light to brighten up this space. To avoid being blinded by the reflection of the light in the mirror, install the fixtures on either side of the mirror. 

4- Surfaces that reflect light 

• For your bathroom countertops, opt for materials that have a very faint grain or veining, as they will reflect more light.
• Avoid finishes that are milled or matte, because they absorb light instead of reflecting it.
• Because it is composed of light-reflecting elements, quartz is a preferred material for your bathroom. Some quartz is even mirror-like in appearance, providing greater luminosity and an unmatched finish.

 
5- Opt for custom built furniture and premium materials to optimize space

When the area you’re working with is small, it’s much easier to opt for materials and finishes of higher quality. Why not give your bathroom all the glory it deserves!

• It is a great idea to invest in a floor covering made of Dekton or a large quartz slab for your bathroom or shower floor. Not only will the floor have fewer joints, but the seamless look will create an immediate visual effect of more space.
• Opt for glass shower doors to create a clean, uninterrupted look in your room. The greater the transparency of the material, or the greater its capacity to reflect light, the more spacious your bathroom will seem.
• Never hesitate to build open spaces into your cabinets or vanity, as this will create a lighter look.
• Incorporate design elements made specifically for storing your personal effects (makeup, drawer for cleaning supplies, a pull-out shelf for your hairdryer and curling iron, etc.), to keep your countertop free of clutter.
• Incorporating ceramic tiles in the shower or creating a backsplash as a visual focus can give a dynamic impact to the room, bringing a play of colours or depths to your bathroom.
• A vessel sink installed on the countertop can create an impression of flow, while at the same time bringing a refined yet contemporary touch to the room.