When it comes to designing a bathroom, we understand that not everybody is blessed with the luxury of space. Working with compact and sometimes even downright awkward spaces can feel tough when you’re trying to design the bathroom of your clients' dreams, but APT is here to help.

When designing a small bathroom space it's important to work with what you’ve got and not against it. APT has created an informative list of small bathroom ideas to give you inspiration, including tips and tricks on how you can make the most of small bathrooms by creating a space that is functional and luxurious.

Bathroom space savers and storage

The first tip when it comes to creating a bathroom that feels spacious and relaxing is to get creative with storage space. Here are some top tips and tricks for creating clever and handy storage spaces in compact bathrooms.

A shower niche

A shower niche is an easy, yet effective way to create more space in bathrooms. It’s a place where homeowners or occupants can keep all their shampoo, conditioner and shower gel without having to invest in a shower caddy or extra cupboards. It’s also super easy to include in bathroom plans and it is cost-effective too.

Floating vanities

Floating vanities are a cool and interesting way to not only store bathroom essentials but to create more floor space, too. They can be custom-made to suit the size and shape of the bathroom and created with a range of different materials. Corian solid surface is a very popular material to create durable and hygienic vanities. Or why not try Fenix? Super matte, anti-fingerprint and available in multiple colours, it is an ideal ideal option for small bathroom remodels.

Keep things organised

Keeping a small bathroom clean and organised is a great way to create the illusion of a bigger space. An easy way to help clients to do this is by creating a place for everything to be stored. For example, use trays and cabinets for storage so all everyday clutter is out of sight, with only a few decorative pieces on display for a luxurious touch.

Colours and materials

Choosing a colour scheme for a home can be difficult at the best of times. But when it comes to choosing a shade that’s going to open up a small bathroom, the decision can potentially feel like make or break.

There are some great tools out there you can use to create colour palettes for your home or to find inspiration. Visit corian.co.nz or fenix.co.nz to look at APT's decorative surface colours that you can combine with paint or tiles.

Choose a light colour scheme to brighten the room

It’s not uncommon to use a light colour scheme when designing or redecorating a bathroom, especially when it comes to making the space seem bigger and brighter. It is, however, important to get the shade right. Neutral, white, and grey shades are all perfect for making spaces seem bigger than they are.

Choose deep colours to create a cosy feel

Choosing deeper shades for a small bathroom, like black, blue or lava rock, can create a warm, cocooning atmosphere that feels cosy rather than closed in. So, although it may not open up the room the same way a lighter colour would, it creates a soothing atmosphere to take a bath. You could also use contrasting materials, such as mixing matt cabinetry with a Corian vanity or floating shelves to help give more depth to your design.

Colour drenching

Colour drenching is a bold style of painting that has taken the interior design world by storm. It involves painting the whole room (including the ceiling) one shade. For smaller spaces in this instance, it could be beneficial to use a light-reflecting colour like white or neutral. But if you want to go bold like some interior designers are suggesting, why not try a vivid yellow or green?

Create a wet room

Wet rooms are a super sleek, modern addition to a bathroom. Although a big decision to make when it comes to designing or renovating, it is the perfect solution to lack of space as it provides an open layout that is super accessible, easy to clean, streamlined and not to mention luxurious. If you’re looking to bring that high-end, spa-like feel to a client's bathroom, a wet room is a good option.

Try out a freestanding tub

We know what you’re thinking: how will a freestanding bathtub make the most of a small space? Well, if there is more than one bathroom you could choose one to be the actual “bath room”. By making a bath the focal point of the room, it can make it seem grander and more luxurious. They also come in a range of different shapes and sizes, so you’re bound to find one that will fit perfectly in the space. This room could be your clients' sanctuary, their space to relax.

Don't forget the finishing touches

Last, but not least, finishing touches can really make your small bathroom design come to life. Whether you’re creating an at-home jungle with plants or hoping to add some spa-like finishing touches for relaxing after a long day at work, the finishing touches are what really make a room feel like home. Here are some ideas for adding a luxe finish to small bathrooms.

Tapware

A designer tap can often seem like a bold investment, but this is a one-time decision that can change the way you enjoy a full room for the years to come. IB Rubinetti Taps offer smartly designed taps to adapt to almost all bathrooms, creating solutions for everyday problems in small spaces.

Plants

Bathrooms deserve to be decorated with lush greenery just like every other room in the house — but it can be tricky to find a plant that thrives there and doesn’t take too much precious space. Snake plants and spider plants are ideal for bathrooms and bring life to the room. If the space is compact get a lucky bamboo on the vanity or a shelf.

Candles

Candles are a cost-effective and easy way of giving a small bathroom that luxurious, hotel look. Perfect for relaxing in the bath after a long day at work, or making the room seem cosy and put together. Try soothing lavender or eucalyptus scents.

Mirror

A mirror is a perfect accessory for a small bathroom. Not only is it super practical, but it also reflects light around the room, creating the illusion of a bright, airy space. Top Tip: why not create a wall piece of multiple mirrors? Not only will this reflect more light, but it will also add a bold finishing touch to the room.

The APT team hope they have managed to give you lots of inspiration for designing or renovating small bathrooms. For more information visit Corian.co.nz, Fenix.co.nz, or ibtaps.co.nz.