PROPERTY NEWS - Getting the layout for a small bathroom right is so important, but it can feel like a challenge. 

"Just because your bathroom is short on space, does not mean that you have to sacrifice good looks for functionality," says Johnny Lamprecht, from Bathroom Bizarre. "With the right combination of materials, sanitary ware and design, your small bathroom can feel inviting, serene and stylish." 

Here is advice for making a small bathroom an attractive and functional space. 

Storage is key

Overflowing drawers, cluttered counters and shelves spilling over with a collection of beauty and hygiene products will only make any space feel smaller than it is. Storage is one of the most important design features when you are creating a layout for a small bathroom. The truth is, you can't have too much storage in this space. 

Although pedestal basins remain a great way of saving floor space in a bathroom layout, the problem is that they do not offer any useful storage. Rather opt for wall-hung, floating cabinetry that acts as a sink vanity, with added storage. 

Tiles 

"My number-one rule is that bigger tiles are better when it comes to smaller spaces," says Lamprecht, "Larger tiles help create the illusion of more spaciousness as they create fewer grouting lines when installed, and these lines tend to break the space up visually." 

He also recommends using one uniform tile for the entire bathroom floor. 

With regard to wall tiles, it is imperative to tile from the floor right up to the ceiling to create the illusion of height. Another clever way of creating the illusion of added height is to lay the tiles vertically to draw the eye upwards, this is especially effective when using subway tiles. 

Colours 

Use light hues in a small bathroom. 

Lighter colours tend to open up space visually, giving you room to breathe and making the space feel lighter and brighter,. "If you want to use darker colours in this space, then reserve them for the floor to create a nice contrast between the floor and walls, and keep the overall scheme light. Also, avoid over-fussy and busy designs, as they will make the space feel cluttered – rather opt for clean, simple designs." 

Mirror, mirror on the wall… 

Mirrors remain a great way of adding depth, width and length to a small room. They also reflect light, which makes a space seem brighter and bigger. Adding a mirror to an entire wall can make a bathroom look double the size. 

Keep it off the floor 

"By not breaking the line of sight on your bathroom floor, you can create the illusion of added floor space," says Lamprecht, "This can be achieved by mounting as many things on the wall as possible, instead of opting for freestanding designs." 

He recommends floating vanities, recessed and open shelving, and wall-hung cabinetry that offers storage without taking up too much visual- or floor space. 

Wall hung toilets are another great option. They save space and add legroom by having the cistern built into the wall behind. 

Lose the tub 

Baths take up twice the space of a shower, and they break the space visually as well.

By swapping your bath for a shower you will be able to open up your bathroom space significantly.

Lamprecht recommends glass shower doors and panels, as these let more light into the space and don't break up the line of sight through the room. 

"Also, opt for continual flooring and a curbless shower floor if possible – by eliminating the curb around your shower, your flooring will continue right into the shower for a seamless end result and it will help to make the floor space of the room appear larger." 

Make an entrance 

Besides eliminating the bath, one of the biggest space-saving ideas to consider involves replacing your normal entrance swing door with a pocket or sliding door. 

"A pocket door slides into a recess that is created in the wall alongside – this saves floor and wall space, and it will give you more flexibility when placing your fixtures. However, a pocket wall is quite costly to create – to achieve a similar effect at a fraction of the cost, you could opt for a surface-mounted sliding door instead that slides open on the wall outside the bathroom." 

'Ons bring jou die nuutste Tuinroete, Klein Karoo, Hessequa nuus'