Tips for Decorating Small Spaces - Bathroom Edition

Decorating a small space is of course much more challenging.  I  have dreams of a fabulous, luxurious bathroom... one that's large enough to host a small dinner party, complete with a leopard-skin covered chaise lounge and a gorgeous chandelier!

You know something along this line...

Source: pics-site.com

 Oh my goodness, I am drooling over this one!...

Source: samulco.com

My reality is actually more along the lines of finding a good spot to cram the extra rolls of toilet paper!   Besides... who wants a dinner party in the bathroom?!

Good news!   You can add style to your small space, and stay on budget  WITHOUT having to buy this hideous leopard print toilet seat lid...

Source:  Kmart.com

I have no words to tell how horrible I find that!

Do you have a small bathroom that needs your attention?  Here are some decorating tips that will help you maximize your small space!

• Clear out the clutter

NOTHING makes a room look smaller than clutter!  If you haven't used things in your bathroom in over six months, its highly unlikely that you ever will!  I recently put a large basket of barely used bath products, lotions, hair care products, etc. on the kitchen table and let my girls and their friends see if they wanted any of them.  If you have a good amount of still decent products, you could donate them to a local homeless shelter.  Get rid of those ratty, mismatched towels, and cut them up for rags.  If your rag bag is running over, you can donate your old mismatched towels as well.  Less is more!  Better six new, matching towels, than twenty-six that look like they have been through the war!

• Choose color wisely.

Color is one of your best tools for making a small space appear larger.  Cream colors, sophisticated neutrals, and icy blues are just a few of the best color combinations that can open up a tiny room into a bigger living area. 

Source: housebeautiful.com

Keep in mind that the use of color is all about illusion.  Pale and cool colors can make your room look bigger and brighter, and of course, deeper darker tones will make your room cozier and more closed in.  Light and brightly colored walls are more reflective which makes a space feel open and airy.  Painting your trim and molding white, or lighter than the walls can give the illusion of the walls being further back, and thus more spacious.  

• Choose fixtures to scale

Be sure that cabinetry and accessories are scaled to meet the needs of a small room.  Choosing larger items can cause the room to seem smaller and cramped.  Using smaller throw rugs can give the feeling of more floor space.  Notice how the smaller scale mirror, and sparse accessorizing make this small space seem uncluttered and comfortable.

Source: designideasworld.net

• Clever use of space...

Being creative with your storage options can make all the difference when it comes to making your small bathroom work for your family.  Don't forget to take advantage of your vertical space!  Use walls to your full advantage!  Look how the clever use of shelves and hooks can maximize your usable space!

Source: BHG.com

• Create light...

Good lighting can help your bathroom avoid looking cramped or even depressing.  Use bright overhead lighting as well as sconces, or wall-mounted lighting.  The addition of a skylight in your bathroom might not be as difficult as you think, and is a wonderful addition of natural light.  Make good use of mirrors to reflect the lighting in the space.

I hope these simple tips are helpful to you as you deal with your small bathroom, and learn how to get the most from your space.  Decorating is not only for style, but for optimum functionality as well.  Better Homes & Gardens has a wonderful section on their website for dealing with small bathrooms.  You can check out more wonderful information from them here.

So, until you receive an invite for a dinner party in my new fancy, 1,000 square foot bathroom, I'll join you in this challenge, but let's try to "just say no" to leopard print toilet seats, but if you have to have one I'll love ya anyway!

Keep Shining!

The Woo-Hoo Gal

Whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.

Time for a facelift!

Not me!  I know I just had another yucky birthday,  but I'm not ready for a facelift myself just yet!  My hall bathroom, however... now she needs one badly!

Here's the thing about this bathroom.  It's tiny.  I mean it's not just small, but a teensy-weensy, little-bitty, tiny bathroom!  There is a full tub/shower combination, and a toilet (of course), and a small vanity cabinet/sink, but that's it... no storage, no linen closet, and did I mention...small!

Anyhoo, the builder grade features in our home (that we bought when it was 3 years old), are now beginning to show their builder-grade quality, and we are beginning to have to replace some various items. The latest victim is the medicine cabinet in the afore mention bathroom.  It's literally falling apart at the seams, and has to be replaced or someone is going to be wearing it as a hat soon!  

Well, as things often do in the world of renovating, one thing has lead to another, and I've decided to give this small, but oh so necessary space a much needed makeover.  Right now it is only used as a guest bath, and the oldest princesses' bath when she's home from college.  It has a youthful, casual look now, but I'm ready for something more sophisticated.

Here's what will stay: 

1.  white shower/tub combo

2. white toliet

3.  white tile floor  (or maybe not?)

Here's what will or can go:

1.  color scheme

2.  medicine cabinet

3.  sink/vanity

As of now, I'm still looking, searching for just the right inspiration for my little bathroom's new decor.  I always start my redecorating with an inspiration piece - one item that "speaks" to you and represents how you want a space to look.  I'm still searching for mine for this room.

  Here are some photos of bathrooms I love...

I love the combination of gray and yellow!  Beautiful!

This vintage cottage feel is not my usual design, but I love this, too!  I think wainscoting is classic and lovely.

This reminds somewhat of my master bathroom.  I actually have  some of the walls painted black, and I really like it!  The chandelier and splashes of yellow make this space extra special!

These styles are all completely different, but I do notice the continuity of yellow in each space.  I wonder if a little sunshine will show it's self when I reveal my choices?  Hmmmm...

I would love to see your bathroom.  Do you have a design question, want a suggestion for paint colors, or need some inspiration.  Maybe the Woo-Hoo Gal can help!  Maybe you've already created just the perfect space for you and your family, and you now have that bathroom you've always wanted.  Send us some pics and let us share in your good fortune and be inspired by your creativity!

Keep Shining!
The Woo-Hoo Gal!

Whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.