Photos: Bre King Photography
Vanity
With any space, I always choose the biggest piece of furniture first – even in a small area. In a bathroom, that would be the vanity. Always remember to measure to allow for the biggest vanity possible because of, well… storage. That’s my main priority, anyways.
Faucets & hardware
Up next, it’s time to choose your faucets and hardware. This can be a daunting task, but think about how these items will work with your overall aesthetic. When in doubt, select a classic design. Once you decide on the faucet and the configuration, you’ll need to decide on the finish. I like to choose a finish that has spot defence. This prevents fingerprints and watermarks – woohoo! So, for a bathroom that’s going to get a ton of use, it’s a wise choice.
Tile
When it comes to tile, you’ll want to work with the tones of your vanity. My biggest tip for choosing tile for a small space is to keep it consistent. When you use the same tile on the floor and in the entire room, it makes the space look bigger. Another tip is to use a lighter colour on the floor, so it draws your eye upwards. This can also give the illusion of a larger space. I ended up going with a large, warm grey tile. I needed something that would be easy to clean, as I know this bathroom will get a lot of traffic. Bigger tiles and less grout was the way to go.
Lighting
Time to choose your bathroom lighting. First, start by deciding which type of light will work best in your space. Don’t feel like you need to choose small light fixtures for a small room. This can actually enhance how petite your area looks and feels. Instead, select options that allow the most light into the space and help to enhance the overall design. My rule of thumb for finishes is to stick with two in a bathroom. When you start to add more than that, it can make things look busy and cluttered.
Wall treatments & accessories
The last thing you’ll want to decide on is the accessories and wall treatments for your space. Wallpaper always adds so much character and can be so cost effective in small spaces. I love using baskets as garbage cans or just as decoration. A really simple trick is to fill one with toilet paper rolls – practical, pretty and a little extra storage, too.