How to create a functional small bathroom

Creating a small functional bathroom can be a daunting task, but with the right planning and execution, it can be a fulfilling project that adds value to your home. Whether you're working with limited space or just want to make the most of your bathroom, here are some tips for creating a small functional bathroom.

1. Plan your layout: The first step in creating a small functional bathroom is to plan your layout. Determine the placement of your toilet, sink, and shower and/or bathtub. Consider the size and shape of each fixture, as well as any space limitations you may have.

One thing we didn't notice before purchasing the house was the fact that there is no mirror over the sink. You can see from the photo below, that the previous owners put a small mirror next to the window, between the sink and toilet. To a functional space, we needed to add a mirror over the sink. When talking to the builder, he suggested that we move the window, however, this turned out to be very costly. Instead, we came up with the idea of swapping the sink and toilet. Since the pipes to both are already on the external wall, this actually won't be a big endeavour and will be much more cost effective than moving the window.

The fist thing we did was create a 3D rendering in SketchUp which allowed us to visualise what size furniture and fixtures we could use. It also allowed us to visualise what a change in positioning would look like. This was especially important for us as the space is so small. It is also oddly laid out with the window extending a few inches into the bath area. We also wanted to see what it would look like to to swap the position of the toilet and sink. SketchUp is great because it allows you to create an exact replica of the room and add things like tile patterns to see what different textures will look like on your wall. There's also a free version which is a huge plus! It does still look a bit flat, so I'm looking forward to finding a new program to test out designs as we continue on.

It was great to see how large things could or should be - specifically the sink unit, mirror and radiator. By using SketchUp, we could change the size of each element, see how it would look in the room, and decide if we had the space to go bigger or needed a smaller piece. Once we had decided on sizes, we turned to Google to find the pieces that would complete our bathroom and created a new Pinterest board to save piece we liked that were the correct size.

2. Choose the right fixtures: When choosing fixtures for a small bathroom, consider space-saving options. For example, a pedestal sink or wall-mounted sink can free up valuable floor space. A compact toilet or corner shower can also help maximise space.

We took a lot of inspiration from other houses in the neighbourhood, looking through Myhome.ie for past listings and creating a Pinterest board to save looks that we liked. Paul mentioned early on that he wanted some sort of a patterned tile on the floor, and I really wanted to keep a tub, so we started looking at other small bathrooms that worked with both of those things to get an idea for what we wanted do.

Once we had an idea about what we wanted to do, we used Milanote to create a vision board and try different colours and styles together. This was a great way to nail down a colour scheme, and decide what fittings looked good together. We created a few different vision boards to test out different colour schemes before moving on to the project planning stage.

3. Optimise storage: Storage is essential in any bathroom, but it's especially important in a small space. Consider adding shelves or cabinets above the toilet or sink, or install a recessed medicine cabinet to save space.

After looking at a lot of different options, we decided that the best thing to maximise space would be to get something with space underneath to increase the visual floor space.

4. Use light and colour to your advantage: Light and colour can help create the illusion of a larger space. Use light colors on the walls and floor to reflect light and make the room feel more open. Add plenty of lighting, including task lighting above the sink and shower, to brighten up the space.

We chose grey, blue and white to maximise the light and give and illusion of a bigger, brighter space.

5. Choose the right materials: When it comes to materials, choose durable and moisture-resistant options that can withstand the humid bathroom environment. Ceramic tile, porcelain, and natural stone are all great options for bathroom flooring and walls.

6. Incorporate design elements: Just because you're working with a small space doesn't mean you can't incorporate design elements. Consider adding a decorative tile border, a bold accent wall, or a statement mirror to add visual interest to the room.

Paul wanted patterened floor tiles - we chose these Havana Silver Ornate Matt Porcelain Tile to give the space some visual interest. To balance out the pattern on the floor, we chose a simple white handcrafted subway tile for the shower.

7. Keep it organised: A small bathroom can quickly become cluttered, so it's important to keep it organised. Consider using drawer organisers, hanging organizers, or wall-mounted baskets to keep toiletries and other items tidy and accessible.

Creating a small functional bathroom requires careful planning, but with the right fixtures, storage solutions, and design elements, you can create a space that is both beautiful and functional. By maximizing every inch of space, you can create a bathroom that is perfect for your needs and adds value to your home.