Southern home: Smart solutions for the bath, The

Southern Living, May 2002 by Doyle, Alice Welsh

Use Bold Color in a Small Space

A tiny bath with a difficult sloping ceiling and no storage receives a makeover with colorful wallpaper, new shower curtain, window treatment, and brightly painted furniture.

Challenge

A small bath with an awkward ceiling, an outdated metal-and-- glass door shower stall, and a lack of storage. It needed more style, but the budget didn't allow for a new sink, tub, or other fixtures.

Solution

Wallpapering the entire room, including the ceiling, really makes a strong statement. This treatment accentuates, rather than hides, the bath's unique features. An attractive, colorful, and functional curtain replaces the fixed shower door. A matching Roman shade shares the same gathered valance. The brightly painted chest of drawers, enhanced with wallpaper, provides storage and style without the expense of built-ins. Finishing touches include an oversize mirror and new light fixture. ALICE WELSH DOYLE

LIGHTING IN THE BATH

Recessed lighting works well in a small bath because it's tucked out of the way and can be placed exactly as desired. Sometimes, though, installation is difficult or impossible due to an insufficient crawlspace or a finished second floor above a room. Another option is to place sconces on either side of the mirror. It's often easier to get into the wall than into the ceiling, but you will likely need to hire a professional. So replacing the existing fixture is almost always the most cost-efficient choice. The three-bulb fixture used in this bath, which cost around $170, tripled the available light.

LOW COST, HIGH STYLE

* Fresh color: Transform a small bath that lacks personality by bringing in color through paint, wallpaper, and fabrics. The room will take on a whole new character even if the basics stay the same. Think about your primary users when choosing a color scheme. Here a lively salmon-and-green palette gives the room a feminine touch. The green in the existing tiles guided the choice in fabric and wallpaper. Other colors that would complement the tiles include shades of blue or yellow. The cost of a color update will vary greatly depending on the choices you make (paint is less expensive than wallpaper) and whether you do the work yourself or hire a professional. A room's unusual attributes, such as these sloping ceilings, may require more costly custom work.

* Unfinished furniture: This is a fun and affordable way to bring a custom look to any room. The chest of drawers cost less than $300. Take a swatch of fabric or wallpaper to the paint store so they can create the perfect shade. Be sure to get a matching primer to use as a base coat. If you want that high-gloss look, then use enamel paint designed for wood. It's harder to clean up than latex, but the result is well worth the effort. Apply a primer and two coats of paint to achieve the best finish.

* Updated hardware: If you don't like the knobs on a piece of furniture, consider spray painting them. A shiny silver or matte black finish will update standard brass knobs.

* Oversize mirror: In a small bath, it makes the room feel larger and works especially well when the space is used primarily by a woman. Look for old mirrors at flea markets, and give them a facelift with paint, if needed. The mirror here-found at a secondhand shop for $65-was spray painted silver, and then select areas were rubbed with a mild grade steel wool so that part of the original finish shows through.

Clever Ideas in a Compact Bath

Simple features, such as a skylight, make this small space live large.

Challenge

To create a functional and interesting bath with all the needed amenities in an 8-foot-square space.

Solution

A clever design uses all available space. The shower is tucked under a slanted ceiling. A skylight above the tub opens the room up, expanding the space and providing a blast of natural light and fresh air during the warmer months. Instead of counters and cabinets, a small vanity is used. Not only is it a simple idea, but it also cuts costs.

SPACE SAVERS

It's important for a small bath to feel large. Too much stuff, and the area will feel cluttered and tight. These ideas will help you make the most of what you have,

* Use a small vanity or a pedestal sink. With a pedestal, add a small chest to organize toiletries.

* Incorporate a small decorative mirror that will lend some style to the room.

* Choose a pocket door instead of a hinged one. A conventional door will encroach too much into an already tight space.

* Include open shelves throughout the room for storage.

* Recess an 8-inch-deep cabinet above the vanity.

* If you have a closet but no shower, think about turning the closet into a shower.

* Decorate with light-colored materials to create a larger feel.

* Place a window in the room to open up the space. Otherwise, provide plenty of artificial light.

It's All in the Details

These three small baths have one theme in common-unique ideas create more storage.

Challenge

A pedestal sink gives the room a clean, old-fashioned look but provides no space for toiletries.