The Block 2017: How to make a tiny bathroom feel luxe

Home renovators and buyers alike are increasingly seeking retreat-like bathrooms steeped in luxury. “Custom finishes, artisan tiles, mood lighting and statement features like a stone bath, universally spell luxury,” says stylist Jane Ledger of Spacecrush.

But how do you achieve this look when faced with a bathroom in a minuscule space? “There is no reason why it still can’t feel lavish,” says interior stylist Rebecca Johnson of Bird Lifestyle. “Luxury is well-functioning design, beautiful elements, and a clever layout that gives the illusion of light, airy, spaciousness.”

Faking space

When seeking luxury, look for opportunities to forge extra floor space. “A layout plan is critical,” says Ledger. “Elevate cabinetry, and use vertical space for storage, like a simple floating vanity with built-in cabinets above.”

Clever use of tiling is also effective, but beware of large tiles that typically give the illusion of space, but not always successfully in a small room. “Stick to moderate-sized tiles,” says Gemma Di Tullio, interior designer at YU Interior, “and use a maximum of two types of neutral coloured tiles, running the floor tile up the wall opposite the door. It looks absolutely fantastic.”

Glass and mirrors are an excellent style subterfuge, as well as being practical and low-maintenance. “Install a glass shower screen, large mirror and skylight, for an instant transformation,” she says.

Lighting

While natural light is an asset for a small space, a tiny bathroom is often lacking in windows, so plot a lighting plan that is an effective mix of ambient and task lighting.

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“Ideally there should be more than one light source,” says Ledger. “Install as many overhead lights on dimmers that you can accommodate, and add ambient lighting either side of the vanity.”

Given its size, a stunning light feature will stand out as a key design feature in your bathroom. “I love installing beautiful light fixtures in a small space where ambient lighting is important to create mood,” says Ledger. “The ranges from Porcelain Bear and Anchor Ceramics are among my favourites.”

Colour

Small areas generally look larger painted in white or subtle shades. Not only do they give an airy ambience, but provide a neutral canvas for accessories and glorious colour accents. “It is an opportunity to be bold,” says Ledger. “I love the combination of a patterned tile on the floor and neutral tiles on the walls.”

For instant and inexpensive opulence, add brightly coloured towels, a piece of artwork, or live greenery in a hanging planter to save space.

Storage

Nothing screams luxury like minimalism and order. “Utilise your walls as much as possible as a way to declutter,” says Ledger. “A hanging towel ladder, hooks on the back of the door, floating shelves above the toilet, and shallow wall-mounted spice racks for storing beauty products are spot-on.”

Clever shelf storage concealed behind glamorous mirrored doors is a cheeky approach for stashing personal toiletries, while hooks attached under cabinets is a sneaky way to hang a hairdryer out of sight.

Fixtures

Like jewellery on a dress, statement fixtures add lavishness to a space. “Brushed gold, tumbled brass, nickel and black are all luxe finishes right now,” says Ledger.

The right showerhead not only makes bathing an opulent affair, but also elevates the style of your room. “Top mounted shower heads are ideal in small space,” says Di Tullio, “and a ceiling installed rain shower looks incredibly lavish, and takes up much less space than a wall fixture.”

Styling

Strategically placed objects of desire are the icing on this tiny cake, but keep to a minimum to avoid clutter. “Look for items that are not only good to look at, but smell and feel luxurious too,” agrees Johnson. “I like an expensive French candle, super-plush towels, an interesting pendant light, whiffy soap, white fragrant flowers and dark glossy greenery. When it comes to a tiny luxurious bathroom, the devil is the details.”