HOW TO MAKE YOUR BATHROOM LARGER WITHOUT A CONTRACTOR!

If you have a home with a large, luxurious bathroom, read no further; skip on ahead to the next post. But if you don't and you'd like your little bathroom to appear larger without adding any more square footage, you've come to the right place.


Here are a few decorating techniques to help you push back the walls and make your bathroom not only look and feel larger, but also make it more attractive even if it stays exactly the same size.

• Pick soft pale cool colors. They tend to give the illusion of more space and the feeling of serenity and luxury.

• Open up the space with more light fixtures. Recessed "can" lighting can be installed into the ceiling. Wall sconces flanking the sink can add mood lighting. Skylights, larger windows or Solatubes also can bring in more light.

• Vanity cabinets take up too much floor space in a small bath. Replace it with a pedestal or wall-mounted sink. These sinks not only open up the floor space but actually add a sense of style.

• Remove wall shelves, hanging racks, or decorative accessories on the walls that cut into the room's space and make it look smaller. Even the smallest piece of furniture or accessory that sticks out into the room can stop where your eyes go and make your room "shrink." This one piece of advice can enlarge the room by providing the illusion of expanding your small space without adding a single square foot.

• Install a larger mirror in front of the bathroom sink. The mirror will reflect all the light in the room, and pick up the color and pattern. Or consider a collection of mirrors arranged artistically in the place of one large mirror.

• As with the walls, the floor will appear to open up if it's done in a light color. Or place one large light-colored rug over your existing flooring.
• Nothing's like clutter to make a small space feel even smaller. Pare down on the towels. Select one piece of art instead of lots of small pieces. Use one decorative accessory instead of lots of small ones. Store whatever else you really need out of sight even if it means putting it in a hall linen closet.

• Trade a frosted-glass bath or shower door for a clear glass one. Or eliminate the door altogether and install a shower curtain that can be pushed back to one side when not in use.
• Add depth by painting a mural on the largest open wall. Or hang a large framed picture of a garden or landscape. This helps to expand the look of your space by visually enlarging the feeling of the room.

These decorating techniques can be used to enlarge any room in the house, but they are essential to expanding the space in a bathroom. And you don't need to call a contractor!

Drama At The Foot Of The Bed!

I have a very large Master Bedroom. It is long and narrow. We have placed the bed on one of the narrow walls at the end of the room and lined the dresser, armoire and chest on the long walls. Though I like the arrangement of furniture this way it has left a large empty space in the center of the room or at the foot of the bed. It needs something…but what?

Please help, Tracy 

You’re so lucky to have the space available for several beautiful options. The bed is typically the focal point of any bedroom, but in a master bedroom with gracious proportions you can really play up the drama!

Try these suggestions to fill the space at the end of your bed;

Add visual weight with a small writing desk and stool placed at the foot of the bed that will bring charm and function to the space. You can also hang a chandelier over the desk or bed to further define the space.

Turn your room into a retreat with a settee or loveseat that can add color, grace and great a place to lounge. Make sure it’s proportions are not greater than the bed. You don’t want it to look like a living room, but a bedroom with a soft place to fall.

Need a place to sit and put on your shoes or kick them off, double benches or upholstered chairs will do the trick. This solution packs a bigger punch when done is duplicates. Two small vanity benches is sometimes more visually interesting than just one bed bench. And two small slipper chairs are just perfection.

Like to read the morning paper and have your breakfast in the bedroom? Try a small table and a pair of elegant French chairs at the foot of the bed. Done in a finish that blends rather than contrast with the bed, it will make it appear as though they were perfectly appointed!

That’s just a few wonderful solutions. Can’t wait to hear which one will suit you best!

Toni