6 Ways to Make Your Bathroom Bigger
Bathrooms symbolize many aspects of our lives. They contain the hectic energy of getting ready in the morning, the relaxing temptations of a warm bubble bath, and the quiet solitude of reading the back of a shampoo bottle- well, you know when. The sad truth is that if you live in an older home in Bryan or College Station, chances are your bathroom isn’t exceptionally spacious. It is common for homes built before the modern-day emphasis on openness and function to contain narrow layouts, bulky fixtures, and limited natural light. The great news is that you don’t need to move walls or take on a complete bathroom remodel to make your space feel larger.
With the right design updates, you can make a noticeable difference without moving any walls around. At Stearns Design Build, we help Bryan–College Station homeowners reimagine tight, outdated bathrooms using space-smart solutions and finishes that create the feeling of a bigger room. And if you’re not ready to do a full bathroom remodel, there are still practical, do-it-yourself changes that can help improve your space’s look and feel.
In this article, we’ll share three bathroom remodeling strategies that can help maximize space without expanding your bathroom’s footprint. We will also go over three design tips you can apply independently. Whether you’re starting to plan a renovation or just looking for ways to make your bathroom more comfortable, these ideas offer a solid first step.
Three Expert Upgrades
Convert a Tub to a Walk-In Shower:
Not only are bathtubs a major fall risk, but they can take up a lot of visual and physical space, especially if they’re enclosed or have dated surrounds. We suggest converting your tub into a walk-in shower with clear, frameless glass. Swapping out bathtubs for walk-in showers aligns with one of our primary design focuses of ensuring your home is where you can age in place. However, it also helps to open up sightlines and creates a more modern, streamlined feel. This upgrade is especially effective in Bryan–College Station’s older ranch-style homes, where bathrooms often feel boxed in by unnecessary bulk.
Wall Recessed Cabinetry:
When it comes to storage in the bathroom, it can feel limited in even the largest of bathrooms. Where do you fit storage, a sink, a bathing space, and a toilet all into a small bathroom? One solution we provide is recessed cabinetry. If you don’t want to move your walls out to gain space, consider using the wall itself. Cutting out portions of your wall to add in recessed medicine cabinets or sunken shelves really helps add valuable storage space without eating up your square footage. Check out this example where we added this stained glass window and expanded the design functionality by incorporating some much-needed shelving space into this walk-in shower.
Use Continuous, Large-Format Flooring:
One theme you will see with any remodeling suggestions for creating “larger” spaces has a lot more to do with the visual aspects of a room than one might expect. Using the same flooring throughout the bathroom can help visually expand the room. Large-format tiles or wood-look planks minimize grout lines and make the floor appear less “busy.” Light-toned, matte finishes are an excellent choice for Bryan–College Station homes where bathrooms may lack natural light. If you are looking for ways to add more natural light to your home, check out our most recent article, How Natural Light Creates a Brighter, Happier Home.
Three Simple Updates
Choose Light, Neutral Paint Colors:
Picking out paint colors is a reoccurring trend of being the favorite part of designing a room for many of our clients, but picking the right paint takes a keen eye. Paint has a significant impact on how large a room feels. Light neutral tones and soft pastel shades help reflect light and create a more open, airy atmosphere. These colors visually expand tight spaces without drawing too much attention to the walls. For humid Texas summers, opt for a high-quality, moisture-resistant paint to maintain a clean, fresh look over time.
Add a Large Mirror:
A vanity isn’t complete without a gorgeous mirror hanging over it, but mirrors can be utilized for so much more than just getting ready in the morning. Mirrors reflect both light and space, instantly doubling a bathroom’s visual size. A large mirror above the vanity—or even a full wall mirror—can make a small bathroom feel brighter and more open. It’s also important to pay attention to light sources in the room. Positioning your mirror to reflect natural light from nearby windows ensures maximum impact.
Declutter and Use Open Sight Containers:
Clutter makes a small space feel even smaller. Incorporating counters and organizing essentials in open, minimal shelving helps maintain a clean, airy look. Decorative bowls, small display stands, and shallow dishes can all double as homebases for your bathroom essentials. Sparrow Lane in Downtown Bryan is a great choice for supporting another local business, and finding stylish home decor options that can help keep your space organized. America’s Country Store and Pet Resort is another great option if you are looking for a more rustic aesthetic. Check out their Home Decor mindset as it aligns with our Transcendence Design theory of transforming your home by surrounding yourself with items that reflect who you are.
Want more de-cluttering tips? Check out our LinkedIn article on ways to de-clutter your home.
Feeling inspired yet? Take that hopeful feeling of creating a space designed with your needs in mind, and run to our Bathroom Remodel Guide to learn what next steps you should consider on this exciting adventure! In this guide we will share expert tips, inspirational starting points for design, and helpful insights into building a budget that works for you.
