The secrets to renovating a small bathroom in Sydney

A wall hung vanity creates the illusion of space by showing off more floor area. This works exceptionally well with the use of larger type floor tiles.

The options for wall hung vanities are seemingly endless today; single bowl, double bowl, drawers only or a combination of cupboards and drawers.

Large drawers are perfect for keeping makeup and toiletries neat and tidy as they simply pull out and your selection awaits, avoiding having to rummage to the back of the cupboard to get to what you want.

Depending on your taste, you can choose a bold colour vanity to stand out and be the feature of the bathroom or choose a white or more neutral colour to blend into the wall tiles.

Mirrors have long been used to create the illusion of a larger area. A mirror is a necessity for any bathroom, though by using a large, strategically placed mirror can double the space of the room.

Vertical mirrors create an illusion of height, whereas horizontal create the illusion of width.

Though a large mirror is a fantastic way to add the illusion of space, it must be also practical and set at a height that all family members can use comfortably.

Recessed mirrored shaving cabinets offer not only a large mirror but also the addition of extra storage space for your toiletries. These shaving cabinets are recessed into the wall to appear to be a mirror only.

Niches are the perfect way to effectively use wall space without cluttering with protruding shelves. They can be tiled with the same size and coloured wall tiles to blend into the wall space or they can be tiled with a contrast tile and be lit with a down light or strip light to create an amazing feature.

Used in the shower they avoid scrapes and head bumps on protruding shelves and footrests. Used above a bath, lit with a light (LED or downright) and a simple candle, they become a feature.

Opting for either a built in bath or a free standing bath is a choice best made along with the advice from your renovator. Both types of baths come in many different sizes and a shower recess can be created to suit your area and your preferences. Some prefer a larger shower and smaller bath, others a small shower and a larger bath.

Where your plumbing is currently, whether you have the budget to move it should need be and placement of toilet, shower and vanity all needs to be taken into consideration.

Whites and lighter colour neutrals are the best for smaller type spaces. Darker colours can make a room appear smaller.

That doesn’t mean however you have to forego a bit of bold if that’s your style.

A bold coloured vanity, a contrast colour tiled niche or a single feature wall, all create a stunning finish. Speak with your renovator about options.

If you are lucky enough you will have a window in your bathroom or the ability to add a skylight. This will immediately make the room feel larger as it is filled with natural light. 

If you can’t do that, then placing a full glass shower screen correctly in the room can let light fill the room and because you can see the walls, help make the room feel larger.

Using floor and wall tiles that are the same colour and in a large format can help your room feel larger. With no visual breaks it creates a seamless view of one colour and texture. If your cabinets are wall hung you can see to the corners of the room which can also make it feel larger.

Read our story about hiding your laundry in your bathroom. It is very possible to hide a washing machine to make more usable space in other parts of your home.