Make a Bathroom Bigger Without a Remodel

A bathroom redesign is often

high on homeowners’ wis

style='font-family:Arial'>h lists, with better storage, a more functional floor

plan and ease of use for all family members in the bargain. Luckily, you don’t

need to tear into walls or completely reconfigure plumbing to get great

results...Instead, consider making small-scale changes and additions to create

the kind of space you need. Here are some fixtures and fittings to look into

for your mini-remodel.

• style='mso-bidi-font-weight:normal'>- Corner

  sinks: Whether pedestal-style

  or wall-mounted, a corner sink provides functional charm and frees up

  floor space. Setting up space-saving storage elsewhere in the room (see below)

  means you don’t need the traditional cabinet vanity, and a smaller bowl

  will still provide plenty of capacity.

• style='mso-bidi-font-weight:normal'>- Small-scale,

  cabinet-mounted vessel sinks:

  Another sink option is the vessel style, mounted on a scaled-down cabinet

  or other furnishing that provides a bit of storage.

• style='mso-bidi-font-weight:normal'>- Toilets

  with flat tank tops:

  style='font-family:Arial'> A flat-top tank gives you another storage spot,

  whether you place organizers directly on top of it or take advantage of

  the wall space above for a hanging cabinet or shelving.

• style='mso-bidi-font-weight:normal'>- Curved

  quadrant shower units: Conserve

  precious real estate with a comfy curved quadrant shower enclosure, which

  sports two straight sides mounted into a corner and a curved entry that

  saves at least a square foot of space compared with traditional units.

• style='mso-bidi-font-weight:normal'>- Smaller,

  deeper tubs: Look for

  smaller-scale tubs that offer a great soak with deep-set seating. Small

  claw foot tubs are one option, and modern fixtures inspired by traditional Japanese tubs abound.

• style='mso-bidi-font-weight:normal'>- Lower-profile

  faucets and fixtures:

  style='font-family:Arial'>Visual space opens up when you select low-profile fixtures, while the

  range of styles available allows you to beautifully accessorize a small

  bathroom.

• style='mso-bidi-font-weight:normal'>- Converted

  furnishings: Refurbished

  stand-alone storage cabinets, small tables converted into carts, and other

  vintage finds add personality to a room while sequestering linens and

  toiletries.

• style='mso-bidi-font-weight:normal'>- Medicine

  cabinets: One of the greatest

  bathroom space-savers of all time, the medicine cabinet can beautifully

  and seamlessly provide storage. Installed between two wall studs, it’s an

  easy DIY endeavor and can be found in looks ranging from beveled-glass

  retro to contemporary sleek.

• style='mso-bidi-font-weight:normal'>- Towel

  storage and stowage: The lack

  of a linen closet or surplus cabinet space needn’t mean a trail of towels

  and washcloths on the bathroom floor. Keep things accessible but neat with

  a hotel-style multitiered rack near the shower or tub, towel bars mounted

  on the back of the entry door, or a lineup of handy hooks.

• style='mso-bidi-font-weight:normal'>- Wall-mounted

  radiator/warming rack: You’ll

  enjoy the comfort of radiant heat and the luxury of warm towels with a European-style wall-mounted radiator. Low profiles keep wall space sleek and blend with any décor.

• style='mso-bidi-font-weight:normal'>- Shower

  or tub shelf: Move toiletries

  out of other storage zones to a handy shelf mounted in a shower or just

  above the edge of a tub. Whether the shelf blends into a fixture or adds a

  touch of glamour with complementary materials, make sure it’s rust-proof

  and easy to clean.

Note: Tom Kraeutler is the Home Improvement Editor for AOL and host of The Money Pit, a nationally syndicated home improvement radio program. To find a local radio station, download the show’s podcast or sign-up for Tom’s free weeklye-newsletter, visit the program’s website.