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Powder Room Pow! SMALL BATH UPGRADES WITH BIG IMPACT By Lisa J. Gotto
Never let it be unsaid that good things come in small packages. When the “small” is a space, however, and that space is as important as a bathroom, this particular sentiment takes on greater importance. Whether you see this space as one that is purely utilitarian, or you choose to make a statement with every room in your home, we’ve found some smart and stylish tips that help put the “pow” in powder room.
Don’t Forego High Style You can burst forth from the boxy aspect of the small bathroom using style as your guide. Add an entire mirrored wall or create one accent wall with a series of smaller, framed mirrors. This really should be smart and stylish tip, Number One! It just does so much: reflecting light to brighten and visually expand the space that you have; making your small room all at once smaller and brighter.
Choose Materials Wisely
Big Impact Starts with Smart Planning This is pretty simple. Unless you’re a doing a basic cosmetic refresh (new towels and window treatments, a fresh coat of paint, etc.) or you’re a skilled contractor yourself, the most impactful small bathroom remodels should be handled with the same care you’d give a kitchen remodel. In other words, DIYers—know your limits. Challenges presented by minimal square footage, dealing with fixtures, and in many cases, lack of natural light, combine to make this a project that demands a well-designed plan, a knowledge of materials and options, and an understanding of what can go wrong behind walls. 98
What’s Up? Annapolis | April 2022 | whatsupmag.com
Every Pinterest or Houzz mood board has them. Those glamorous baths with meticulous and ridiculously small tiles and chandeliers with intricate crystals. Pretty to look at; a nightmare to clean! From these finer touches to the larger, your decisions regarding countertops, flooring, and shower surrounds should not only stand the test of time (remember what you shelled out for this room), they should address your needs and lifestyle. This is where the knowledgeable professional comes in, and should steer you in the right direction when it comes to realistic use of this space over time. Yes, this is a grout versus no grout situation! If you don’t have time to, or just abhor cleaning it, there are materials that offer convenience when cleaning and still strike an attractive balance between form and function. For instance, large format tile is increasingly popular for a reason: less grout. And pairing that large-format tile with mold-resistant grout provides the gold standard for an easy clean. Other examples of smart material choices include opting for a glass shower door instead of a curtain and rod situation and freestanding tub over a traditional bathtub with surround. Choosing a glass door system with as little framing as possible and door bars that provide ample room between the glass and the bar, make for more seamless clean up. The curves of a freestanding tub, are just easier to deal with that the tight corners of a tub surround, and cleaning around the tub itself is just an easier proposition. Oh, and the look is just so much better!
