Master bathroom Design Small Spaces

Even when space is limited it needs to serve numerous functions. Besides the obvious utilitarian functions, homeowners want a soothing escape from hectic daily life, as well as a good environmental partner that conserves water and energy.

Small bathrooms can have big style, too. Get inspired by the design and decorations at top hotels and spas.

Cabinetry that can store more personal items is essential for a small bathroom and can double as decoration.

The average bathroom is 5' by 8', and a well-planned space can do it all. Manufacturers today are working to make fixtures that save more water and medicine cabinets that store more personal items. Design stars know how to fulfill the retreat fantasy, inspired by top hotels and spas that incorporate swank marble and porcelain, soft palettes, fluffy warm towels, flat-screen TVs, iPod docking stations and coffeemakers. Bottom line: Nobody wants to leave. Now at home, you won't want to, either.

Here are ways to make a small-space bathroom look and function better for your lifestyle.

Think Bigger

Even if rooms are smaller, some of the elements needn't be. Many designers think bolder, bigger scale makes a small space look more important and large — a floor tile with a format of 12" by 24" tricks the eye into reading the space as being larger than it is than small mosaic tiles would. A major reason is that smaller tiles have more grout lines, and grids make a space seem smaller, says Travis Rotelli, senior interior designer at The Kohler Design Center. Bonus: There's less grout to clean.

To conserve floor space in this attic bath, Julia Kleyman chose a pedestal sink and built storage into the wall. Photography by Linda Alvino of Ulrich, Inc.

Make Every Inch Count

It's all about making smart use of the space with the right-sized fixtures, such as slimmer vanities, compact elongated toilets and even smaller tubs, though Carolyn Thomas, senior bath designer at Jennifer Gilmer Kitchen & Bath, suggests not going with a tub that's smaller than 60" for comfort.

As long as clients have a bathtub elsewhere in the home and don't use a tub frequently in the master bath, Rotelli advises taking it out to make room for a bigger shower. And make that shower luxurious; most of those Thomas includes feature steam with body sprays.