MAKING LARGER BATHROOMS BY PAINTING TECHNIQUES

ONE WAY TO HELP A SMALLER BATHROOM feel larger is to unify the de- sign by repeating some of the individual design elements. In this bath- room, the keyhole-arch motif found in the mirrored medicine cabinet (above) is echoed by the arched tub alcove and by the end-wall details on the tub-surround (left).

Visual Space
THE ACTUAL PHYSICAL SIZE of a room (its shape) can be enhanced by the skillful use of placement, texture, pattern, and color, making its apparent size (its form) feel either larger or smaller.

Here are a few simple ways to make a small room feel larger:
• Keep walls and floors a light color. Reducing or elimi- nating contrast (for example, by avoiding bright or dark-colored fixtures next to white walls) enhances the perception of space.
• Use patterns made up of small elements (small tiles, for example), which give the impression of being far- ther away.
• Keep vertical lines to a minimum and emphasize horizontal lines (vanity tops, shelving, and cabinets) which tend to visually expand the space.
• Use mirrors to transform structural barriers into reflective surfaces. Mirrors placed along one or two long walls will widen a narrow room .
Repeating design elements-color, pattern, texture, size-makes a space feel more unified, and therefore larger.
THOUGH SMAll, THIS BATHROOM DOESN'T FEEL CRAMPED due to the strong horizontal lines created by the dark blue accent tiles, which help draw the eye around the room.