It is no secret that one of the key things people look at when they are buying a house in Mesa County is the bathroom. That’s why it’s so important to make your bathroom look as big, beautiful and up-to-date as possible. Unfortunately, many bathrooms these days are quite small, but there are ways of making them appear sleeker and larger.

Fixtures and cabinetry

One thing that can help is to install fixtures that are as high-tech and as contemporary as possible. Their streamlined appearance can give a bathroom a more spacious appearance. Avoid the polished brass look so your fixtures won’t look dates.

Another way to make a bathroom appear larger is to remove all bulky cabinetry. For instance, if you have a sink that is encased in a big clunky cabinet, you can remove it and get a freestanding or “floating vanity.” A wall-hung vanity is clean and airy and doesn’t seem like a big heavy box on the floor. It also makes cleaning the floors easier.

Buying fixtures that are smaller than usual can also make the bathroom look bigger.

Toilets, bathtubs and showers

You can buy toilets nowadays that are very narrow and sit close against the wall. Be sure to look for water-efficient tanks; in some communities you’ll receive a rebate directly from the water department or community if you replace an older toilet.

You can also buy “tankless” toilets that situate the tank on a pipe high above the actual seat.

Old-fashioned bathtubs can also take up a lot of room in a small bathroom.

One solution might be to rip out a large bathtub and replace it with a newer, smaller soaking tub — or, have a bathroom with just a shower stall. And a smaller-size bath doesn’t require as much time to fill or need as much water.

Redoing the floor in stone and having an open shower with a glass stall can also make a smaller bathroom look more luxurious and spacious.

Mirrors and Medicine Cabinets

According to Houzz, three out of four homeowners (77%) install new mirrors during a master bathroom renovation, and most are now choosing lighted models. This embedded feature offers ambient lighting without added glare or reflections on the mirror and can double as a nightlight when dimmed. It can be decorative, too.

Walls and Colors

Think about replacing those tiny, mosaic tiles with large-format tiles.

Large-format tiles create an air of luxury, particularly when paired with natural stone and stone-look materials. Fewer grout lines also mean less to clean, especially for shower surrounds.

If tile isn’t for you, another way to keep the bathroom looking spacious is to avoid painting it in dark colors — keep the walls and shelving as pale in color as possible. Warm, inviting neutrals and earthy hues such as beige, tan, brown and mushroom shades are good paint choices. Consider more or brighter lighting to help make the room appear larger.

Floors

 Consider replacing old, dingy tile flooring with ceramic and porcelain tiles that mimic natural hardwood finishes and high-contrast marbles. These natural-looking materials are in line with the emerging organic style that has gained traction in both kitchens and baths. And for a spa-like touch, more people are opting for heated floors so they can can slip off their slippers in comfort.

If you’re searching for a home with just the right bathroom style, call us. We’d love to help!