Pam Faulkner:

I recently finished two small bathrooms and can pass along several things to keep in mind. The homeowner and designer have more choices than in previous years so the "quest" to find resources has been made easier. To give the illusion of more space eliminate as much visual clutter as possible when selecting fixtures and materials: Clear shower enclosures with minimal hardware; swinging doors rather than bypass if possible

Hanging or "floating" toilets and vanities reveal more floor space giving the room a more open feel.

Light and bright flooring with a simple but interesting pattern. Large tiles set on the diagonal help to visually expand the floor area. Take advantage of "dead space" by placing these fixtures in corners, if possible. Use corners to conceal built-in hampers and for glass shelf storage.

Longer "medicine cabinets" are available to take advantage of vertical space behind bathroom doors.

When selecting materials, be aware of the cumulative effect of patterns. Veining and designs in tiles and flooring, decorative details on hardware and cabinetry can "crowd" a room. On the other hand, using only small scale patterns can emphasize that the room is small. Incorporating larger scaled moldings or architectural features sparingly can give the room more importance.

Adding art to the walls can also increase the sense of space. Landscapes in particular can give the walls dimension. Finally, lighting effects can highlight architectural features, illuminate "dead" corners and art and make the room more comfortable and functional.