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Home Improvement Projects that Maximize Space

Renovators Place Columnist
Oct 08, 2009

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When trying to maximize space in an old house, creativity is the key. This is particularly true during bathroom or kitchen remodeling, when you are trying the make the best of small rooms. Here are some tips for your next home improvement project.

Trying to add a bathroom? Try:

Adding one under the stairs
Converting the kitchen pantry into a bathroom, but only if you have enough kitchen cabinets for storage.
Converting a mudroom or bedroom closet--the trade off is that you lose storage space.

When Remodeling a Bathroom

New houses typically require 16 square feet for a powder room and 40 square feet for a full bath, but you won't always find that when remodeling an old house. If you can take space from an adjoining closet, it might be worth the trade off in storage space.

Bathroom Remodeling Layout is Key

With bathroom remodeling to gain a powder room, stick with the basics--you need a toilet and bathroom sink. Try:

A pedestal or wall mounted bathroom sink to save space. You'll lose storage space, however, and wall-mounted sinks are more expensive than pedestal sinks or vanities.
Use a pocket door instead of a hinged door.

Design Tips

Select light-colored paint and decor to make the bathroom or kitchen design more appealing.
If the room is dark, add a replacement window, skylight or glass blocks. Add replacement windows near the ceiling to avoid taking storage space.

Add storage:

Add a recessed medicine cabinet above the bathroom sink--you'll get six-to-eight inches of extra storage.
With shelves above the toilet, near the bathroom sink.
Around the crown of the ceiling with shelves; add lighting to enhance the bathroom or kitchen design.
With a corner shelf near the toilet.

In a Full Bath

Try to position your toilet in an alcove and your tub and vanity in an L-shape.
Use a single bowl vanity or a wall-mounted bathroom sink.
Stick with a five-foot bathtub or use a corner shower to save space.