Many homes were built with small bathrooms that were designed as functional spaces, not designer showcases. When eyeing that 1940s bathroom, you may find that:

• The layout is not conducive to expansion
• Such a project would require extensive structural changes
• The project could become too costly

How can you make the most of a small bathroom?

Be Realistic

Many bathrooms built during the 1940s and 1950s, for example, measure 5-feet by 7-feet. By remodeling the existing space, "you can get in all the necessities of life, but not the big luxuries," said M.J. Kamin, an interior designer and president of MJ Dvorak Design Interiors, Ltd. in Riverside, IL.

Start by taking  a cold, hard look at the space.

• What makes it unappealing? Is it the worn vanity and the cracking plaster ceiling?
• What are the redeeming features? Are their fixtures you want to save, such as an ornate medicine chest that is recessed into the wall?

Consider the Layout

Many older bathrooms are unappealing because the layout of the room is inefficient. By changing the layout, you can make the space more functional. Consider:

• Grouping the tub, vanity and toilet along one wall or along two walls that meet in a corner. This groups the elements in a logical arrangement and leaves more open space for walking through the space.
• Add built-in or free-standing shelves in those new large wall sections.
• Increasing storage space with a vanity with three drawers on the side instead of one large storage area under the sink.

Add Light

Light can make a tremendous difference in a small bathroom. An open, airy feeling can be achieved by changing the color scheme and the fixtures, and adding a window or skylight.

Also consider:

• A new, white pedestal sink for a crisp, clean look
• Sinks and toilets that can be hung from the wall. They take less visual space and make the room appear larger

Create a Focal Point

As you debate how to change the room, consider designing around one unique focal point. "Sometimes if you have a small space you have to do something dramatic," Kamin said.

A few suggestions:

• A colorful glass bowl sink placed on a glass counter will draw attention and open up the room
• A shower that fits in a corner. These designs often take less space than a bathtub and add a dramatic focal point. Use clear glass shower doors for more openness.
• A more traditional shower design along the wall, framed in glass blocks. The wall could extend to the ceiling or just go up five or six feet to create more open space near the ceiling.