Creativity is the key when try to squeeze extra space out of an old house. The bathrooms and closets often are small and/or odd shaped. Here are some tips for maximizing what you have, while still retaining the home's character.

Looking for a place to add a powder room? Try:

• The area under the stairs
• The pantry -- if you don't want the bathroom in the kitchen, see if you can seal up the opening and create a new door on the opposite wall, leading into the dining room, perhaps.
• A mud room
• A bedroom closet -- the trade off is that you lose storage space

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 in an old house. If you can steal space from an adjoining closet, it might be worth the trade off in storage space.

Layout is key

In a powder room, stick with the basics --you need a toilet and sink. Try:

• A pedestal or wall mounted sink to save space. You'll lose storage space, however, and wall mounted sinks (and the required style of faucet) are more expensive than pedestals or vanities.
• Use a pocket door instead of a hinged door

Design Tips

• Use a large mirror (but not more than one) to make the room look larger
• Select light colored paint and decor to make the room appear larger
• If the room is dark, try to add a window, skylight or glass blocks. Add windows near the ceiling to avoid taking storage space

Add storage:

• Add a recessed medicine cabinet above the sink-- you'll get 6 to 8 inches of extra storage
• With shelves above the toilet
• Around the crown of the ceiling with shelves; lighting up there will enhance the 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 sink
• Stick with a 5-foot tub or use a corner shower to save space
• With a shower, use clear glass instead of opaque

Also, contact the National Kitchen & Bath Association for a copy of “41 Guidelines of Bathroom Planning." 800-367-6522. http://www.nkba.org/