Top 3 ways to enhance a petite bathroom

Written by

29 October 2024

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4 min read

When it comes to New Zealand real estate, square footage is at a premium, but minimising spaces within a project shouldn’t have to reduce functionality and style. ArchiPro explores three innovative design solutions to maximise the (minimal) space of small bathrooms, powder rooms, ensuites and laundries.

Whether it's an apartment ensuite or a downstairs powder room addition, there are plenty of creative ways to maximise every inch of these wet areas without sacrificing design or utility.

Andrew Honore, Marketing Coordinator at Voda Plumbingware, shares his key insights and solutions with ArchiPro: “I’ve noticed more people are moving into apartments, so fittings that maximise small bathroom spaces resonate with specifiers working on confined designs—especially around practical solutions like minimalist fixtures or adjustable showers for shared spaces."

Top 3 ways to enhance a small bathroom:

1. Compact and streamlined fixtures are a must

In small bathrooms, the size and placement of fixtures are essential to maintaining a sense of space. Opting for compact, wall-mounted fixtures can create the illusion of a more open room.

According to Andrew, Voda Plumbingware has recently undertaken extensive consumer research, resulting in a new fitting solution for petite bathrooms, “We’ve just launched a new mini basin mixer in response to customer demand—especially designed for smaller bathrooms, laundries and powder rooms,” says Andrew.

“It’s about 80 per cent of a usual mixer size, designed to look more proportional with smaller basins, and available in six finishes in our popular Storm range.” This scaled-down fixture maintains the desirable style of the original while saving on essential space.

Embrace a minimalist palette to create the illusion of space.

Select compact fixtures like Voda Plumbingware's Mini Basin Mixer in Brushed Brass.

2. Embrace a minimalist design and palette

Minimalism is a prevalent design trend in New Zealand and abroad, particularly in smaller spaces where clutter can easily overwhelm the room. Andrew notes that by stripping down to the essentials, minimalist design is ideal for improved form and function.

“Minimalism is trendy right now. Our Storm range, with its clean, streamlined look, is one of our best-sellers, and it fits into that minimalist trend people are going for in modern bathrooms,” says Andrew. Sleek fixtures, neutral colour palettes, and simple geometric designs are key components of this trend, helping to create an open and airy feel.

Neutral white, grey, and beige tones can make the space feel larger by reflecting more light, while textures like matte tiles or wooden accents add depth without creating visual clutter.

According to Andrew, many homeowners are also experimenting with the colours of their fixtures to introduce style without overwhelming the room. “People are keeping the overall design neutral and using the fittings to bring character into the bathroom,” he says.

3. Prioritise functionality with multi-purpose elements

Small bathrooms demand creative solutions to ensure every element serves a dual purpose. Andrew reveals that the updated Storm double-head shower from Voda Plumbingware provides versatility, catering to both space and user preferences.

“Our updated Storm double-head shower now allows users to choose the water inlet position—top or bottom—which simplifies installation and provides options for customer preference,” Andrew remarks. “This flexibility has been highly requested by specifiers, plumbers and customers.”

The new Storm Double Head Shower features a 250mm round drencher head and a three-function handpiece and is available in various finishes, including Brushed Brass, Brushed Copper, Brushed Gunmetal, Brushed Nickel, classic Chrome and the latest release, Brushed PVD Black. The wide range of finishes means the shower can complement multiple bathroom designs, while the built-in top bracket inlet with a diverter makes installation easier, even in tight spaces.

With the rise of apartment living and the increasing focus on compact yet stylish interiors, embracing innovative fixtures and functional elements can make all the difference. As Andrew notes, “Whether you’re designing an apartment or powder room addition, Voda Plumbingware’s products can help you make the most of a limited space; after all, sometimes less really is more.”

Whether you choose to invest in compact fixtures, adopt a minimalist design card, or use multi-purpose innovations, you’ll find your solution at Voda Plumbingware on ArchiPro today.