Illusion of space

With limited materials, improved natural light and custom-made furniture, this compact bathroom feels more spacious

Made from American black walnut, the vanity has bathroom, bathroom cabinet, cabinetry, chest of drawers, floor, furniture, interior design, product design, room, sink, table, wall, white, gray — Made from American black walnut, the vanity has a pair of drawers for each of the owners, and a third, communal pair.

A view of a bathroom. - A view bathroom, floor, flooring, interior design, room, gray, brown

Applying a simple, uncluttered approach to the design of a room is an effective way to make it seem larger than it actually is.

When faced with a small ensuite bathroom with only a single window, Matthew Bear of Union Studio decided improving the light and limiting the materials and colors would make an immediate difference to the perception of space.

He replaced a single door between the bedroom and bathroom with a frosted-glass double door to let the light flow between the spaces. The toilet was relocated to a separate stall, so the owners can keep the double doors between the two areas open, making the bathroom appear larger.

A view of a bathroom. bathroom, floor, flooring, interior design, room, gray, brown — A view of a bathroom.

This part of the home overlooks the ocean, but with only a small, high window, the bathroom and bedroom had no view. By installing a larger window, the view can now be enjoyed from both rooms. A large skylight above the vanity brings in additional natural light.

Tiles in two muted shades of green greener for the walls, grayer on the floor create a subtle contrast, and tone in with the ocean outside.

"Because the tiles extend throughout the entire bathroom, covering the floor and forming the shower enclosure and tub, they help to keep the space simple and unified," says the designer.

"The bathroom catches the afternoon sun through the skylight, so the green tiles take on a warm, natural glow at this time of the day."

The vanity, made from American black walnut, is designed to look like a piece of furniture. Rather than having two sinks, it is fitted with an extra-large, custom-made stainless steel trough. Faucets are integrated into the base board of the mirror.

Because the owner wanted a seat in the shower, the designer located it and the tub together at one end of the bathroom, creating a wet area. The side of the tub doubles as a seat for the shower.