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This modest-sized, remodelled bathroom has been streamlined and accessorised to achieve a more expansive feel

The original angular cabinetry tookn up floor space bathroom, floor, home, interior design, plumbing fixture, product design, room, sink, gray — The original angular cabinetry tookn up floor space and gave the bathroom a cluttered appearence. The toilet's original position had also made it more difficult to move throught the bathroom.

This remodelled bathroom by interior designer Nicki Snelling architecture, bathroom, ceiling, daylighting, floor, home, house, interior design, plumbing fixture, real estate, room, sink, wall, white

This remodelled bathroom by interior designer Nicki Snelling bathroom, ceiling, countertop, floor, home, interior design, room, sink, wall, brown

The toilet was repoistioned beside the entry stairs. architecture, bathroom, ceiling, daylighting, estate, floor, flooring, home, house, interior design, plumbing fixture, property, real estate, room, sink, tile, toilet, wall, gray

Short of knocking down a retaining wall, a designer often has to work within the physical constraints of an original design. But, when the brief calls for a more expansive feel and there is little physical space to draw on, there are a number of design approaches that can come to the aid of the party.

Making the best possible use of a modest-sized bathroom was just a project for designer Nicki Snelling.

"The client wanted an angular space transformed into a practical, open bathroom," she says. "In addition, an Asian design element found elsewhere in the home was to be extended into this area."

To maximise the available space, Snelling removed an original design element a raised platform beside the shower that had hugged a corner of the room.

"After removing the block and creating an even floor surface, we walled and floored the entire space in a pale ceramic tile," says the designer. "Creating a light, uniform appearance throughout greatly increased the bathroom's sense of space."

The entire rear of the room was then transformed into a large glass-walled shower stall.

"The intention was to keep everything simple, and even a pebble strip running through the bathroom and up the rear wall of the shower area provides only a demure feature."

The designer also went to some lengths to find a furniture-look vanity that was wall hung. The furniture style provides a lighter feel than built-in cabinetry and, being wall hung, doesn't devour valuable floor space. The wall-hung vanity also has Japanese overtones, fulfilling this part of the brief. Above this, a wood-framed mirror adds richness to an otherwise neutral palette.

"Nearly every element serves to maximise space here for example, toiletries are in a large wall cabinet tucked around the corner from the stairway entrance," she says.