Pump up a pint-size bath

Mirrors can visually double the size of a room - especially a large plate-glass mirror.

Your bathroom is likely one of the smallest rooms in your home. In fact, most baths are 75 square feet or less. But, even if you are tight on space (or budget), you can create a huge impact with some simple updates. Just follow these easy rules and in no time you'll be living large.

- Create optical illusions: There are many design tricks to fool the eye and make a room look larger. Mirrors can visually double the size of a room -- especially a large mirror.

Another trick is to draw the eye to the ceiling with vertical elements that increase the apparent height of the room. Try painting vertical stripes, install crown molding or hang floor-toceiling draperies to elongate walls and bring height to your room.

Finally, look to the bath/shower area to expose additional space. If you have a glass shower door, replace it with an attractive curved shower rod and fabric shower curtain.

- Color correctly: Color can instantly update the look of a room. Cool, soft colors tend to enlarge a room and brighten a space. Most importantly, use a monochromatic color scheme throughout the room. Be sure to stay away from oversized patterns that can overwhelm a small room.

- Lighten up: According to Style at Home magazine, bright and light rooms look larger. In addition to cool wall colors, add warm, inviting lighting, such as task lighting to eliminate dark shadows and increase space appeal. When selecting your lighting, remember to choose fixtures that complement the room size and properly disperse light throughout the bathroom.

- Maximize space and organization: Freeing up floor space can have a big impact in making a room look larger by creating more open area. Instead of dark or large vanities that can monopolize a small space, opt for a smaller and more stylish pedestal sink.

Although simple, these changes can make a big impact and give the illusion of extra space in your pint-size bathroom.

-- ARA