6 Smart Ways to Make a Small Bathroom Look Bigger
6 Smart Ways to Make a Small Bathroom Look Bigger (Inspired by Kelly Hoppen)
Small bathrooms can be every bit as striking and indulgent as sprawling spa sanctuaries — it just takes a bit of clever design thinking. In fact, a compact space means fewer square meters to tile, fewer fixtures to buy, and more budget to splurge on the details that matter most.
World-renowned designer Kelly Hoppen has made a name for herself by crafting calm, layered interiors that ooze understated luxury. Here’s how to bring that same chic, boutique-hotel feel to your small bathroom — and make it look effortlessly larger, lighter, and more welcoming.
1. Start with a Soft, Tonal Colour Palette
If there’s one rule Kelly Hoppen lives by, it’s layering neutral tile ideas for small bathrooms to create space. Light, tonal colours instantly open up a compact room and give it a serene, seamless flow.
Think gentle taupe's, airy greys, or warm stone hues, carried from your floor tiles right up the walls. Large-format porcelain tiles in a pale marble or limestone look are especially clever — fewer grout lines mean fewer breaks in the visual field, making your bathroom feel more expansive.
2. Use Mirrors to Open Up the Room
Mirrors are your best-kept secret in a small bathroom. They reflect light and finishes, instantly doubling the sense of space.
Install a generously sized mirror above your vanity or even wall-to-wall. Want extra function? opt for mirrored cabinets that keep your lotions tucked away while bouncing light around. Framing your mirror in a brushed metal or soft wood ties it back to your fittings, making the space feel deliberately cohesive.
This is one of the most effective ways to get that large bathroom mirrors to make a small bathroom look bigger effect — no expensive structural changes needed.
3. Build in Niche Storage
Skip the chunky shelves that eat into your precious floor plan. Recessed wall niches, either in the shower or above your bath, keep essentials within easy reach without cluttering up the space.
Line the back of these niches in a slightly darker tile to add depth and draw the eye inward — a trick straight out of Kelly Hoppen’s understated yet sophisticated design playbook.
4. Go for Floating Vanities & Wall-Mounted Fixtures
Want to give your small bathroom instant breathing room? Elevate your cabinetry. Floating vanities reveal more floor area, making the entire room feel airier. Pair these with wall-mounted mixers and concealed plumbing for a cleaner silhouette.
Add a floating vanities and wall-mounted taps for compact bathrooms combo, and suddenly even the tightest space looks contemporary and cleverly planned.
Complete the look with a mirrored cabinet above for hidden storage that doesn’t intrude into your space.
5. Choose a Walk-In Shower with a Frameless Screen
A walk-in shower with a slim, frameless glass screen eliminates the need for bulky doors that open into your room. It keeps sightlines uninterrupted, lets natural light flood the space, and feels infinitely more luxurious.
For the ultimate seamless effect, carry the same floor tile right into the shower area. This visual trick extends your flooring, stretching out the dimensions of your small bathroom without adding a single extra meter.
6. Accessories with Intentional Elegance
Fewer accessories mean each one matters more. Choose fluffy towels in tones that blend beautifully with your base palette, add a soft wooden stool, or include a matte black side table to echo your tapware.
If you have room, one simple plant (like a soft fern) brings life and a pop of organic colour to an otherwise neutral space. These small bathroom accessories for a luxury spa feel transform even the simplest setup into something deeply inviting.
Ready to Transform Your Bathroom?
At Bella Bathrooms & Tiles, we’re passionate about helping you achieve that tailored boutique-hotel bathroom look, no matter your space or budget. From large-format marble-look tiles and minimalist floating vanities to sleek frameless shower screens, our carefully curated collections make it easy to bring your dream bathroom to life.
Explore our website or visit us in-store for hands-on design advice and to discover just how far your small bathroom can stretch. With a bit of smart planning and a touch of Kelly Hoppen-inspired styling, it might just become your favourite room in the house.
