It’s fun to look at magazine pictures of gleaming bathrooms the size of airplane hangars. But if you’re like most homeowners, your washroom can barely fit a sink and toilet, let alone a Learjet.

How can you make the most of those rooms?

There’s plenty you can do—from choosing the right color palette to employing visual tricks—to make even the smallest space look magazine-worthy. Here are some suggestions from Houzz:

Choose white on white: White tile, white paint, and a white vanity can do wonders for visually enlarging a space. “This noncolor-color naturally recedes, making the space look bigger,” notes Houzz. Use varying textures to keep the design from appearing monotonous.

Install a floating vanity: This choice allows for storage beneath the sink, while also giving the bathroom an airy look. Additionally, “in a very small space, having more room to plant your feet can make a big difference,” notes Houzz.

Go minimal: Don’t choose the largest vanity possible.  A smaller vanity will “make the area feel less stuffed, and thus roomier.”

Replace a shower curtain with glass: This makes the entire square footage of the room visible, opening things up considerably. Houzz also suggests homeowners consider replacing the bathtub with a shower stall. “They are easier to get in and out of, and removing the tub eliminates a lot of bulk that eats up precious room.”

Use bright lighting: Consider multiple light sources in different locations. This will brighten the room and eliminate shadows that close in the space.

Photo Copyright: Chastity Cortijo on Unsplash