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Size of Space: 7'x9' Design Goal: One of the homeowners has multiple sclerosis and is expected to be wheelchair bound within a year. Hofmann needed to redesign the space – the home's only bathroom – within the same footprint and into something that could be accessible for his needs. Design Solutions: Hofmann started the process by removing the tub and replacing it with a curbless shower. She equipped it with amenities that will simplify use for everyone, such as a teak shower seat that can be raised and lowered based on need, and niches at two diferent levels to provide easy access to shampoo, etc. A bi-fold door helps facilitate trafc fow through the bathroom. The 36"x60" shower is a bit wider than the tub it replaced, so Hofmann chose a shallow vanity – just 12" deep – and a semi- recessed sink. "We've taken up as little space as possible so he can still move around easily," she says. Drawers on one side of the vanity and a pull-out on the other provide easy access to contents. "No reaching is required," she says. Additional Small Bath Design Tips: When you include a shower pan, keep it the same color as the foor tile, unless vision problems with the client are a concern. "Visual blocks make a space feel smaller," Hofmann says. Consider a tile size other than 12"x12". "Our brains are familiar with that size and can subconsciously calculate the size of a room," she says. "Instead, choose an overscaled tile, such as an 18"x18" or 12"x24", or something that is smaller [than 12"x12"]. When you take away the scale of things we look at every day, our brains don't calculate that size as quickly and the space will feel larger." Choose a wall-mount faucet. "It can save a few inches where a faucet would otherwise sit on the counter," she says. Small Bath Myths to Dispel: You need at least one tub in your home. "Most people take showers, even those with kids fgure out how to shower their young ones," she says. Small baths require a pedestal sink. "You can still have a vanity in a small bath," she says. "The extra storage space minimizes clutter, and clutter makes the space feel smaller." All master baths need two sinks. "Even if a small master bath has enough space for two sinks, the extra sink takes away elbow room and makes the space feel smaller," she says. 'Must Haves': Hofmann suggests an electrical outlet near the toilet. "Even if a client doesn't want to include a bidet seat at the time of the renovation, it costs just pennies to put the outlet in now versus later," she says. Another must have is a two-in-one showerhead where a hand- held shower is included with the main showerhead. "It's perfect for a tiny space where you don't have room for any extras," she comments. Other essentials include recessed cabinets with electrical outlets and medicine cabinets with integrated lighting. Photos: Treve Johnson Photography Living Large In a Small Bath 34 | Kitchen & Bath Design News October 2014 By Kim Berndtson Creative Small Bath Design A space will never be physically larger than its actual footprint. But designers often use their creativity to incorporate design techniques and elements that make a space feel and function like it's much bigger than it is. This month, Kitchen & Bath Design News asked several designers to share projects that focus on liv- ing large in a small bath. Designers work within small footprints to create spaces that look great and function beautifully. • Designer: Alisa Hofmann, Design Set Match, Oakland, CA