Stretching Space for a Bath

Annexing an entire room to enlarge a master bath can produce dramatic results, but not everyone can grab that much real estate from an existing floor plan. If you can't confiscate an adjacent room to create your dream bath, consider a less ambitious acquisition.

Does a hallway linen closet adjoin the bath? Perhaps utility space harbors idle square footage next to its lone water heater. Even small gains can transform an ordinary bath into a more inviting and functional space.

With the Before plan's sink, toilet, and tub lined up along one wall, this 5 x 8-foot bath couldn't be more generic, but the efficient fixture layout doesn't quite transfer into ease of use. Imagine two adults trying to maneuver there at the same time -- not a pretty picture. In addition, a window over the tub hampers showering.

Expansion plans
1. Splitting the Scene
Here, the reassignment of space is a little more radical, but it creates a split bath that brings convenience into each adjoining bedroom. Separate vanity niches and a pocket door from the master bedroom to the toilet and bath area create a true master suite; a shallow closet in the hallway offers the only evidence of the old layout.

The secondary bedroom shares the center bath area but has its own lavatory sink, making it ideal for use as a guest room. If another (conveniently located) bath in the house offers a shower, a large whirlpool corner tub could offer a welcome dose of indulgence.

2. Dueling pedestals
This approach does without the tub -- a reasonable choice if another bath in the house is equipped with one. In exchange, the bath's users gain a large corner shower, a quiet corner for the toilet (add a dividing wall for more privacy), and a pair of pedestal sinks.
Each sink is adjacent to its own floor-to-ceiling storage cabinet for toiletries. This option requires relocating the window to accommodate the shower surround, but otherwise demands minimal dislocation of the existing structure of the bath.

3. A walk down the aisle
This plan creates a center aisle and distinct activity areas within the bath. Though still modest, the new vanity delivers storage and enough countertop area to house two lavatory sinks.
A comfortably secluded toilet compartment occupies one corner, while separate shower and tub enclosures along the opposite wall take care of bathing needs. A wall niche above the tub borrows space from the linen closet, providing towel storage where it's needed.