Great things come in small packages, especially in bathrooms and powder rooms. While new home and renovation trends point to bigger being better, some older houses and apartments can't grow larger than their current cozy proportions. Thankfully, a small bath or powder room can be reinvented through big ideas, proper proportions, smart planning and the right mix of fittings, fixtures, color and lighting.

Scale Down In Style

Editing is everything when it comes to good design, particularly when the average bathroom runs about 50 square feet, or little more than a 5-foot by 9-foot box. Diminutive proportions don't mean you have to limit yourself to the bathroom basics of the bathtub, sink and toilet. How you use the space -- both horizontally and vertically -- is the key. Get fixtures off the floor and as close to the walls as possible. The reason: clean, clear surfaces create a sense of roominess. Anything that opens up the bathroom floor, such as a threshold-less shower or a pedestal sink, gives the illusion that your small space is more generous in size.

By the same principle, make your walls functional by considering a wall-mounted sink or suspended cabinets. Fixture manufacturer Porcher offers the Sapho Wall-Mount Lavatory sink which can be positioned at any height and comes with a built-in counter area and towel bar to save room. Hugging vertical surfaces creates more space, as does reducing protruding accessories such as towel bars or racks.

Think Thin

A great practical virtue of modernist and minimalist designs is that they think thin. Bathroom fittings and fixtures inspired by these architectural styles are slim, sleek, elegant and compact, making them perfect for providing the most luxury in the least amount of space. Even when the fit looks like it's going to be tight, remember geometry and don't cut the corners out of your planning. Porcher's Carene Corner Pedestal Lavatory helps redefine a bathroom or powder room because it slips neatly into the room's underused angles.

Express Yourself

Powder rooms, or half-baths, and vanities provide great opportunities for self-expression. It's your choice whether to create an ornate, jewel box-like space or make a dramatic statement. Either way, sinks, fittings and accessories are the core elements. A surface-mounted sink, in particular, packs a significant visual wallop in the powder room. Because the surface-mounted sink (whether glass, metal, ceramic or stone) can be seen "in the round" above the counter, it provides a unique visual form and a necessary function.

Add A Little Drama

Using color is always a question in the bath, particularly if it's small. Most people still prefer classic bright white, and conventional wisdom suggests that white fixtures in a white or pastel environment make a small space appear larger. An equally strong counter argument can be made for using dramatic or saturated colors like reds, blues and greens. Carefully selected oversized sinks and glamorous accessories, such as framed mirrors and towel bars, can complement the drama without being over the top. Don't be afraid of adding color, or mixing fixture materials like glass, ceramic, wood, stone and brushed or polished metals. The choices are only limited by your style preferences.

De-Clutter

Storage in small spaces is a challenge, but think outside the usual box. Determine the location of plumbing and studs. It may be possible to fit an elegant storage solution between the pipes or two studs with wall-hung storage options. Take for example Porcher's Kyomi Cabinet, a sleek yet roomy wall-mounted cabinet with shelves and a center drawer. Or the companion Kyomi pedestal set, which only extends 18 1/2 inches from the wall. Getting bathroom supplies put away opens up the space, and you gain a stylish accent piece.

Turn On The Light

Lighting is just as important in the bathroom as it is elsewhere in your home. Whether or not your bathroom has a window, you'll need a well-balanced lighting plan to add extra dimensions. Ceiling fixtures provide basic light, while sconces introduce side and ambient light. A dropped soffit with wall washers helps create an even, atmospheric glow. Consider combining different types of fixtures to give you flexibility to control the mood. Don't forget dimmer switches, and use incandescent bulbs. If a skylight is an option for your room's structure and budget, there's nothing more luxurious and space-creating than natural light, particularly in a small room.