Every homeowner wants to make the best use of their domestic space by transforming smaller rooms into deceptively spacious areas. This is especially important in bathrooms where light and space can add value to a property and help sell it in the future.

There are numerous tricks to bringing light and space into your home but not all of the myths are correct. In the past, people were led to believe that decorating a smaller bathroom with smaller tiles would make it appear larger. The reality is in fact the opposite and homeowners wanting to enhance a box-sized bathroom would be better advised selecting a larger tile to open up the room.

Over the years, tile specialists at Brentwood's Marlin Bathroom and Tile Studio have seen first-hand what works in a small bathroom and what doesn't and are able share this experience to guide homeowners into making the right choices first time round. And for those people who just can't visualise their thoughts, their computerised design programme will generate a 3D image of their exact bathroom - complete with chosen tiles - so they can see for themselves how it will look upon completion.

One of the most popular questions customers ask when they decide to change their bathroom suite is how to make a smaller room appear bigger. Marlin Bathroom and Tile Studio usually recommends a large tile because it cuts down grout lines, making the room appear less busy and cluttered. It also advises the use of glossy tiles as these bounce light around the room, creating a mirror effect where the room appears deceivingly bigger, and this is even more effective when a light or cream-coloured tile is used.

When it comes to tile choices, specialists at Marlin Bathroom and Tile Studio have discovered that matching wall and floor tiles give the illusion of space and open up a small room. Many of the smaller bathrooms they install work best with 1m long, 300mm width tiles laid in a landscape rather than portrait formation. Matching grout to floor and wall tiles also works well to disguise grout lines and give the appearance of a complete, uninterrupted surface.

If you're considering changing your bathroom and want to maximise the space available, call Marlin Bathroom and Tile Studio for advice on 01277 226866.