Angled sink makes a small bath seem bigger

Before the remodel

Old green wallpaper darkened and enclosed an already tight area. The main fixtures ― the tub and toilet on one side, a pedestal sink and small cabinet on the other ― consumed the space.

After

Designers Pamela Pennington and Tsun-Yen Wahab opened up the room by removing the old sink and installing a new limestone vanity in the corner, where it could become a focal point without blocking traffic.

A wall-mounted spigot was set in a rectangular mirror flanked by halogen sconces. Shutters were removed, exposing the handsome steel-framed window and increasing the natural light.

The designers used the window as a cue for the floor tiles: The 4- by 4-inch tumbled-marble tiles, set in a checkerboard pattern, echo the window grid.

A low wall at the end of the tub screens the toilet and serves as a display surface.

Design: Pamela Pennington and Tsun-Yen Wahab, Pamela Pennington Studios, Palo Alto (650/813-1797)

More: Amazing Before and Afters