When we bought our home in 2016, it was almost perfect. We quickly changed the paint colors to make the space feel warm. However, one big challenge remained. Our primary bathroom felt like a small, cold hospital room. It was in desperate need of a fresh start so the small bathroom remodel dream was born.
In June 2024, we finally decided to take on the renovation ourselves. My husband dove right in. He ripped out the old vanity and tore out the dated shower. Aside from the light fixtures, anything attached to the walls was fair game.
I was so excited to see our new private oasis! In the meantime, we used our guest bathroom as a temporary sanctuary. I had one main rule for this project. This remodel could not take a full year. Six months felt like a safe goal.
As they say, life happens. We ran into a tricky issue with the shower drain. After watching many YouTube videos, it was clear that we needed a pro.
We finally found a great contractor in March 2025. He handled the labor while we picked out the materials. Once he started, the project only took two weeks. Now, our small bathroom remodel, storage, and design are finally complete!
Picking Tile for Your Small Bathroom Remodel
Finding the right tile was a long journey. We visited several stores before finding the perfect match at Lowe’s.
But First, Get a Sample
Always buy one or two pieces of tile before you commit. Take them home to see them in your own bathroom. Store lighting is very different from the light in your home. A sample is the best way to ensure you love the final look.
This is the exact tile pictured above that we used in our bathroom remodel.
Check the “Run” Number
If you buy the tile yourself, check the “run” number on the box. Tiles from different batches can have slight color changes. Matching these numbers keeps your floor looking even and professional.
Small Bathroom Remodel Design Hacks
One of my favorite tricks is to take the tile all the way to the ceiling. This simple choice makes the space feel much taller. It creates a seamless line that draws the eye upward. This small change made our bathroom feel larger without adding any extra space.
Additionally, the lip of the shower is a matte black herringbone tile. This tile also matches the niches where our soaps and scrubs would be stored. Furthermore, the lip of the shower was a third tile entirely. While it may seem different, it matched the flooring to the entire bathroom which made the space feel bigger and more inviting.
Grout Secrets for Your Small Bathroom Remodel
We used two different grout colors to help the design pop. For the light gray walls, we chose a dark gray grout. This helps the texture stand out. On the floors, we used a “sandcastle” color.
Our contractor said white grout on the floor gets dirty too fast. This was a smart choice for long-term small bathroom remodel storage and cleanliness.
Maximizing Small Bathroom Remodel Storage
This vanity is my favorite feature because it has a hidden top drawer. It is pure genius! Most vanities have wasted space around the pipes. This one has a drawer cut around the plumbing to give you more room.
The vanity also has three drawers and an open cabinet. I use the drawers to organize my spa items and my blow dryer. Inside the cabinet, I added a large lazy Susan. This makes it easy to reach tall bottles. Our goal was to keep the counters clear, and this system works great.
Finishing Your Small Bathroom Remodel Storage & Style
Additionally, we chose matte black for all our fixtures. This includes the shower head, handles, and even the shower door frame. The lever for the shower was a great find on Amazon! Our old silver fixtures felt dated. The new black finish adds a modern look and a sense of calm.
The Arched Mirror
Our old mirror was thick and cast shadows. I found a new mirror with a sleek black frame and an elegant curve. It instantly brightened the whole room.
The Lighting and Paint
Our new light fixture has wood-look accents. It matches the tile in our shower perfectly. For the walls, we chose “Seashell Gray.” This soft color makes the shower tile pop and creates an oasis feel. Since it is a light color, it also makes the room look bigger.
Small Details Matter
Furthermore, we even changed our floor vent to matte black. This small change made a huge impact on the final look. We also updated the light switches and outlet covers to match the rest of our home. Finally, we chose hooks instead of towel rods. This small swap instantly gave the room a spa-like feel.
Our Small Bathroom Remodel Reveal
Our journey had its share of surprises, but seeing the final result makes every decision worth it. It is amazing how much a few smart choices can change a small space. Thoughtful picks for tile, paint, and even a vent cover can turn a “hospital room” into a spa.
Shop the Look
For all the products, tiles, and fixtures, I’ve created clickable links throughout this post. You can also find everything in one place on my Lowe’s Storefront.
Please note: I am an affiliate with Lowe’s and Amazon. When you buy from my links, you are supporting my small business at no extra cost to you. Thank you so much for your support!
Professional Organizing Services
Changing a small space can feel like a big task. However, smart systems make all the difference. My goal is to help you create a home that is both beautiful and functional.
If you are ready to tackle your own home projects, I am here to help:
- Hands-On Guidance: I offer personal organizing to help you set up systems you can maintain over time (and long after I’m gone).
- Dive Deeper: Check out my other blog posts for more tips from me, a professional organizer.
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Bonnie Hintenach | Bin your Space
Professional Organizer for Homes and Classrooms
