Small Bathroom Remodel

Good morning. So excited to finally share this bathroom with you. While we finished our daughter’s space a couple of months back, it took us longer than we thought to wrap up some of the finishing details. These projects definitely don’t happen overnight. Today I’ll share the before and after photos as well as answer some of your questions about this remodel.

We are so excited with this transformation. My daughter had a huge hand in designing the space and helping to pick out the materials. I really wanted her to feel ownership over her new bathroom. It was a fun process, despite it taking quite some time.

THE BEFORE

This builder grade bathroom needed an update. While it was neutral and basic, things weren’t working properly and the space was lacking for a teenage girl. The footprint of the bathroom (without the tub) was 64 x 58 inches.

MAKE A WISH LIST

Whenever we tackle a space, we make a list of the things that are not working. That helps us focus on the outcome and be sure we don’t compromise and miss something that really needs to be addressed. We asked our daughter to make the list:

• it’s too small
• the door is always in the way
• I have no storage or drawers so everything is on the counter
• the counter space is too small
• the faucet handles are backwards
• I never use the bathtub
• it doesn’t feel like me

These lists are important. They help guide some of the major decisions. You’ll see how we addressed this wishlist below. While you can’t always change the size of a room, you’ll see how we got creative with that below.

JUMPING OFF POINT

This vanity was the driving force for this renovation. More than anything, my daughter wanted more storage space and more counter top space. When I saw this vanity at Costco, it was an aha moment. I knew it would be perfect. The sink was off center giving her so much more useable counter top space. Plus it has so many amazing drawers. I also knew I couldn’t beat the $650 pricetag on this. We ended up ordering it online so it would be delivered to the house. She uses this system under the sink for storage.

WASTED SPACE

Unfortunately, the builder of this home wasted a ton of space. See the ledge under the window? That bump out cost us over 12″ in this room. My dream was to knock that wall out and allow for a larger vanity. We started by removing the medicine cabinet and looking inside the wall. While there was an AC vent, it wasn’t anything that couldn’t be recessed farther back into the wall. It was at that point that we called contractors to get quotes and see if it could be done. Once we knew it was possible, we were off and running with the design.

A BRAND NEW SHOWER

Eliminating the tub was another item on our daughter’s wishlist and we felt the same way. There are two other tubs in the house so I didn’t question getting rid of it. Plus it really helped to open up this small bathroom. We chose to use the same tile throughout to keep the eye moving.

Removing the crown moulding and taking the tile to the ceiling also made this space appear much larger.

This room was opened up to the studs. It was pretty labor intensive but because it was open (to move the wall back and remove the mirror inset) we were able to easily choose the placement for electrical.

THE GLASS PANEL

Something that really kept the cost down was using this ready to go glass wall. I had called a couple of local glass and window companies to give us a quote for a door and they were both so busy they couldn’t even come out. That’s when it pushed me to look at other options. Not having a door has been wonderful. It opens up the space and looks great. You can even get these panels trimmed in black, silver, or brass but my daughter loved the idea of keeping it clean and simple.

To test out the water spray issue, I hung a shower curtain where the panel would go. We all took turns testing out a shower and every time only a few drops of water got onto the bathroom floor. Of course it’s the same tile so it doesn’t matter and she can move her small bath mat to the spot if she chooses.

My daughter had the excellent idea of changing the orientation of the bathroom door. It now opens into her room which is so much better. It was a blank wall so it does not impede onto anything. That was a game-changer for sure. It makes the space feel so much bigger and no longer blocks the light from the window. We still need to sand and paint it, but what a difference that made.

MEANINGFUL ARTWORK

The artwork in the room is my favorite. The larger print is from Sarah C. Nightingale. She is one of our favorite artists. The smaller print belonged to my parents. I love how the blue tones tie in with the pretty shower insert my daughter chose.

SOURCES

• vanity
• faucet
• vanity hardware
• tile
• sconces
• mirror
• small bath mat
• toilet paper holder
• towel hook | towel ring
• similar fern
• shower bottles
• hand towel
• large art print – Sarah C. Nightingale
• small art print – belonged to my parents
• glass panel – available in various sizes
• basket
• waste basket

ONE LAST LOOK

READER Q & A

Many of you submitted great questions about the renovation. The majority were asking for sources so I hope the list above is helpful. If you are jumping into your own project, I hope this is beneficial.

Is it okay to mix finishes?

Yes. I actually prefer to mix them. I usually stick to just two. In this bathroom we chose polished chrome and brass. Down the line, the brass elements could easily be swapped out. I think mixing metals gives the room more interest and can often warm things up.

How do you keep the grout clean?

No clue. It’s actually a very light gray but goodness knows it may be challenging. The bathroom gets a deep clean once a week (my daughter tackles it and then I follow up) so we are hoping to stay on top of it. I don’t have any magic answers on that. Bring on the character!

How much of the room did you do?

Great question. My husband demoed the room. The floor, mirror and vanity were not difficult. The shower was pretty major. It was so much more work than he thought. We like to save money where we can so we are always willing to jump in and do some of the work. We painted the room, installed the baseboards and hung everything. The contractor did everything else as it was way above our skillset.

If you don’t mind me asking, how much does this cost?

I don’t mind at all. That is always the biggest factor when jumping into a project. My advice is to get a quote or two long before you begin so you know what the reality is. Sometimes you have no idea so a number helps you budget and plan. We didn’t have the budget to redo every space when we moved in, so it’s been a slow and steady progression. This bathroom renovation included a new shower (meaning it had to be hot mopped), tiling, flooring, ripping it down to the studs, moving a wall, relocating a vent and brand new electrical. Oh and installing a new toilet and vanity. It was a very big renovation. All said and done, this bathroom cost roughly $9000. It will vary depending on your area, too.

Do you recommend renovating before moving in?

Hmmm. Interesting question. I will say this. If you buy a new home and have the budget to do your bathrooms prior to moving in, that is optimal. Bathroom renovations are messy and can take some time. When we moved in we needed to prioritize what was in the budget to tackle. We were not in a position to do it all. And to be honest, it allowed us to see what our daughter really needed from a bathroom remodel. Sometimes waiting allows you to feel out necessary changes you wouldn’t think about at first glance.

What is the paint color?

The walls are White Shadow by Vista Paint (semi-gloss). It’s not available to see online but the stores carry it. It’s my very favorite white because it’s creamy enough to be warm but no undertones of any kind. The baseboards are Swiss Coffee by Behr.

Look for more bathroom inspiration? We tackled two on our own:

• powder bathroom
• bathroom makeover on a budget