Before & After: Savvy Solutions for a Seriously Small Bathroom
As bathrooms go, the bathroom in Lauren’s Brooklyn Heights studio wasn’t in the worst shape. Aesthetically, it wasn’t much to write home about (and the odd, alien sink seemed ready for takeoff), but we’ve seen much worse. The real problem in this small space was storage. As in, there wasn’t any. So in the process of remodeling her apartment, Lauren decided to take on the bathroom as well, with the goal of turning it into a brighter, more modern space — and one with a lot more storage.
A series of subtle changes have made a big difference in Lauren’s new bathroom. Instead of wrapping tile all the way around the walls, the decision was made to just use tile in the shower, which gives the space a lighter look. Also contributing to the new space’s airier, more open feel is the glass panel which replaced the old shower curtain.
The biggest change, though, in terms of functionality, is the replacement of the old open vanity with a Kohler cabinet, which has cabinet space under the sink and three drawers. (I, too, have a small bathroom, and drawers are the kind of vanity storage I dream of. Who doesn’t love drawers?)
The pale green tile on the sides and front of the tub gives this modern bathroom a hint of subtle color. The recessed lighting in the shower enhances the effect, and also makes this little space feel brighter overall. Lauren is quite pleased with the new iteration of her bathroom. In her words: “It feels like a mini-spa.” And it’s not just a pretty space — thanks to the vanity switch, it’s also a lot more practical.
Lauren found her contractor on Sweeten, a free service matching homeowners with local general contractors. You can read more about the project, see more photos, and find sources on the Sweeten blog.