Yes it does look a bit prisony!!

As the floor space is so tiny, I reckon you can get away with buying a large and beautiful bath mat that covers up the horrible floor tiles as much as possible and makes a statement. You could try buying it in the same tone of colour as the floor directly outside your bathroom to give it a more seamless look: it will help make it feel part of the rest of the house and hopefully it won't feel so small.

If you want to paint the medecine cabinet, I would definitely go for colour, otherwise it would be too white!

Good luck and please post after pics!

Paint and shower curtain can be any color! Be loud or bright, not pale or dark. I'd pick a shower curtain first and work the paint around it, I did my place paint first and it really limited my shower curtain selection.

Medicine cabinet can be white if you're painting the walls.

And get a rug too.

No stick on tiles, they're tacky.

I think after these things there won't be much white left really. It doesn't look like a big bathroom. And the shower curtain and rug will cover most of the tile.

Great Shower curtains here:

http://www.izolashower.com

The tile is doubly terrible because it's the same on the walls and the floor creating an optical illusion effect. I would definitely agree that getting an interesting bath mat would go a long way towards breaking that up.

I would also suggest, in non-permanent decorative touches...

- get something decorative for the windowsill (vases, mason jars, or something similar that can be both functional and decorative)

- get a new toilet seat, preferably not plastic. My bathroom is white with black accents (old-school subway tile), and I played it up by buying a nice, black (wooden) toilet seat and it really changed the whole tone of the bathroom.

- as far as shower curtains, this really depends on taste, but i would go with something less loud and colorful (i.e., marimekko) and actually go for something simple but classy looking (fabric, perhaps with a texture). my thinking is this - it's the first thing people see when they walk in, but you don't necessarily want to "force" their eye to the bathroom by putting something loud in there. But something muted but classy looking will make it appealing if they "happen" to glance in, while not actually drawing them in unnecessarily.

I too think this is not a bad bathroom. It's just the terrible color grout that makes it prisonlike. I would invest twenty dollars and a couple hours of your time and regrout with a color that matches the tile exactly. That will soften the whole look. Add a soothing shower curtian and some pale blue on the walls and you've got a soothing place to soak at the end of a long day. Good luck with it!

Color!!! And lots of it too.

I would opt for warm and bright colors such as red, yellow and pink and go for a big rug, a shower curtain, some decoration in the window sill, some pictures on the wall and definitely a plant somewhere in the room.

It might not be the bathroom of your dreams but it really isn't that bad either as it could so easily be made cozier.

Ooh, first! It's always disheartening when there are dozens and dozens of comments on a 'good question' post, you always get the feeling they're just going to be skimmed.

Anyway, here's what I think would improve your bathroom:

1. Would you be allowed to get permission to paint the outside of the bath? If so, I would paint it a very dark slate, almost black - like the free-standing tub in the marble-floored bathroom that's in that 'grey grouting' link.

2. As long as your landlord's cool with it, I would paint the walls a medium dull blue. In fact exactly the blue in this post.

3. Along with the dark slate tub and the blue walls, I would get a dove-grey shower curtain. Or reverse the blue and dove-grey.

4. Put a few small succulents in glazed pots on top of the toilet cistern. Either several small pots or one medium one, maybe a bit like this. The colour suggestions I've made of course are optional, but this one is not! This bathroom needs plants.

5. I think there are a few really different colours you could paint the cabinet, that would all look great with the blue/slate/light grey scheme. Obviously, any one of these colours - it might look nice to paint it the same shade that you do the walls. Or... fire engine red. Or a soft lemon yellow, kind of like the 3rd last pic here. Or a moody purple.

6. Finally, put a colourful rag rug on the floor! In my humble laywoman's opinion rag rugs always tone down the moodiness of bruise-y colour schemes and make them look calm and pretty instead of overbearing.

Good luck!

I don't think this a bad bathroom. I have seen HORRORS of bathrooms on A.T. and this is not one of them. Good bare bones. Youi could either go big color w. shower curtain and accessories...or embrace the whiteness. White shower curtains...white accessories...etc. I might actually recommend the latter option b/c of the size of the bathroom.

Haha, oops! Not first.

On the bright side: you have a terrific natural lighting source and fresh air vent!

Put a white or off-white curtain over the window, so you don't mess up the color value of the natural lighting. Go light on the upper walls---darker on the floor.

Any color you like would work, but I'd put light lavender gray on the walls (an unexpected "neutral" color) and darker plum gray on the floor. In-between, you can use shades of yellow and gold.

Um, I think you meant "My boyfriend's bathroom has the same tile and grout and HIS BATHROOM is equally small."

Well, for YOUR sake, I hope that's what you meant. :)

RosieGreenie hit the nail on the head!!!

I'm assuming you have a pedestal sink, even though I can't tell in the photo. Why not make a simple skirt for the sink in a bright colored fabric? This will give a pop of color to the room without having to go through the process of paint approval and allow you to gain some storage space.
For the window I would add a simple fabric roman shade in color(s) that compliments the skirt, but in a contrasting pattern or even a solid. I would put up a sheer or neatural shower curtain so as to not hide that awesome tub or block the light from the window.
Also, I think RosieGreenie's idea of adding succulents is a great idea to breathe a little life into the space.

Good luck!
~Erin @ Cultivating Home

I think it looks very graphic.
You could stick with that theme and use a few red and yellow solid tile covers sparingly. White paint on cabinet and shower curtain.

Or switch to something more organic and paint the cabinet white, whiten the grout, colorful shower curtain, window curtain and rug.

1. Colorful, and tall, shower curtain.
2. Skirt around the pedestal (this adds storage, too).
3. Curtain on the window.
4. Rug on the floor.
5. Storage basket on the toilet tank.
6. Towel rings next to the entrance.

I would choose a brightish color in you favorite palate. Blue, for me, or teal. I would stick with cooler colors to go with your gleaming white.

You definitely need some color, but I'd balk at using a bunch of different colors. The room is too small, plus that tile going all up the wall already makes things look a little busy. Choose one color and do your bath in that color and white, with a bold patterned shower curtain, a solid rug, and paint all in that color. I think Marimekko is a good start for shower curtains, but the ones you're looking at may have too much going on and be a little too delicate for that space.

I also think that this bathroom really isn't that bad. An alternative to the strong color route is the natural, neutral & white look, using tan colored textiles, with wood, stainless and/or stone accents. It could make the tiny space feel restful, and maybe a little spacious, rather then cramped. I'm not a fan of sink skirts - I'd skip that. If there's any light coming though that window, I suggest a hanging plant there. It brings such a nice, living element to a plain room. Gaiam has a gorgeous tan, linen shower curtain that I love. here's the link: http://www.gaiam.com/product/eco-home-outdoor/bathroom/shower-curtains/linen shower curtain.do

I believe there is stain or colorant for grout. You could use that to get rid of the grey. I am digging this all-white idea of PoisonHypnotique's; I usually do NOT like all-white but I think it would look really sharp in here.

Maybe a combination of white tones? Bright white, creams, superlight greys, etc.

(I hate clawfoots converted into showers. Just had to state that.)

Wow! Lots of great ideas on here! I'm going to mentally store them for my next apartment, which knowing my budget, will have a horrible bathroom.

I really think you should consider andrealew's idea of re-grouting in a nice off-white. It's minimal expence and it will go a long way. I wouldn't even tell your landlord about it. He/she probably won't realize what you've done, not remembering exactly what the grout looked like when you moved in.

I'm also for painting the base of the tub. I did this in one apartment and it made a huge difference. Again, it's your call as to tell your landlord about this. (hey you could always repaint it quick before you move out!)

Lastly the ideas about the wooden toilet seat and the teak accessories are excellent ways to warm up the space and bring a natural element in.
Good luck!!!

I actually like the tiling...and I think it's cool how it goes up the walls a bit. One of my favorite color combos is charcoal grey and bright-ish green...which would be PERFECT here! Think a rich, intense avocado color, along with deep grey. I'd paint green above those tiles, get a colorful (or neutral slate or wood) mat, and some fun curtains for the window.

I think it's not a bad room, really.

If you can't regrout the tiles, what if you make it look like you wanted them that way? I'd suggest you pick up the color in the grout as the paint color, and then a light, earthy shade for accents like the mirror and the bathmat, thinking "natural" and "soften" with accessories. I definitely agree that you should bring in some plants in nice little ceramic pots (put on window ledge or back of toilet) and a lush, fuzzy bath mat... prisons don't have those. :) The tub is really awesome... if it were me I'd go with a light fabric-textured shower curtain and keep it pulled to the side to reveal the pretty tub.

Me three about painting the base of the tub!

I think this is a great blank palette!!!

1. CHANGE THE GROUT COLOR to white with a special oil-based grout stain from a tile company (if your landlord permits.) It's going to look awesome, so I don't know why he/she would say no?

2. Cover the water pipe with a beautiful long piece of bamboo. Cut it, slip it over, and turn the slit to face the wall. Keep it natural tan; if you go with a green bamboo, use a chartreuse accent color in the bathroom to accent the bamboo; or paint it white if you decide to go monochrome.

3. Can you replace or place a nicer window film over the window? If you can remove the current film, maybe only place the new film halfway up for more light?

4. Paint the medicine cabinet white or the accent color you choose for the bathroom. If you cannot paint it, see if you can remove it, store it, and put up your own.

5. Your bathroom and tile will be beautiful. Make it look bigger and show if off with a CLEAR shower curtain!

6. Hide that plunger.

7. Go totally white or add a beautiful color throughout!

Good luck and let us see the bathroom when it's done!!!

How about a shower curtain from Anthropology?

http://www.anthropologie.com/anthro/catalog/productdetail.jsp?subCategoryId=HOME-BATH-SHOWERCURTAINS&id=893020&catId=HOME-BATH&pushId=HOME-BATH&popId=HOME&sortProperties=&navCount=15&navAction=top&fromCategoryPage=true&selectedProductSize=&selectedProductSize1=&color=aqu&colorName=AQUA&isProduct=true&isBigImage=&templateType=

Lots of good suggestions.

I would play up the white and go black and white graphic style bathroom.

1. If you can paint the walls then paint black, leave trim white.

2. Get a black and white stripe rug

3. Get a new medicine cabinet, I am sure the landlord is not going to mind you could always switch them back, just store the ugly wood one somewhere. Or if its built in paint it white.

4. Get a white shower curtain if you can paint the walls black or get a black shower curtain if you leave the walls white. Nice white towels

5. Hang a black and white photo you like in a nice white frame

6. A black or white lacquer tray onto of the toilet with two small succulents or vase with flowers sitting on tray.

Black shower curtain-
http://www.target.com/gp/detail.html/176-0152726-4057376?asin=B0013KMN5Q&AFID=Froogle_df&LNM=%7CB0013KMN5Q&CPNG=home&ref=tgt_adv_XSG10001

Or this print one-
http://www.anthropologie.com/anthro/catalog/productdetail.jsp?subCategoryId=HOME-BATH-SHOWERCURTAINS&id=890115&catId=HOME-BATH&pushId=HOME-BATH&popId=HOME&sortProperties=&navCount=15&navAction=top&fromCategoryPage=true&selectedProductSize=&selectedProductSize1=&color=bwh&colorName=BLACK%20AND%20WHITE&isProduct=true&isBigImage=&templateType=

This type of curtain looks so great with that type of tub and it will soften things a bit-
http://www.anthropologie.com/anthro/catalog/productdetail.jsp?subCategoryId=HOME-BATH-SHOWERCURTAINS&id=993122&catId=HOME-BATH&pushId=HOME-BATH&popId=HOME&sortProperties=&navCount=30&navAction=top&fromCategoryPage=true&selectedProductSize=&selectedProductSize1=&color=012&colorName=CREAM&isProduct=true&isBigImage=&templateType=

A black accessory- I love him
http://www.anthropologie.com/anthro/catalog/productdetail.jsp?subCategoryId=&id=993353&catId=HOME-BATH-BATHACCESSORIES&pushId=HOME-BATH-BATHACCESSORIES&popId=HOME-BATH&sortProperties=&navCount=220&navAction=middle&fromCategoryPage=true&selectedProductSize=&selectedProductSize1=&color=028&colorName=GREEN%20PATINA&isSubcategory=&isProduct=true&isBigImage=&templateType=

a rug like this, its a bit long but you cut off some and re sew edge.
http://www.ikea.com/us/en/catalog/products/20147063

I Love my monochrome suggestions, but I LOVE Lori's Black & White theme as well!!!!

Still, cover that water pipe... with bamboo painted black or paint the water pipe black with and oil-based paint.

I actually agree this bathroom isn't bad at all. It's wonderful that it's all white you have a lot more options this way. At the moment it does feel a bit prision like though!

I'd actually paint the cabinet white so it doesn't stick out too much then a nice COLOUR on the walls and a colourful shower curtain and mat. Then some nice pots, vases, bottles on top of the toilet!

Happy decorating!

I like color combinations from this little article:

http://www.diyideas.com/roombyroom/Bathrooms/small-baths_ss2.html

Think your bathroom is slightly smaller, but...

I tackled a bath with slightly more wall surface with a quart of paint (two coats). I think grayish-browns look classy and timeless, so you may not have to repaint if landlord approves. If you like bold - go for some cool prints for shower curtain, rug and roman shade for the window, get some wall art. If you like calm - creamy colors won't make the room seem smaller.

You can take any accessories you buy with you, so I would get a few dark brown baskets to place your things around.

I've heard of the paint-and-peal paint (not sure how it works tho), so you could be able to paint the medicine cabinet this way, if not, work on your landlord permission to paint over it. I know it's not the best idea to start redoing their apartments just after moving in, but making it look good and then inviting the landlord to look at the cabinet that stands out may help. :)

I would paint the medicine cabinet white; it'll make it blend better with the white fixtures and trim. And definitely bring in color with paint and textiles as much as you can.

I like your idea of the Marimekko patterns. I didn't look at those particular styles, but I agree with the other posts that you need color. What about painting the medicine cabinet a bright fuschia (AT has great posts on pink bathrooms now so I was inspired,) and coordinate it with a bright color in a Marimekko shower curtain. I would leave the walls white or paint them a contrasting white on white WIDE stripe.

OK I just checked those Marimekko patterns and IMO they do not have enough color. What about this one instead?

http://ep.yimg.com/ca/I/finnstyle_2095_123794208

Add a few accessories in the same color palette without going overboard and your BR will be very bright.

Towels could even be a dark charcoal. Charcoal or white rug, paint medicine cabinet a bright pinkish red or charcoal.

I actually think you could paint the walls a dark grey to make the grout seem intentional. Paint the medicine cabinet white, and add colorful accessories. Perhaps paint the ceiling a color.

I like Lori's black and white suggestion

i think you should count yourself lucky to have an all white bathroom. even with the dark grout it doesn't look so bad.
i too have the same problems... small space and hardly any light. i made sure to keep everything really neutral and white but black as stainless accessories are a great contrast to the stark white walls and tile. also, if you have a place for a good piece of graphic art with a splash of color that always helps.

I think adding "pops" of primary colors will make this look like a kid's bathroom, circa 1980.

First of all, by the time you get all your own bathroom stuff in here (toiletries, towels, etc.) the space will be far less of an issue.

Were it me, I'd run with the industrial white and gray vibe. I'd find a gridded shower curtain that reversed the feel of the tile (so, mostly gray squares with white lines in between. If you can't find that, keep it really graphic... stripes, grids, geometrics, etc.

It's a small space, so the more you build from the elements already there, the better, since it will be far less chopped up that way.

I'd use all white towels and bathmat, some (minimal!) zinc, stainless steel and teak accents, and call it a day.

I'd also look for bath accessories (if you need them) that are rectilinear. Would love to see one white orchid in square wood cube.

Don't fight what you have. Otherwise it will always look like you are fighting it.

Bathmat, shower curtain, and some cafe curtains would go a long way - along with some kind of rolling store for under the sink and some pretty bottles for lotions and soaps.

I love the idea of the bright, spring green paired with charcoal gray. To add to that: paint a terra-cotta tray and small pots with chalkboard paint, and plant the pots with gray-green succulents.

You can chalk the pots with the names of the plants, or just some fun good-morning messages. You might consider the same thing for the medicine cabinet.

You guys are great! Thanks so much for all the suggestions. (And I am very grateful, by the way, for this bathroom - I'm moving from something half the size with no tub.)

Needs a urinal, imo.

And three seashells.

Hi Luccella!
I'm a big fan of working with what you've got--as a renter myself, I swear I have faced every terrible design decision that's ever existed, and often have been unable to do anything other than cosmetic to change it. Personally, although the tile and "lovely" gray grout are not ideal, I would say to run with it. For the wall color, I would choose a deep dark warm gray--maybe 3 shades darker than the grout. This will create contrast, and make these dingy white tiles seem whiter than they really are (which is a good thing!) I would add a similarly charcoal colored bath mat maybe in something fun and textural like a shag for comfort. As for textiles, have fun with it. I would do something patterned for the shower curtain to draw your attention there. Add color, certainly--go any direction you like personally. As for the medicine cabinet, if you hate it, I would paint it the same color as the surrounding walls, so that it disappears into the background. If it's decent but just needs a makeover, I would say to paint it one of the accent colors found in whatever shower textiles you choose. Good luck!!!

You could always find some contact paper in some interesting colors/textures and cover just random tiles on the walls. It would break up the walls from the floor and be completely reversible.

Anthropologie, in addition to having gorgeous shower curtains, has amazing bath mats. They come in flower shapes too instead of the standard rectangular shape. You should check out their website.

I saw a renter (who was also an interior designer) put a mat down over ugly pink floor tiles and then cover the edges with large river rocks. Gorgeous and completely reversible.

Get an indoor/outdoor easy to take care of rug like these from Dash & Albert (they are really soft underfoot and the colors are more vibrant in real life):
http://www.dashandalbert.com/indoor-outdoor-rugs

I think you should go with what you got. The tile looks totally 70's...for colors I'd go with creamy latte browns, cactus greens, some burnt orange and a big chrome light fixture - Pierre Cardin style. Add some leather accessories for that man of yours. How about a big soft shag rug? And definitely replace the medicine cabinet. Can't wait to see what you do! Cid

This is actually a pretty good space. I've seen MUCH worse! Patrick is right that you can't try to fight what you have. And I ditto the "embrace the whiteness" suggestion from poisonhypnotique.

---Keep the walls white and add 2 black accents: Paint the tub exterior black, and add a black wood toilet seat. (FYI: The black will read as a neutral, and will actually make the gray grout seem lighter.)

---White terrycloth shower curtain.

---Seagrass rug (soft, natural, inexpensive, unexpected).

---Paint the medicine cabinet white. Or, buy a new one. Go to ebay and search on "medicine cabinet" you'll get at least 5 nice options under the Antiques category. And I didn't even look at the other categories. You can take it with you when you leave.

---Bring in a green plant.

---Add a few nature-inspired accessories (natural sea sponge? woven baskets? teak storage boxes? whatever you like...).

And you're done!

Some thoughts on color and pattern in this space:

The tile is BUSY. Adding more pattern to the space would be overwhelming. You need to calm and soften the space.

A Marimekko-type shower curtain will overwhelm the space. And, you need to keep the shower curtain closed in order to see the pattern. When the curtain is closed, your bathroom is HALF the size. Not good. The terry cloth will also add some much needed softness to this now very hard surfaced space.

The easiest thing would be to color the wall grout white...

But what I would do? Take the measurements of the non-tub walls and go to Home Depot and buy beadboard -- and then attach it to the tile using the 3m Picture Hanging Strips:

http://www.3m.com/us/home_leisure/command/commandcoupon/?WT.srch=1&WT.mc_id=SE_3m-picture-hanging-strips&gclid=CLXi_bjmsaACFcN05Qody3ZvTQ

And of course, me being me, I would glue some some molding to the top and bottom of the beadboard for a more finished look. It just depends how anal you want to be about it.

The rest is easy - shower curtain, bath mat and paint in whichever color scheme you like. Or keep it simple and do bright, white, simple and clean with a lush green fern (or the like) for color. When you leave, detach beadboard, and it will be like it was never there.

Hope this helps.

I inferred, perhaps incorrectly, that you (Luccella) are not US-based?

Hi Lucella,

I'd go for a light, bright color for the walls which will draw the eyes up (away from the floor tiles) and make the space seem taller/bigger - also warmer. I'm thinking of a citrus green or yellow, or an aqua blue.

I agree with others def try to re-grout with white grout which will break up that grid pattern. also repaint or replace the cabinet (ikea do some great mirrored ones which would help add light/space.)

Add a bright rug and shower curtain and some plants and nice bit of artwork and it will look great.

Try Lotus Bleu for some vibrant rugs and fabrics:
http://www.lotusbleudesign.com/boutique.php

Can't wait to see the results!

There are so many comments for advise...probably I'm repeating some ideas, but your bathroom has a very nice basic start. You have a wonderful vintage tub, but the room needs some color to break up the tiles since it continues on the wall. I agree about a colorful bath rug (something that is easily thrown into the washer, solid color) and a colorful patterned shower curtain. I think a beautiful spring-like green would look nice on the walls...you can pick up the green in the pattern of the shower curtain and a nice contrasting color in the rug that's also in the pattern. I'm a lover of plants, so a plant on top on the toilet tank, or in the window...or as someone suggested, a small collection of bottles in the window. The bathroom is so basic, you can have a lot of fun with it...but I would keep the accessories vintage. Throw in a little art or something interesting on a wall, too.

i LOVE the idea of a footed bathtub with a ruffle shower curtain. they have them at anthropologie but cheaper versions at urban outfitters. http://www.urbanoutfitters.com/urban/catalog/productdetail.jsp?itemdescription=true&itemCount=10&startValue=1&selectedProductColor=&sortby=&id=17708355&parentid=A_FURN_BATH&sortProperties= subCategoryPosition,&navCount=259&navAction=poppushpush&color=&pushId=A_FURN_BATH&popId=APARTMENT_FURNISH&prepushId=&selectedProductSize=

I agree that the tiles are wonderful graphics with which to start. How about building on them by adding a big bold graphic print wallpaper. Match the color of the wallpaper to to the color of the tile and the grout. A big graphic pattern - but you'd have to eyeball it to ensure the scale is just right. You call this a "flat" so I presume you are in Europe. Lots of great designs there. I'd get the wallpaper up, then see where to go with the rest.

Firstly, I would use one of those grout colouring pens and make the grout white again. I don't think they're terribly expensive.

I would paint the walls (if allowed) a mid-graphite colour. Not too close to black. The medicine cabinet I would paint white.

Shower curtain - do you like vinyl or fabric? For vinyl, I would suggest one of these: http://www.bedbathandbeyond.com/product.asp?order_num=-1&SKU=117044&RN=382 , http://www.bedbathandbeyond.com/product.asp?order_num=-1&SKU=110264&RN=382. Fabric: http://www.bedbathandbeyond.com/product.asp?order_num=-1&SKU=120594&RN=10 , http://www.bedbathandbeyond.com/product.asp?order_num=-1&SKU=111886&RN=10.

A nice graphite bathmat, some graphite or black accessories (soap dispenser, cup) and a few succulents on the cistern (someone else came up with that). I also really like the idea of hiding the shower pipe with bamboo.

A bathroom like this and all you need is a drain in the floor.

I would try to get the grouts white, and one everything is clean and spotless white. I would choose the colours. Maybe I would go for orange touches... or blue... that depends on your style. I think the bathroom is nice the grouts are not.

Have a look at this one...

http://www.apartmenttherapy.com/la/house-tours/kirstens-homework-assignment-house-tour-112815

I think this is a rather sweet little bathroom. I think white is really classy, you can decorate in tones of white and gray, maybe add a pop of color here or there.

I would probably contrast the straight lines with more ornate or sculpted pieces. Also, a nice shower curtain is going to make a lot of difference.

It's versatile, be glad for that.

Oh! And don't forget a nice potted flower and some natural wood ;)