For one quick easy step, find a fabulous shower curtain! here are some great ones that transform your bathroom into the brooklyn bridge, or london subway system... http://www.izolashower.com/

Another idea is to find a shower curtain that mimics the area entering the bathroom. My bathroom looks very similar to yours, Im embarresed other people must use it, but when the door is open, my shower curtain is a beautiful design that includes colors from my other rooms, so when i look down the hall into the ugly bathroom, all i see is this continuous scope of my colors...instead of a flat white one or something.

I really don't think it's that bad. Changing out the mirror and the light fixture above it would make a huge difference.

If it makes you feel any better, my upstairs bathroom right now has red-with-black-spots carpet in it. It's like some psychedelic leopard died in there. I can't wait to be able to rip it out!

I'm sorry, I just can't see that bathroom as "horrid." Very basic, however! I think a blue and white shower curtain and fluffy white rug will make it sweeter and more homey. And some kind of window treatment -- is the glass frosted? Country Curtains has a cute beachy-themed sheer curtain trimmed with tiny shells. Or a plain roman shade in white or navy would be attractive in a more tailored way.

A very narrow shelf around the top of the tile could make a display space for shells or small white pottery -- I'm thinking basically a wide molding not a true "shelf."

I agree. Your bathroom is not horrid at all, with the possiblity of that thing over the shower. What is that? A water heater?

Consider a sink skirt, replacing the mirror if you can, and a great piece of artwork above the sink. Once you accessorize, the features you dislike will fade into the background.

Bright, bold bath mat/rug, and similar curtains (there's a window there, yes?).

That bathroom is not horrid at all! At least everything is white and appears to be in good shape. The bathroom of my first place was salmon pink and the tiles were cracked; plus, we weren't allowed to touch it.

Because you have such a nice base to work from, I'd look into bringing some color in there. I'd hop onto Pinterest, search for bathrooms, and see what kind of scheme tickles your fancy.

Your bathroom is totally workable. Since you want some design punch on the cheap, how about painting the walls a deep midnight, like After Midnight (Benjamin Moore). If that thing hanging on the wall has been painted before, I would paint it too, that way it will disappear. Get a pretty, graphic shower curtain in your beachy blues -- anything fresh with white will look good (navy and white awning stripes, or the "coral print" shower curtain from westelm.com ).

Consider hanging a simple pendant light over the sink if you can swag something. If not, an eye catching object could be mounted up high - maybe some sculptural driftwood, or a collection of clean prints with a white background, white matt, and thin frame painted a bright yellow to contrast the dark paint.

I vote for fluffy spa-like white towels and a thick white cotton rug.

I really don't think it's that bad, yes it's small but the ceiling is high and looks like it might be curved which is really cool. Definitely find a great shower curtain that will help break up some of the tile.

I would recommend painting the walls saturated color (someone above suggested "midnight"). Then create some kind wall decor for above the sink to emphasize the high ceilings. Maybe a cool vintage sign, chalk drawing/lettering if you use chalkboard paint, or even wall planters with plants (though that would require you being willing to climb a footstool to water them).

New mirror above the sink and an AWESOME chandelier!

How about a clear shower curtain? It seems like it would really shrink the space if the tub gets blocked off by a solid one.

I agree with the suggestions to change out the lighting and mirror above the sink and add some window treatments (something simple, like a roman shade in a thin texture/colorful fabric that would provide privacy without blocking too much light). I wouldn't paint the water heater above the bath, but I would raise the shower curtain rod closer to the ceiling and get a very long shower curtain so that the water heater is hidden (assuming that it isn't a fire hazard to have the water heater a bit more enclosed). That will also provide some drama/glamour.

It also looks like the ceiling is arched, which is a cool architectural detail that I would consider playing up by painting it a contrasting color.

I LOVE the midnight blue idea, sounds really cool!
Thanks everyone for the ideas and suggestions, I will now use them to build a bathroom board on pinterest and plan the whole thing out! :))

-Mona

I seem doomed to closet-sized bathrooms, so have some practical advice.

Just some storage tips: I've used a tiny ikea nightstand with cabinet-style doors as a makeshift vanity in one apartment, and as an etagere in another (literally sat it on top of the toilet back). I've also tucked a cute second trash can under the sink for storing extra bottles, cleansers, etc.

I am also a giant fan of using office-supply storage in the bathroom.

It's actually a pretty good bathroom. It could be a lot worse.

If the mirror is stuck to the wall and can't be removed, find a nice looking picture frame and hang the empty frame over the mirror. Changing out the light above the mirror could be a fairly cheap and easy improvement.

In the two foot wide space that we can't see, I'd put a 2 foot wide by 6 or 8 foot tall bookcase- or dvd case, as they are often shallower and narrower, but they still hold a lot of products. Cover it using a tension rod with fabric that matches the fabulous new shower curtain you are going to get.

That's the next thing I was worried about - storage space!

New mirror, new light fixture (maybe hanging?) and a fun colorful shower curtain.
Your bathroom isn't bad at all it is just a blank canvas right now. Maybe a basket for TP under the sink?

That is not a horrid bathroom, but the easiest way to personalize it is to make -- or have made -- a shower curtain that comes to the floor (with a liner, of course, that hangs inside the tub). There are inexpensive custom sewers to be found online. For storage, a wheeled unit that rolls under the sink would be useful. I have a Muji Rolling Coffee Table in aluminum under my pedestal sink, with Muji storage containers on it. That's too wide for your space, but Ikea would have similar solutions. If you are allowed to paint, you might do a color on the ceiling and bring it down the walls to the top of the water heater. It would make the room look less tall and skinny. I would probably do more than hooks for towels, given the small space.

Mona, is the toilet located in that 2 foot wide space that isn't visible? If so then I would mount a medicine cabinet above it, for storage. If the toilet is elsewhere then would you be able to fit some sort of book case or enclosed storage in that space?

I like the grid created by the dark grout - It looks very 80's. Consider getting a fun 80s new wave styled shower curtain. For inspiration:

http://mirror80.com/2011/11/friday-video-pick-bulletproof-by-la-roux/

I love this stickers, easy way to bring colour to your bathroom :) www.yourdecoshop.co.uk

I just moved into a new place with a similar bathroom, but the times are a faded mustard yellow with white grout, ahh! I went with a bold shower curtain that I already had, a mat that matches that (for less than $10 you can go to most big box stores and choose from dozens of colors) and some art above the tile. The art gives you a chance to DIY and you can look for frames, prints, shower curtains and window curtains at local thrift stores to cut down on costs (just make sure you wash EVERYTHING!) For some reason I see a really bold piece of art above your mirror, and sheers on the windows -let light in without flashing the neighbors!

Not that bad at all. Just find a nice rug and curtains, and add some color on the tiles by using contact paper/ adhesive. Here's a link with a step-by-step (it's in portuguese, but it should be easy to follow by the pictures) http://www.casadecolorir.com.br/2011/02/azulejos-coloridos.html
Also, you could add a frame on the mirror, and some shelf and niche for storage. Goods luck :)

I just saw an upscale apt on here with a similar bathroom - they used a white curtain and black and white art - and put a towel shelf over the sink with bright blue towels for a pop of color..... it was very appealing! Minimalist palette - pops of color!

Great comments.....I would agree with raising the curtain rod and getting a new mirror...perhaps a tall one that houses cabinet storage and extends past tile, you could also do a collection of mirrors going up high to open up the space even more....skirting your sink with a great outdoor fabric will help hide a storage caddie underneath, a great chandelier and new paint will also add some beachiness... I like the dark blue idea but also doing a nice light aqua, reminiscent of sea glass would also work beautifully! good Luck!

Wall color... Something bright but not too dark. You'll just feel more boxed in in that tiny space. Lime Green or an orange/yellow. And bright colorful accessories. Personally I'd keep the shower curtain white or clear...again so you don't feel like the walls are closing in on you.

Yes..your bathroom is stuck in the 80s with those white square tiles. But I think your solution is all about accessories. I agree with everyone...I'd get a nice shower curtain. Maybe something in a grey tone. Then I would get a little bamboo/wood color bench or storage for the foot of the tub where you could stack white or grew towels. I think the key is to just minimize the check pattern as much as possible. Maybe find a nice bamboo/wood grain storage container for under the sink if one will fit. This bathroom isn't bad. It just needs to be warmed up.

I'm late to the party! Haha. I love challenging spaces like this, here are my ideas, get ready - it's full of links!

A Nautical Stripe Shower curtain would look awesome. You know, those thick blue and white stripes, like this: http://frugalmaterialist.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/04/showercurtain.jpg - which you could easily make from fabric, and use a clear plastic one as the inside liner.

When I think of the ocean I think of rope, macrame, etc. There are a LOT of DIY rope style projects you could do for the room:

Imagine an interesting rope light like this acorn from Design Sponge:
http://www.designsponge.com/2012/08/acorn-by-vasiliy-butenko.html

and this DIY rope pendant lamp
http://www.designsponge.com/2011/07/diy-project-woven-rope-pendant-lamp.html

Distressed wood shelving, for your towels and maybe some blue glass jars to hold bathroom supplies, you can tint old mason jars to your color choice if you google "DIY vintage mason jars" - distressed wood is always so beach-y, and versatile. You can make wall art, etc. You can easily distress NEW wood using a solution of steel wool and vinegar. http://www.google.com/imgres?num=10&hl=en&safe=off&rlz=1C1SNNT_enUS433US433&biw=1600&bih=775&tbm=isch&tbnid=qvimV0vIJndgEM:&imgrefurl=http://www.etsy.com/listing/90325541/distressed-wood-shelving&docid=bjlYDdHWuwtd6M&itg=1&imgurl=http://img0.etsystatic.com/il_fullxfull.331285208.jpg&w=1432&h=1500&ei=BC8gUN30M5CWjALhvIGgDA&zoom=1&iact=rc&dur=253&sig=111452452515605658256&sqi=2&page=1&tbnh=137&tbnw=131&start=0&ndsp=35&ved=1t:429,r:2,s:0,i:79&tx=73&ty=90

I love plants, but I don't know if you have room in there! If you do, succulents would look fantastic and need very little maintenance, and if your interesting in hanging a plant, these modern macrame designs would match: http://www.google.com/imgres?um=1&hl=en&safe=off&rlz=1C1SNNT_enUS433US433&biw=1600&bih=775&tbm=isch&tbnid=nfLDQpSophZtDM:&imgrefurl=http://karapaslaydesigns.blogspot.com/2011/04/newold-trend-macrame-hanging-plant.html&docid=52FvA7GEemxCiM&imgurl=http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5146/5608591110_cc727bb8ba.jpg&w=500&h=379&ei=wi4gUIuaOaf1iwKv3IE4&zoom=1&iact=hc&vpx=393&vpy=148&dur=1273&hovh=195&hovw=258&tx=134&ty=90&sig=111452452515605658256&page=1&tbnh=133&tbnw=171&start=0&ndsp=39&ved=1t:429,r:2,s:0,i:79

Through in a fun plush rug, maybe in white or cream to contrast against that floor or maybe a spa pebble mat if you like that better, also DIY:
http://www.curbly.com/users/lilybee/posts/4838-pebble-mat

As for Paint, I originally leaned towards something in the lighter blue or teal category to keep the space open and light, but with the bottom half being white tile, a deep blue or midnight as mentioned earlier would be really dramatic, especially if all your accessories were light, or stark white.

Wall art would be the most fun, something three dimensional above that sink would be neat, since it wouldn't get in anyones way. Or, you could just add another shelf, to act as a mantle to hold a nice framed photo, some ceramic & glass vases, shells, anything you've collected that represents you and your adventures. Driftwood, a glass float... https://www.google.com/search?q=glass+float&hl=en&safe=off&rlz=1C1SNNT_enUS433US433&prmd=imvns&tbm=isch&tbo=u&source=univ&sa=X&ei=jTAgUIKDDomDiwL_vYGQAQ&ved=0CHcQsAQ&biw=1600&bih=775

you have so many possibilities! Keep us updated, I can't wait to see what you do.

With the white tile, dark grout, I would go with an industrial look rectangular wire basket under the sink for storage. It looks like there is room between the sink and mirror for a narrow shelf. Put up a plain white shelf there - the new IKEA Enudden would be perfect. So then you have a place for your basic toothbrush stuff.

Can't tell if the mirror is a medicine cabinet, but if you can replace the mirror with plain, square edged medicine cabinet that would be worth it for the storage.

For me, with a small bathroom, I usually keep only the basics in the bathroom (towels in use, toothbrush, skin care) and if at all possible, everything else (extra towels, cleaners, toilet paper, blow dryer, make up bag) in the hall cabinet or my bedroom closet. I don't like clutter and I think most shelving units designed for bathrooms are incredibly ugly. One exception is the carlson ii from CB2 but it's spendy.

wow, I think this is a great bath, compared to those I've had in former rentals. Count yourself luck that it's white, clean, and appears to be fully functional! I think keeping it SIMPLE with either white, clear, or solid color shower curtain and white or matching colored towels is the way to go.

Yes, as others have said, a shower curtain will make a big difference, whatever kind you choose.

It's hard to tell from the photo, but what's the color of the grout? It looks a little dark; if you can get it super-clean or bleach it, the lines will be less visible. I did this to my kitchen floor and it made a huge difference (I used some sort of all-natural grout cleaner in a spray bottle from a home improvement store, plus a battery-powered spin brush).

Embrace the awful and go all Tron.

I love that bathroom! If it was mine, I'd paint the wall above the tile black, update the mirror and light fixture, and scour fabric stores to find an exact match to the tile for the curtain.

I think its a great bath too. This is a trick question?

I actually kind of love this bathroom. I would kind of embrace the stark look and go sleek and modern. I agree with the new mirror. As for storage, I have zero storage in both of my bathrooms. If there is enough space between your door and the door jam, try an over the door shoe organizer. It lays flat against the door and then you don't have baskets and piles of bathroom stuff. Make sure the pockets are mesh though. Otherwise you risk moldy clear plastic. Try this one: http://www.containerstore.com/shop/closet/shoeStorage/overdoor?productId=10010675

It's not horrid. Can you paint the wall area above the tiles around the sink? How bout a 'not too deep low cupboard or shelves on the 'head' end of the tub? Often neglected, take off & clean the shade to the light above the mirror; ditto the bulbs. As others said, for such a small area, invest in a good bright & colorful shower curtain would be a good bet. Is the floor tile or ??? If you're the only one using it, don't put all you energy into the bathroom right away; focus on the rest of the place. Enjoy.

It looks like Taj Mahal compared to the last one I had as a renter. It has character; I would play to that. Accentuate what is good about it; the curved ceiling, tall windows, and the height, for starters. I would start by doing one thing that will cost you nothing: Rehang the shower curtain rod higher up on the wall. You can fill the holes left on the tile with white caulk. There are extra long shower curtains available these days (I've seen some on Ebay), and you can even use window curtains. You may be able to hide the tank this way. Plan your paint color wisely; you might not want to go dark on the walls if your bathroom doesn't stay well-lit throughout the day. My impulse is to stay austere with the color.... lighter on the walls, slightly darker on the ceiling. Lastly, I might suggest adding some organic touches in your accessories; bamboo, wood, and natural fibers go a long way to warm up white, and they create a spa-like vibe.

The guy who writes the blog manhattan nest painted the drywall in his bathroom black (which ends at about the same height as yours looks like in your photos), used a plain white shower curtain and had just a few cute little details. Since you like blue, I would consider navy or even a darker royal blue up there, plain shower curtain, switch out the mirror to something with an antique-y frame and switch the light fixture up. I think that would class it up a bit. Beautiful ceiling, though!!

To make your bathroom look bigger I would regrout your tiles with white grout. Its a pain, but it would be cheap and effective. Also makbe a timber stool under the sink to place a couple of towels or, not sure how much space is behind the door, but maybe timber shelving for storage. And a plant!

Joanna from A Cup of Jo, did a great job with her tiny bathroom! http://joannagoddard.blogspot.com/2012/08/our-bathroom-makeover.html

did you see this small bathroom makeover? http://joannagoddard.blogspot.com/2012/08/our-bathroom-makeover.html lots of nice beachy touches in a tiny space! I especially liked the use of these shelves for storage/display http://www.containerstore.com/shop/collections/display/shelves?productId=10001027

I don't have a suggestion, other than to echo many others' comments that it's not really horrible. It looks sort of horrible now because it's empty. Put your normal things in, a shower curtain, a bath mat other things and it will look better instantly. Then decide what needs to be done.

The water heater or whatever it is above the shower is the worst part. I would hate to imagine getting brained by that thing every time I took a shower.

I would LOVE to have that bathroom to work with. Mine are so much worse. I was going to suggest the navy blue paint (which is very Nautical with white) and some shelves with shells and other beachy items. A bold, colorful shower curtain. I know I'm not offering anything new. Just wanted to reiterate what others are saying and let you know it's not that bad. Really. You are lucky to have that base with so much potential!!! It's quite lovely actually. You will rock that bathroom and it will become amazing.

My 1980s kitchen has a similar tile/grout situation going on, and I was mortified by it. But I painted the kitchen a light grey, somewhat similar to the grout, painted all the cupboards white and accented in white and chrome, with a touch of red/black, and I get endless compliments, as though I planned that tile! Be thankful your plumbing is all white! (I was even less fortunate with my 1980s bath boasting a beige ensuite and dated 'matching' tile! No idea how I'm going to handle that on my wee budget--something for me to ask this section in future).

At any rate, I think currently the white walls are the 'wrong white' and draw even more attention to the tile, so they should definitely be painted, otherwise the first thing people see is the tile.

Alternatively, regrout the tile in white, and you'll have a much wider range of options.

Wanted to add that this seems like a good job for IKEA. It's such a clean modern looking bathroom as it is. Adding color and some personal touches will bring it to life! It's you can't paint. Just put some artwork up above the mirror. It also appears that the mirror might be difficult to change due to tile work surrounding it. Same for the light fixture. If you can't change those, add something to the wall above. Also a window treatment will make a huge difference too. Maybe a roll up bamboo type thing. Or a roman shade that accents the shower curtain you choose. I really think the shower curtain is going to make the most difference. If you choose the right one, it will become the focus of the room and the rest will fade in comparison. Good luck, I think it will turn out spendid. I hope you will post "AFTER" photos.

Oooo, Vittoria! There are at least half a dozen ideas that would translate well to this (not so) horrid bathroom. Painting the upper portion of the wall a nice saturated color would be a great first step.

Definitely workable with your stuff. I'm not one for making the shower curtain the focus. I say do something fairly understated, as the area of a curtain is so large.. I have a tub with an end like like and the curved rod, and I need two curtains to cover the space...perhaps vertical stripes in white and a lighter shade of blue that is close to your wall color would look best. II'm also not one for painting the wall dark - with the dark floor, it would make me seem claustrophobic. I would paint the wall, though. I would paint it a fairly light color - you like blues, so consider a ligher blue tone you like to set the color scheme for the bathroom - I'm thinking pale blue, like the pale blue free range chicken eggs I've bought recently, might be a nice blue, or a pale aqua. Then use a darker but compatible shade of blue (or two, or a blue and a green, or either one with some white) for towels and other fabrics. Definitely put a rug on that floor - something cotton, easily washable, I'm thinking Dash and Abert (google them) cotton rug in stripes (many have nice blues) that would pick up on your nautical theme - perhaps get the rug, and pick towels to go with blues or greens in it. Leave the mirror - if you want to dress it up with a frame, they sell frame parts online specifically for sticking around the edges of such mirrors to give them a new look...perhaps they have ones you can paint your choice of color to go with your colors. Put a blind in the window - I like plastic mini-blinds for bathrooms - easy to clean, cheap, and moisture friendly, in white or pale blue. Then take a little piece of fabric you like with your colors and make a simple valance about 6-8 inches or so long (you can do this without sewing - just use that iron on tape), fold in edge hems and iron them in place, and make it a piece folded in half, so it has two fabric sides, and leave little holes at the top sides so you can run a little spring-loaded tension window rod in there and stick in the window. Make it just a couple of inches longer than the window, so it isn't ruffly or gathered much, just a little fuller than a flat piece of fabric would be. Or you could use bamboo or some other light or medium colored wood blinds, and then skip the valance all together. I don't like the dark grout lines in the white tile - if it is truly colored grout and scrubbing doesn't lighten it, they sell grout paint specifically for this purpose to cover up dark lines - I haven't tried it, but I might well try it here, in white. You do have lots of room for storage, so as mentioned above, use the space under the sink and at the end of the tub for some storage furniture....I like the idea of adding a natural wood tone in here - from light to fairly dark, whatever you find looks best once you've done your colors...the wood will warm up this room a lot, in a way that chrome accents won't. Or you could use some old furniture painted in blues to go with your nautical theme, or use a painted piece and a wood piece. I like the idea of one of them being a wood stool or small bench-type thing you can sit on top of. If the space you mention for a two foot shelf is not where the toilet is, but is free all the way to the floor, do put in a narrow depth bookcase there - you can store stuff in baskets on the shelves so the items aren't view - they work kind of like small drawers, and you can take a basket off the shelf to rummage around in it for small stuff - I like using the kind of baskets that are made to fit on bookcase shelves, if you can find some to fit - they have fairly high sides, and thus hide the stuff, and add a wood tone to the room. If you can't find baskets that fit, use the plastic bins with holes in them that you find in home organization stores - they come in a variety of colors, some that will go with your nautical color scheme. It will look fine, really. Bathrooms are basic, the built elements do fade into the background once you all all the accessories. Be glad yours is mainly white and has a window - that's really all that is required to make it look good!

I have seen some horrid bathrooms and this one is definitely not one of them.

A coloured shower curtain you can keep closed will definitely make you feel better about the room. I would definitely pick pale blues and bright turquoise colours to keep it beachy!

Anthropologie has this really pretty shower curtain (Sculpted Mums Shower Curtain) on sale right now that would be a really great shade of blue for the place.
http://www.anthropologie.com/anthro/product/A093742.jsp

Urban Outfitters also has some fun nautical options!;
Elisa Cachero Odyssey Shower Curtain
http://www.urbanoutfitters.com/urban/catalog/productdetail.jsp?id=25331901&parentid=SEARCH+RESULTS

Whales Shower Curtain
http://www.urbanoutfitters.com/urban/catalog/productdetail.jsp?id=20397741&parentid=A_FURN_BATH

A blue shelf for the wall where you described would be good for colour and decor as well. You could easily DIY one in a blue shade of your choice, or search for a "blue wall shelf" on Etsy where I'm sure you could find something you love.

Have fun! Maybe paint the walls blue if your lease allows.

I would suggest using nature and nature-related accessories as decor to soften the graphic nature of the grout lines -- a plant or two, seashells, a shower curtain with ocean waves or, say, ferns on the print and window curtains to coordinate, but not match. A seashell-framed mirror. Nice basket under the sink (fill with towels). Either a sand color or a pale green on the walls. Keep it all light colored to give an airy, expanded look.

You know, thinking that bathroom is horrid on thing, being that unaware of describing it that way in a post makes you seem like a spoilt brat.

A Grout Pen, to whiten the grout between the white tiles, would immediately make this space look less cluttered.

Other than that I agree with most of the suggestions above about painting the wall a different colour - I think having in effect a two-tone wall will break up the height and make the room feel wider. Also do accessorise with coloured bathmat and towels (cheap and immediate effect), ideally in a different colour again to the new wall colour. If you do go with the midnight blue suggested, then red and yellow bathmat and towels would give the place a great primary-colours punch.

Changing the mirror and light fixture are also good ideas if you can, but I would say don't hang art over the mirror, as it will look ridiculous up that high.

I don't see any problem with that bathroom, you can put any colours and style that you like. I would choose brigh happy orange as the colours for the decoration

This kind of orange, although a different style:

http://www.gapinteriors.com/imagedetails.asp?imageno=45411

Good luck

This one is also very beautiful:

http://www.apartmenttherapy.com/kirstens-homework-assignment-h-112815

1) to the one who called me a spoiled brat: just go away. what is your problem, anyway?

2) no, this is not a trick question.

3) the toilet is not in there, so yes, putting a shelf around the corner would be a great idea!

4) First of all: I live in Austria, Europe. Most bathrooms here are huge. I now live in an apartment with a completely new and huge bathroom. Due to a breakup I have to move out and the new apartment is tiny but sweet, aside from this bathroom you see on the pictures above. To me it is not so much about the size or the tiles as about the fact that there is not much storage room, and that I barely use the bathtub for taking a bath, I prefer showers. But anyway, I just had no idea what to do with this bathroom and I am very happy and very thankful for your help, everyone! Great suggestions!! THANK YOU!!

-Mona

@MOOONAA: I didn't call you a spoiled brat, I wrote that calling this bathroom horrid (entsetzlich, schrecklich, schauervoll, fürchterlich) makes you seem like a spoiled brat. As many commenters noted, they would be happy to have a bathroom like this, so yes, complaining about how horrid it is without realizing that it is a while not stylish but completly ok batroom with a lack of storage, especially on a site like apartmenttheraphy where its mostly about renting and low-budget, does seem entitled and spoiled. If you wrote something like "gorgeous flat with a not so gorgeous bathroom" or "a drab bathroom with a lack of storage" there wouldn't be any problems.

Oh I see, now you added "Entitled". I am moving into a rented place that has 350 square feet, paying by myself, so how spoiled do you think I am?
I have no interest in arguing with you, I am here to ask for help about my future-to-be bathroom. So: Thank you for your lesson on how to talk on apartmenttherapy, I will keep your tips in mind, have a good day.

As I missed your preference for blue colour, I think that you can use any blue that you like, look at this one in turquoise with sea shells around the mirror....:

http://alkemie.blogspot.co.uk/2010/04/cottage-baths.html

http://www.narratives.co.uk/Details.aspx?ID=11970&TypeID=1

Maybe you can buy a second hand small chest, box, basket... to put under the sink and paint it in the same blue....

I like the idea of seashells, seahorses and sea stars... for decoration.

The ideas about the shelves and the storage on the door a good ones...

Some ideas about the curtains...

http://www.ziggiziggi.com/PRD_MoreImages.aspx?pid=3915

These ones are very beautiful, but too expensive:

http://www.beachdecorshop.com/seahorse-shower-curtain.html

Thank you guys for the color ideas, first I thought midnight blue but now I see it more in a teal/sea foam kind of blue!

Look! Today's apt therapy no less:
http://www.apartmenttherapy.com/before-after-nautical-themed-bathroom-makeover-cup-of-jo-175186

Also, at Fulinlin, your tone will not win you friends or allies. Step back a bit & view it "objectively."

the color is gorgeous!

Well, I agree with you that it's horrid lol. The reason being that dark gray grout and bad lighting. It makes it look dingy. My major suggestions would be (get ready to roll up your sleeves) to re-grout the tiles with white grout and get new lighting.

I don't know if you rent or own, but if you can get your super to re-grout, why not!? That ceiling is really high! Awesome if it's that high throughout your apartment, but in that bathroom it doesn't work. My thought would be to get a hanging lighting fixture (or multiple) to bring your eye down, warm up the space, and get great lighting in there. Since the bathroom is a bit small, I wouldn't junk up the visual space with a shower curtain that's too ornate or too loud in color. I'd keep it simple and white (we are going for the beach theme). To me, beach themes can be pulled off with mostly whites and light neutrals with bold pops of color (blues, teals, greens, corals, etc.) from your accessories (e.g., towels).

A new mirror with a frame that makes a statement, a jute or bamboo rug (something natural and beige), a basket to put bathroom items under your sink, a beautiful light shade of paint (e.g., neutral beige/gray tone or blue/teal tone) above the tile, and light, flowing curtains that stretch from the top of the window all the way down to the floor.

I think your bathroom has potential and all DIY & cheap. So many simple hanging lighting options at Ikea, bathmats anywhere online…you get my drift. Some elbow grease, sweat, smart shopping, and a weekend can give you the bathroom you desire. Best of luck!

I'd put down all weather wooden floor tiles to bring in some different texture. A curtain with color, add a frame around the mirror, change the light fixture out, and put in a narrow shelving (bookcase) to the right, next to the door.

I know you said that the tiles are not your major issue, but they would be mine. Seriously, two words: GROUT PEN.

I am sure that bathroom will look a million times bigger, cleaner and better with clean white grout. And then a hanging plant - a fern, or something trailing.

Good luck!

Oh, sorry...just looked at it again. It's actually grey grout, right? Not dirty. Okay, maybe not then...I dunno, I'd still paint it white, but on closer inspection, it doesn't look bad with the floor.

Also, I wouldn't go for the bright shower curtain. I'd get something either clear or pure white - ideally, one of those ruffled Urban Outfitters/Anthropologie ones. Get a wooden or bamboo bath mat, and some thick, pure white towels (or bleach the ones you've got, if that's not in the budget). Put up a shelf to the right of the door there (I don't know how, sorry, I'm hopeless at that stuff), and arrange a line of little succulent plants and/or tea-light candles on it.

And if it makes you feel any better, I don't blame you for saying the bathroom looks horrid. It's freakin' tiny, for starters. It would depress me on first sight, too, and I rent a small place myself. But I think you can make it look really cute. :)

how european! hopefully, some day, we in america also will be able to control the heat of our water like this. it is a nice bathroom, and it looks like it has tall ceilings, so go up, but only in one place so that it does not seem crowded. maybe chrome shelves next to the heater or above the toilet? paint a pale colour but not too green, as green is not flattering. a mirror above the mirror might make the space look double the length.