5 Small-Bathroom Remodel Ideas That Show How Function, Style, and Spa-Like Vibes Can Coexist

Do good things really come in small packages? According to these clever homeowners, the answer is a resounding yes. They successfully took their tired, cramped, small bathrooms and remodeled them into colorful, functional spaces for their loved ones to enjoy. 

The key is to recognize what’s timeless and save it, says Anne-Marie Wurzel, an Orlando-based realtor. “Lean into the good products and craftsmanship from the past,” she added. “Keep the original charm, but update fixtures and apply a fresh coat of paint to the walls, baseboards, and doors.” 

In fact, Wurzel recently kept a green bathtub in a home renovation, and further accentuated it with complementary design details and accessories, a technique some designers say might actually boost moods. If you’re feeling inspired to embrace more color in your home — but you’re still craving relaxing vibes, too — here are five examples of how a teeny bathroom can still be functional and stylish thanks to a few remodeling ideas.

Photographer and content creator Taylor Baldwin first fell in love with this Philly apartment’s abundant natural light, but she also wanted to make her home feel like the “soft and feminine safe space” of her dreams. She said it was especially important to decorate with an eye on celebrating Black culture as well. To do this, she brought in a curated selection of beautiful artwork to adorn the home’s walls that would “spark every ounce of joy needed.” 

The bathroom was no exception. A fresh white vanity and tiled shower is offset by bright green plants and a pop of colorful art from The Bouffants via Society6, accentuated by a pink background.

When homeowner Adam Jones bought this sweet 1930s bungalow in Austin, Texas, it was in need of renovations just to make it habitable. After restoring the rest of the house, he and his partner, Amenity White, focused on a complete remodel of the bathroom and kitchen with the help of their talented neighbors. 

Being resourceful was important, they said, adding that their goal was to “expose and elevate the gorgeous historic core of this house through a mix of restoration, opening up, and introducing more light.”

One of the best examples of this is in the bathroom, where everything — including the crisp white tub and sink (found on the side of the road!), the funky sconce, and the cool medicine cabinet — are vintage.

Blogger and designer Erika Carlock’s Los Angeles rental’s vibe is all about embracing her love of bright pastels and a variety of textures. “I like to start minimal and neutral, add a few bold pops of color, and then top it off with plants, plants, and more plants,” she says. A number of her favorite bohemian design elements in her home can be found on her website Hesby, where she sells a curated selection of home goods. 

In the bathroom, Erika’s bright white walls are accented by a round window, while a white-framed gallery wall, a cute tray, and an eye-catching Society6 shower curtain help give the room some personality. 

Detroit-based homeowners Hilary and Doug both share a love of design, fashion, and art. Hilary studied fashion design in college, and Doug owns a sensory marketing agency called DetroitWick, so when making their historic home’s renovations, they wanted to be sure to “create the perfect balance of new and old.” 

Their remodel is a stunning example of how to do exactly that: A sleek, all-black kitchen is offset by a bright, white living room and a primary bathroom with new fixtures, custom mirrors, and crisp marble finishes. For the powder room, the pair went with a funky floral print wallpaper by Gucci to tie in the vintage sink and tile. 

Nature can be healing, says Erin Hung, a designer, illustrator, and lettering artist based in Hong Kong, and therefore she and her husband used it as inspiration to make their previously run-down home feel peaceful and relaxing. 

But they also weren’t afraid to break a few rules when it came to some of the home’s design elements. “Allow something that surprises you to come into the fold,” she says, adding that for her, embracing the mess of daily life is part of its beauty. 

Although space is particularly scarce in a standard Hong Kong bathroom, they managed to make theirs fresh and inviting. Thanks to a modern tub, brass hardware from Anthropologie, beautiful green patterned tiles, and slabs of terrazzo, a whole lot of style was added to a tiny footprint.