smart solutions for smaller baths

Older homes certainly come with their fair share of pros and cons, and we’re actually kinda partial to the positive quirks. Today, we’re thrilled to share smart solutions for smaller baths… some of our best tips for bringing the most to your smaller space! So without further ado… Smart solutions for smaller baths.

Julie wrote in and said “….I know you guys work with a lot of older houses, and in that, older homes usually have smaller baths. What are some of the best tips you can share when taking on a smaller bath remodel to make the most of it?” 

1. Smart Solutions for Smaller Baths: Open it Up! 

Sometimes those walls are a little extra, and the old ones may be blocking an opportunity to add more space, storage, layout and well… anything else you can possibly think of. This old bathroom, for example, had a shower/bath combo, all in one. By reconfiguring the space, and opening up the bathroom by eliminating a closet, our clients had an opportunity to add a shower and bath.

So think a little outside the box including the closets on other side of the bathroom that may not be that needed. You never know where you can borrow from within your existing footprint to add more interesting elements, and let your space offer so much more for you.

A lighter, brighter and happy space was the result. See more of this bath, here. 

2. Smart Solutions for Smaller Baths: Bring in Color

{Which could easily apply to the one above} But we love the idea of fun colors in a smaller bath. This applies to adult baths, too. Whether it’s fabulously done with tile in a bold way, or the walls which can easily be changed later, these are all great options. Think of hues for the vanity, and consider accessories like towels, bathmats, and more for awesome, vibrant looks.

This beach house before and after  is a testament to soft colors on the walls, and awesome towels for a big, affordable impact in a small space. Lightening up the vanity softened it all to take in a totally different vibe, and the space is colorful and fun, as a result!

3. Smart Solutions for Smaller Baths: Good Lighting

The power of good lighting is something people sometimes forget to consider in a small bath. Take advantage of smaller spaces, by bringing in awesome opportunities to highlight a bath’s strengths and in the process, make it feel intentional and well-planned. 

This bathroom is a great example of a shared sibling space, where we brought in an attractive vanity light, along with a backlit mirror that can easily grow with those kiddos. These are great for so many awesome reasons, especially for adults! Consider all the creative ways to utilize smart lighting your space!

4. Smart Solutions for Smaller Baths: Embrace the Space

Not all spaces are made to be changed when it comes to the existing layout. Sometimes, it’s beneficial to keep the space just as it is {see the above bathroom, too} and then highlight it in fun ways. 

For instance, in the bathroom below, we simplified the lines on the vanity, and lightened up the area, too. It received a much needed update. But the icing on the cake was using the tile in a fun way to accentuate such a fun space. Using tile in creative ways is an option that is sometimes a missed opportunity in spaces. From kitchen backsplashes to walls and baths, consider ways to bring in tile that gives it an extra polished look.

It can differentiate the line between that look of a quick flipper house, and a home with good intentional design.

5. Smart Solutions for Smaller Baths: Go Bold with Pattern  

Smaller baths are a great opportunity to be a little more fearless with pattern and ideas in fun ways. Those intimate settings give homeowners a great chance to bring in big and bold and creative where it feels just right. Think through fun ideas with tile, towels, shower curtains, wallpaper, and more.

See more of this bathroom, here. 

And it doesn’t hurt that this before and after was so fabulous. The opportunities really are endless!

And another bathroom in the same house: Here we carried in the same pattern but in a different way. We love the way it looks with all the finishing touches. 

6. Smart Solutions for Smaller Baths: Bring in Contrasting Elements 

This bath was a great shared space for two sisters, and a wonderful chance to bring in earthy undertones with polished ones, too. We used marble here in fun patterns with a modern touch, and old world brass paired delicately with sleek mirrors + lights. Look for simple ways to bring in contrast, whether it’s with shapes, materials, color and more. 

We love the fun look that pulls all of this together, especially in this simple setting. It made for one lovely little bathroom.

7. Smart Solutions for Smaller Baths: Zero Entry For the Win!

Another detail often overlooked by homeowners, is the opportunity to bring in a zero entry element to a bath. While this specific bath was remodeled with ADA changes in mind, it helps to have a zero boundaries option for all things convenience and resale value. We combined these two smaller spaces in a spacious closet and bath to help create a secondary suite, and love the change it made for these sweet clients. 

8. Smart Solutions for Smaller Baths: Be Clever with Storage

In our own kiddos’ shared bath, we looked for opportunities to rethink storage space. It helps to process through old spaces that maybe no longer make sense, so that you can add it in clever ways. Here, we used some blank wall space to turn it into a towel tower. It’s been one of the best decisions we made for much-needed storage in a shared bath… especially where every square inch counts.

9. Smart Solutions for Smaller Baths: Mix Traditional with Modern

We love the look of old school, classic additions, with a modern tile to keep a space looking fresh. Even the clawfoot tub here has a bit of a fresh edge with new finishes and a fearless chrome touch. Be sure to consider the space and how it feels, but when going with classic finishes modern mix-ups can certainly kick it up a notch. It’s one of our very favorite combos to bring into a bathroom space. 

10. Smart Solutions for Smaller Baths: Save Space with New Doors

Old houses are certainly big on charm and one of a kind looks that are hard to come by in new builds. But they also come with their own cons like awkward door positions. Oh wait… newer homes do that, too. Consider a way to open up the space, by bringing in pocket doors, or by adding barn doors for a seamless feel. By adding a barn door in this space  {a pocket door in the bathroom above} we were able to save that wall and use it for much needed hooks on the other side. 

Bonus: Bring in the art!

Use the small bathroom as an opportunity to bring in personality in fun ways. Not everything has to be gutted out, after all… and that’s with simple art!

We loved the way our client chose to use children’s art here. And the space turned out oh so fun! This is a simple tip that can make a huge impact in a small space. 

These are a few of our best tips for remodeling a smaller bathroom space in an older home. What are some of your very favorite tips? 

We’d love to hear!
 

And just in case you’re curious…

We don’t believe in the dream home, we believe in your home.
And we can’t wait to help you discover it all over again.

The Handmade Home is thrilled to bring both full on rehab and design services to our clients.

If you’d like to hear more about what we have to offer for you {because the possibilities really are endless both nationally and in the Nashville area} please be sure to check out our design services page, here! While you’re at it, be sure to check out our completed projects here. 

We look forward to hearing from you, and we welcome the opportunity to work with you!

Have an inspired day!