Remodeling a Small Bathroom? Thoughtful Design and Material Choices for Big Impact

When it comes to remodeling a small bathroom and maximizing the feeling of space, the right design choices can have a bigger impact than square footage alone. Good design isn’t just about what you put into a space: it’s about how the space allows you to move, live, and feel within it.

Maximizing Space with Thoughtful Design Choices

The first step is always flow. Choosing fixtures that are scaled appropriately for the room, whether it’s a vanity, tub, or toilet, helps preserve clearances and creates a freer, more natural path through the space. It's not about squeezing in as much as possible; it’s about honoring the room’s function and making every movement feel effortless. The “right” fixtures appraise well, but more importantly, your daily experience is improved, and that is what truly adds value.

Material and Fixture Selection: Function Meets Style

A floating vanity application and small-format floor tile enhance a small bathroom's visual expansiveness

Flooring offers another quiet opportunity for expansion. While conventional wisdom may say large format tile with fewer grout lines are the way to go, smaller-format tiles can ornament the room and draw the eye outward, creating the sense of movement and spaciousness.

Incorporating a floating vanity is another effective way to introduce a modern design element while also creating the illusion of a larger space. By exposing the floor beneath and extending the visual line to the wall, the room appears more open and expansive.

💡Design insights:

• While wood-look tile offers a certain aesthetic, it doesn’t carry the timeless appeal or historical relevance of traditional tile choices. When in doubt, it’s wise to stick with classic materials.

• Similarly, combining a fiberglass shower base with real tile walls often doesn’t deliver a cohesive or high-end result. If a fully tiled shower isn’t within budget, a well-designed all-fiberglass unit can offer a cleaner, more unified look. Investing in wall tile alone may not be enough to visually elevate a basic shower base.

Small Details, Big Impact: Lighting and Mirrors

A large, strategically placed mirror combined with recessed lighting visually expand the room's footprint

Mirrors are essential, and incorporating mirrors beyond the standard placement above the vanity can really transform your space. A full-height mirror for dressing, a mirrored feature wall—whether positioned at the end of a bathtub or along the narrow end of the room—can significantly enhance a sense of space. By reflecting light and views, these applications effectively double the perceived dimensions of the room.

Lighting also plays a crucial role. Thoughtful illumination, whether through well-placed sconces, recessed lighting in place of a central fixture, or vanity lights set slightly higher than traditional placement, can direct the eye across the longest spans of the room, subtly enlarging the perceived dimensions. It’s not just about brightness; it’s about guiding the way the room is experienced.

💡Design insights: 

Trendy fixtures can be appealing, but they aren't always worth the long-term cost or upkeep. Before committing based on looks alone, take time to research the product’s performance and durability.

The Payback of Purposeful Design

These strategies are a purposeful way of seeing space differently and using design to restore a sense of balance and possibility. The rewards are tangible:

First, in the joy and satisfaction of daily use.

Second, in the cost efficiencies created by thoughtful planning rather than overbuilding.

And finally, in the real-world value appraisers and buyers recognize when a space feels effortless, expansive, and complete.

Transform Your Space with Purposeful Design

At Montana Tradesmen, we believe that great design is timeless—it doesn’t chase trends; it transforms how a home enhances daily life. Whether your bathroom measures 6x6 or 20x20, thoughtful design respects both the physical space and the character of the home. Every room, regardless of size, deserves intentional, custom-crafted solutions that bring lasting value, distinction, and a true

sense of home.

If you’ve been considering a small bathroom renovation, now may be the perfect time to explore how creative design can make a lasting impact. Even the smallest spaces can reflect your style and enhance your daily routine with the right approach.