I’m Josie, the Remodeling Designer and Office Manager here at AP. At 21, I’ve grown up around construction and design, and now I have the privilege of leading our creative process and connecting with clients to bring their dream spaces to life. I also create 3D renderings for our client projects to help them visualize the finished design before we even begin. On top of that, I manage our marketing and social presence—so if you’ve seen our work online, I probably had a hand in sharing it!
My roots run deep in Jacksonville, but my story is also shaped by my family’s journey. My parents immigrated from Albania and now work alongside me every day. Together, we’ve built more than just beautiful homes—we’ve built a company grounded in hard work, integrity, and a genuine love for what we do.
Homeowners often feel restricted by the dimensions of their bathrooms, particularly in older homes or urban apartments. However, a small footprint doesn’t have to mean limited potential. You can transform a cramped room into a stylish, practical retreat through thoughtful design and creative solutions. The right small bathroom renovation ideas can significantly enhance form and function without sacrificing comfort.
1. Wall-Mounted Fixtures to Free Up Floor Space
Installing floating vanities and wall-hung toilets instantly creates a cleaner, more expansive look. These fixtures expose more of the floor, which helps the eye travel across the room uninterrupted, making even tight layouts feel spacious. Wall-mounted sinks can be paired with shallow-depth cabinets or open shelving to keep daily essentials accessible without occupying unnecessary space. This setup enhances style and functionality, making mopping or sweeping significantly easier.
2. Install a Pocket or Sliding Door
Standard hinged doors require a swing radius, which limits the use of nearby space. Pocket doors slide discreetly into the wall cavity, while barn-style sliders travel along the wall’s surface, freeing up valuable real estate. This allows for more flexible furniture placement or shelving near the entrance, giving small layouts a modern, seamless appeal. For privacy without bulk, choose frosted or textured glass options.
3. Utilize Recessed Storage Niches
Building into the wall is smart when cabinetry isn’t an option. Recessed niches in showers, above tubs, or beside vanities provide dedicated spaces for soaps, shampoos, and accessories without protruding. These niches can be customized in size and even styled with accent tiles or LED lighting for a luxurious, integrated look. They’re especially helpful in maintaining a clutter-free, minimalist design that feels personal and inviting.
4. Choose a Glass Shower Enclosure
Replacing a bulky tub or opaque curtain with a frameless glass enclosure immediately brightens the space. Clear glass allows light to pass through uninterrupted, eliminating visual barriers and making the room feel more spacious. For added flair, consider low-profile sliding glass doors or pivot models requiring less space. The clean lines of frameless glass also contribute to a modern, spa-like aesthetic, perfect for small spaces that need a dose of openness and elegance.
5. Optimize Lighting with Layered Fixtures
Good lighting is essential, but a single overhead bulb often casts unflattering shadows, especially in confined areas. Layering light sources—like vanity sconces at eye level, ceiling-mounted ambient fixtures, and subtle under-cabinet LEDs—ensures even illumination throughout the room. Consider dimmers to adjust mood and brightness, and select fixtures with reflective finishes to bounce light and enhance the room’s spaciousness.
6. Use Large-Format Tiles to Expand Visual Boundaries
Although it may seem counterintuitive, using larger tiles in a small room makes the area appear more expansive. Fewer grout lines create visual continuity, which tricks the eye into seeing a bigger, more open surface. This applies to both floor and wall tiles. Horizontal patterns can widen the space, while vertical installations can heighten it. Stick to lighter tones or subtle patterns for the most open effect.
7. Install a Corner Sink or Vanity
Traditional vanities may not be practical in narrow or oddly shaped spaces. Corner sinks cleverly utilize underutilized zones, leaving more space for movement. These fixtures often have innovative storage underneath, including curved fronts to soften visual edges and improve accessibility. It’s a practical solution that ensures full functionality without overwhelming a compact footprint.
8. Embrace Vertical Design Elements
Instead of spreading out, build up. Use tall storage towers, wall-mounted cabinets, and vertical mirrors to draw the eye upward and enhance the perception of height. This technique not only maximizes storage potential but also breaks up the horizontal lines that can make a space feel short and boxy. Ladder shelves, open cubbies, and floor-to-ceiling tile arrangements all help to reinforce a more expansive ambiance.
9. Add a Niche or Ledge in the Bathtub Area
Shelving that protrudes into the shower or tub zone often feels cramped. Installing a recessed ledge or built-in niche gives you storage without crowding the bathing space. Depending on your needs, these features can be designed to span the full width of the wall or segmented into smaller cubbies. Matching the niche tile with the surrounding walls or contrasting it for visual interest works well to unify form with function.
10. Select Reflective and Glossy Finishes
Light-reflecting surfaces enhance brightness and spatial perception. Choose glossy ceramic or porcelain tiles, polished stone countertops, and mirrored cabinetry to amplify natural and artificial light. Metallic accents—like chrome, brass, or brushed nickel—add depth while subtly elevating the room’s style. These finishes brighten darker areas and lend a clean, upscale look without requiring extensive structural changes—perfect for those seeking small bathroom renovation ideas on a budget.
11. Incorporate Multi-Functional Furniture Pieces
When space is tight, every item must justify its footprint. Look for furniture that serves multiple purposes—such as vanities with integrated laundry hampers, medicine cabinets with mirror fronts, or benches that reveal hidden storage. These dual-purpose solutions help reduce clutter and streamline routines, while maintaining a polished and intentional design. The key is choosing compact yet versatile pieces to support daily function.
12. Paint with Light, Neutral Hues
Color has a profound effect on how a room is perceived. Light shades, such as crisp white, pale gray, ivory, and soft blush, reflect light better, helping a room feel more open and airy. Choosing a monochromatic color palette—where walls, tiles, and cabinetry share similar tones—further enhances continuity and prevents visual fragmentation. Matte finishes add softness, while semi-gloss paints can gently bounce light, creating a fresh and balanced atmosphere.
13. Consider Wall-Mounted Faucets
Wall-mounted faucets are not only visually striking but also practical for small spaces. They eliminate the need for a wide countertop, allowing for shallower vanities or even console sinks. This configuration maintains a clean and minimalist look while adding a sleek, contemporary edge. Wall-mount signs enhance efficiency and simplify cleaning.
14. Use Open Shelving to Eliminate Visual Barriers
Enclosed cabinetry can feel bulky in a tight layout. Swapping solid doors for open shelves or glass-front options lightens the visual weight and encourages thoughtful organization. Arrange essentials in matching baskets, jars, or folded linens to maintain a tidy and intentional look. Open shelving also offers a way to introduce decorative elements, such as plants or candles, that elevate the design without occupying space.
15. Add a Skylight or Solar Tube
Natural light is a game-changer in small spaces. Skylights and solar tubes offer an excellent alternative if your layout doesn’t allow traditional windows. Skylights flood the room with daylight from above, while solar tubes use mirrors to channel sunlight through a ceiling opening. Both solutions dramatically enhance brightness, reduce reliance on artificial light, and make the room feel more expansive, especially effective in windowless or interior bathrooms.
16. Walk-In Shower vs Tub: Which Is Right for a Small Bathroom?
In a small bathroom, every inch matters—so choosing between a walk-in shower and a tub comes down to how you want to use the space. A walk-in shower is often the better choice, as it creates an open and airy feel, making the room appear larger. Its space-saving design improves accessibility and eliminates bulky barriers, ideal for compact layouts. While a bathtub can offer relaxation, it typically takes up more floor space and may crumple the room. A walk-in shower delivers a more practical and visually spacious solution for most small bathroom renovations.
17. Incorporate Bold Accents Sparingly
Compact spaces can still make a design statement—just in moderation. Consider adding a single wall with patterned tile, geometric wallpaper, or a rich paint color to create depth and personality. Limit bold elements to one area, such as behind the vanity or inside a recessed niche, to prevent overwhelming the senses. Pair with muted tones and clean lines elsewhere for a balanced, impactful look.
18. Install Compact, Elongated Toilets
Modern compact toilets with elongated bowls offer the best of both worlds: space-saving design and ergonomic comfort. These streamlined models often feature built-in water-saving technologies and, in some cases, integrated bidet functions. Their reduced depth makes them perfect for tighter layouts, especially when every inch counts. Wall-mounted versions are even more effective at maximizing legroom and creating an uncluttered appearance.
19. Streamline Fixtures and Hardware
In a small space, large or ornate fixtures can feel intrusive. Opt instead for slim, minimalistic fittings—think narrow spouts, compact handles, and low-profile towel bars. Matching the metal finishes across all hardware elements adds cohesion and polish. Brushed nickel, matte black, or soft brass finishes offer style without overpowering the space, helping to maintain visual flow and ease of use.
20. Rethink the Mirror Strategy
Mirrors are a designer’s secret weapon in tight quarters. An oversized mirror—especially one that extends to the ceiling or spans the entire vanity—multiplies light and reflects the surroundings, doubling the room’s perceived depth. Consider mirrored cabinets for added storage or try a mirrored wall behind the sink to amplify light sources. Framed, backlit, or irregularly shaped designs can also serve as subtle focal points that enhance form and function.
AP Advanced — Elevate Your Small Bathroom Renovation Experience
Ready to turn your small bathroom into a stunning showcase of efficiency and elegance? AP Advanced is your trusted partner in premium bathroom remodeling, offering unmatched craftsmanship and personalized service that brings your vision to life.
As a leading remodeling company based in Jacksonville, AP Advanced delivers full-service solutions tailored to your space, goals, and lifestyle. Our experienced team guides you through every stage — from inspiration and design consultation to material selection and expert installation.
Explore our beautifully curated showroom in Jacksonville to discover custom cabinetry, designer tile, high-end fixtures, and everything you need to create a space that’s as practical as it is luxurious. Whether you’re reimagining a modest guest bath or upgrading a compact main suite, we provide innovative solutions that maximize value, comfort, and beauty.
With AP Advanced, your renovation isn’t just a project — it’s a transformation. Let us help you create a bathroom that reflects your taste, enhances your home, and makes everyday living more enjoyable.
Small Bathroom Renovation Ideas That Deliver Real Impact
Making the most of a compact space doesn’t compromise style or comfort. With the right renovation ideas, even the smallest layout can feel open, modern, and highly functional. Prioritize intelligent layouts, clean lines, and finishes that reflect light to enhance the overall sense of space.
Simple updates, such as light-colored walls, streamlined fixtures, and clever storage solutions, can make a significant difference without overextending your budget. Whether you’re remodeling a small bathroom or your entire house, these ideas prove that limited space can inspire some of the most creative and rewarding design solutions.
Ultimately, a small space encourages more thoughtful planning. When each design element serves a purpose, the result is an efficient and visually appealing room that feels just right for everyday living.