Small Bathroom Remodel Problems? Fix Them Fast With These Designer Moves
Let’s face it: remodeling a small bathroom can feel like trying to stage a Broadway show in a broom closet.
You’re dealing with tight corners, no storage, terrible lighting, and that one cabinet door that always hits your knee.
But here’s the truth—small bathrooms don’t have to be a design nightmare.
They can be jewels of your home—you just need the right fixes, fast.
In the spirit of Genevieve Gorder’s signature approach—emotional, elegant, and refreshingly bold—here are the most common small bathroom remodel problems and the designer moves that solve them.
🚫 Problem 1: “There’s Literally No Space for Storage”
✅ Designer Move: Use Vertical Space Like a Pro
When floor space is limited, your walls become your best friends. Think:
Floating vanities with open shelving underneath
Recessed medicine cabinets (hello, sleek!)
Built-in niches in the shower or above the toilet
Towel bars on the back of doors or wall-mounted hooks instead of standing racks
📦 Bonus tip: Swap a clunky vanity for a wall-mounted sink and add a built-in cabinet above the toilet for an instant space win.
🚫 Problem 2: “It Feels Like a Cave”
✅ Designer Move: Add Light, Bounce Light, Fake Light
Small bathrooms are often windowless or suffer from poor natural light. Fix it fast:
Install LED mirrors that cast clean, flattering light
Use large-format tiles in glossy finishes to reflect light
Choose light, neutral paint tones (white, sand, blush, pale gray)
Add under-cabinet lighting and swap harsh overheads for layered fixtures
💡 Designer trick: A strategically placed mirror opposite the light source can double brightness and make the space feel twice as large.
🚫 Problem 3: “My Bathroom Looks…Basic”
✅ Designer Move: Play With Texture, Not Clutter
Just because your space is small doesn’t mean it should lack style.
Elevate instantly with:
Textured tiles on one feature wall
Matte black or brushed brass fixtures (choose one tone and commit)
A patterned floor tile with simple white walls for contrast
Swapping your shower curtain for a frameless glass panel to keep lines clean
🖼️ Pro move: One large piece of art (not five tiny ones) makes the room feel curated, not cramped.
🚫 Problem 4: “There’s No Room to Move”
✅ Designer Move: Think Curves and Clever Layouts
Functionality is everything in a small bath. Time to rethink your layout:
Replace swinging doors with sliding or pocket doors
Choose a corner sink or corner shower to reclaim space
Opt for a rounded vanity to avoid hip-check bruises
Go for frameless glass shower walls to open up sightlines
✂️ Designer secret: Remove the tub entirely (if it’s not essential) and install a walk-in shower — instant space gain and modern feel.
🚫 Problem 5: “It Feels Outdated (and I’m Over It)”
✅ Designer Move: Pick One Luxe Feature to Steal the Show
Small doesn’t mean cheap. Even a petite bathroom deserves a moment of wow:
A statement tile in the shower
A vintage-inspired mirror with unexpected shape
Wall-mounted faucet paired with a vessel sink
Or a beautiful wallpaper—yes, wallpaper!—in moisture-safe material
🎨 Think of your small bath as a canvas. One carefully chosen focal point is all it takes to make the room unforgettable.
Final Thought: Stop Waiting, Start Fixing
A small bathroom remodel might feel intimidating, but in reality?
Less square footage means less risk, faster results, and way more fun.
Don’t get stuck in planning paralysis. The space isn’t going to expand, but your design choices can.
If your tiny bathroom is stressing you out, it’s time to take action:
Make a plan
Pick two or three high-impact moves
And partner with professionals who know how to make small spaces sing
Because honestly? You deserve better than bumping elbows with your towel bar every morning.
