This compact bathroom remodel was created from what used to be a narrow hallway — a clever renovation that makes the most of limited square footage. If you’re looking for a small bathroom renovation idea, this transformation offers practical solutions and fresh design inspiration.
Small Bathroom Remodel
Remodeling any space is a puzzle of function, aesthetics, and budget. Turning a dated or oddly arranged area into something attractive and useful requires creative problem solving and careful planning. When funds are limited, the process becomes a kind of creative engineering: prioritize what matters, find smart compromises, and maximize every inch.
If you enjoyed our previous renovation, you might remember the bathroom update we completed at our own house. We ended up using the same mirror in this project — a detail I keep returning to because it works so well in tight spaces.
Below I’ll walk you through this small bathroom remodel and explain how we reconfigured the layout to improve flow, light, and usability while staying mindful of budget.
Want to see more from this remodel project?
Brick Fireplace Makeover
Entryway Makeover (with built-in bench!)
This project was part of a whole-house remodel we completed last year in Reno, NV. Many homes in the area date back to the 1960s and 1970s and, while some have already been updated, the neighborhood’s main advantage is its location: it’s just outside midtown. Close enough for urban conveniences, yet quiet enough for everyday life.
I enjoyed collaborating with my dad on this renovation and turning the house into a more functional, livable space. One of my favorite parts of the job was reworking this small bathroom.
When we first toured the house, it was clear a previous owner had converted the garage into a small living area. Additions can be a great way to increase living space — but only when they’re integrated thoughtfully. In this case, the access to the addition was through a very narrow, low-clearance hallway that caused daily inconvenience, especially for taller occupants.
The narrow corridor existed because a small bathroom was tucked between the hallway and the kitchen. While the original bathroom was serviceable, its placement ate into valuable kitchen square footage and made circulation awkward.
Shop this small bathroom remodel
Before…
Our approach removed the old bathroom and the cramped hallway to open the addition up to the kitchen, creating a more open floor plan and better flow. With that new layout, we were able to reintroduce a small bathroom in the former hallway footprint — this time designed to be modern, bright, and efficient.
Space was extremely tight, so we had to be precise. We carved a sink niche between studs and located the toilet at the start of where the hallway had been. Every detail was selected to maximize perceived space and maintain functionality.
To keep the room feeling open, we chose a floating sink and a single hanging light. These choices reduce visual weight and help the small bathroom feel airy rather than cramped.
A black tile floor with black grout added contrast and character without a large price tag. Because this project had a tight budget, selecting affordable yet impactful finishes was essential. Small, thoughtful design moves delivered a fresh, contemporary result without overspending.