Sometimes budget constraints mean you have to stay within a cozy footprint, but good design can still transform a claustrophobic and crowded attic bath into a bright and open-feeling room!

When we met this space the tiny footprint was made worse by the fact that both the toilet and shower were on raised platforms due to lazy plumbing choices by a previous remodeler. Our job was to create a design plan to makeover the existing master bathroom so that it feels more open, light and bright, trying to keep a $20,000 budget in mind.

The key to this successful transformation was in several important choices. First, we removed the upper portion of the wall dividing the sink area from the shower area, and replaced it with glass. Now you can see all that space when you walk in the room, and light floods in from the window on the other side of the bathroom!

Second, we used a light-colored palette — inspired by the homeowner’s beautiful ideabooks — to create an airy, bright feeling. The light surfaces bounce around the light from the window and wall sconces, and huge improvement over that old dark green color! It was a pretty color, but it chopped up the wall space in a way that made this little room seem even smaller and busier.

Finally, thanks to the talented team at Palmer Residential, we were able to eliminate those silly raised platforms! The toilet may be a “throne” but it doesn’t need a raised dais! ? We also used the same flooring in both the main vanity/toilet area and in the shower. Any small space will benefit from using the same flooring from area to area – it helps create a more open, spacious feeling, just like this client wanted.

Was is a success? Well, in the words of the lucky owner of this sweet little bath: “I can’t believe it’s the same bathroom!” What do you think?

If you have a teeny-tiny space, don’t despair – let’s see if we can help it live larger for you! We do work from a Tardis after all – we love making things larger on the inside! ?