Bathroom

How To Make A Small Bathroom Feel Bigger

Today, I’m excited to share a project that we’ve been hinting at for a while but never had the chance to have professionally photographed … until now. I’m thrilled to finally reveal this cool bathroom space and walk you through the design details that make it special. Our goal here is to show you how to make a small bathroom feel bigger, so read on for our best tips!

This project was for a virtual client from Portland, Oregon, in a beautiful area (our old neighborhood when we lived there), Montclair in Raleigh Hills. These are repeat clients, and dear friends of ours, so it always feels good when we have customers coming back to our services and asking us for more help! We faced an interesting challenge: designing a bathroom that serves as a teenager’s bathroom and as a guest bathroom for overnight visitors. Given the small space, our goal was to make a big impact without overwhelming the room. We wanted it to be playful enough for a soon-to-be teen, yet sophisticated enough for guests.

As you can tell from the “before” images, it was a really cute bath, but it was time for an update. Our aim was to give it a more mature feel while keeping it fresh and fun. We retained the existing layout, but introduced new materials and design elements to transform the space.

Making a Small Space Feel Bigger

One of our key strategies was the all-glass/mirrored wall above the vanity. This design choice was intentional to create the illusion of a bigger space. In a small bathroom, visual tricks like this can make a world of difference. The mirrored wall opens up the room, making it feel airy and expansive.

Photograph: Zee Wendell

Clever Storage Solutions That Will Make Your Bathroom Feel Bigger

Storage was another critical aspect we had to address. As you can see, the vanity design lacks storage for smaller toiletry items, so we opted to inset the medicine cabinets, providing much-needed space for essentials. Additionally, a well-placed shelf acts as a convenient spot for stacking towels, while baskets below can stow away hair dryers, toilet paper, and other necessities. These small yet significant touches help keep the bathroom organized and functional.

A Pop of Color and Texture

The green tile from Zia Tile is obviously the showstopper. We love that pop of color! In a small space, bold choices like this can define the entire room. The vibrant green tiles add a lively and fresh vibe, making the bathroom feel modern and inviting.

Photograph: Zee Wendell

Grand Features in a Small Space

Another standout feature is the trough sink, fabricated out of soapstone. The original bathroom had two separate sinks, which, while practical, made the space feel cramped. By incorporating just one larger trough sink, we achieved several benefits: it made the space feel bigger, provided more counter space, and gave the bathroom a more luxurious feel. We were thrilled with how this element came together. The black-on-black plumbing fixtures blend seamlessly into the design. The different finishes add subtle interest without overwhelming the space.

Photograph: Zee Wendell

Classic and Timeless Elements

The Carrara marble floors add a classic touch that sets off the other materials beautifully. This timeless element provides a neutral base that complements the bolder features of the design.

Adding Layers of Texture

To add another layer of texture and interest, we incorporated tongue-and-groove siding on just two of the walls. This detail not only adds depth, but also ties the entire design together, giving the room a cohesive and polished look.

***

This bathroom redesign demonstrates how thoughtful design can transform even the smallest of spaces. By combining clever storage solutions, bold design choices, and classic elements, we created a multifunctional bathroom that feels both spacious and inviting. We hope you love this transformation as much as we do!

Join the Conversation

get inspired
#clouzhouz
follow along
@clouz_houz
We built this life on love, hard work, and a whole lot of dreaming.
I was 17 when I met Derrick. The thought of that alone makes me teary. I don’t think you ever really grasp how much life you’ll walk through with someone when you first fall in love—how many versions of yourselves you’ll grow into, how much change you’ll experience together.
Somewhere between then and now, we have built a life. One that looks nothing like we thought it would, but one I wouldn’t trade for anything. 27 years married, three kids, countless homes, and more chapters than I can count. It hasn’t always been easy. We’ve had to start over, take leaps of faith, and rebuild from scratch. When Derrick lost his job several years ago, we had a choice—to let it break us or to build something new. So we built. A business, a dream, a life that feels deeply ours.
And somehow, through all of it, he’s still my favorite person. The one I want to tell every little thing to, the one who makes me laugh when I need it most, the one I choose—over and over again.
So if you’re new here, welcome! This is us. A family who believes home should be a place where you want to linger longer. Thoughtful design, cozy spaces, and a lot of heart. Oh, and meet Lucy—our golden retriever who thinks she runs the place.
And if you don’t know this song… you’re definitely younger than us. 😉 
Happy Valentine’s Day to all the other love stories out there!❤️
Life is Short. Make it Beautiful. ✨✨
Comment ‘Bedding’ and we’ll send you a roundup of some fun ideas for Spring bedding!
 
Simplicity is never dull when done right. With natural fibers and earthy tones, simple designs exude effortless luxury and calm. 
Right now, I’m loving the balance of crisp whites, warm linens, and soft tonal layers that make the bed feel inviting without overpowering the space. A neutral base gives you the flexibility to play with different looks throughout the year—whether that’s swapping out pillow covers, adding a heavier throw in winter, or mixing in lighter, airier fabrics in the warmer months.
One new addition I’m loving? This velvet bolster pillow in a muted mocha with piping. It adds just the right amount of shape and contrast while still feeling soft and tonal. Bolsters are such an underrated styling piece—they help define the bed and create a polished, finished look without feeling overly styled.