A small bathroom remodel can completely change the way your home feels. This navy and neutral hallway bathroom renovation began as a practical decision and ended up being one of my favorite transformations. If you are planning a small guest bathroom remodel, I hope walking through this process from start to finish helps you feel more prepared and confident.
Author’s Note: This bathroom remodel took place at our former home on Sutton Place in 2020. This post has been fully updated and reorganized to combine all planning, progress, and reveal details into one complete guide.
This post may contain affiliate links. See my disclosure statement.
Why We Renovated This Bathroom
This hallway bathroom was original to our 1960s home. The tile, vanity, tub, and fixtures had all seen better days. While the kitchen renovation I had dreamed about was still waiting, it became clear that these bathrooms needed attention first. The space was small, outdated, and not very functional. Since everything was staying in its original location, we were able to focus on finishes and layout improvements instead of moving plumbing, which helped keep the project manageable. The only thing staying was the newer toilet. Everything else was removed down to the studs.
Small Bathroom Before
- Original 1960s tile
- Original vanity and sinks
- Cast iron tub
- Laminate flooring installed over tile
- Outdated shower fixture
- Original mirror
- An awkward linen closet with bi-fold doors
The Design Plan
When remodeling a small bathroom, restraint matters. I wanted this space to feel open and classic, not trendy. Because the room was small, I kept most surfaces neutral and allowed the vanity and floor tile to make the statement. The overall direction was navy and neutral:
- Navy vanity for depth and contrast
- Warm ivory and beige tile
- Oil rubbed bronze fixtures
- Subtle gold accents
The Navy Vanity
After searching for a ready-made option, I chose a custom navy KraftMaid vanity with Shaker doors. The color is Midnight, and it brought instant character to the space. Originally, I hoped for undermount sinks, but the depth of the room didn’t allow it. Even so, the final layout provides much more usable counter space than before. The cultured granite countertop in Sandstar has been incredibly easy to maintain. That low maintenance factor mattered to me.
Tile Selections
Choosing tile for a small bathroom remodel can feel overwhelming. I ordered multiple samples before deciding. The floor tile adds personality without overwhelming the room. I chose a darker grout color, MAPEI Driftwood, which helps hide wear and defines the pattern cleanly. Keeping the shower walls simple allowed the patterned floor to stand out in a balanced way. Here’s how the tile plan came together:
- 12 x 24 neutral porcelain tile for the shower walls
- Ivory penny tile detail
- Mosaic trim border
- Patterned 8 x 8 porcelain tile on the floor
Tub Surround & Waterproofing
One thing I learned during this remodel is how important proper waterproofing is. We used a Schluter waterproofing system behind the tile. It creates a fully sealed base for the shower and niche. This was not an area where I wanted to cut corners. We also had matching cultured granite slabs poured for the shower niche surround and the niche shelf. That detail gives the shower a finished look and ties everything back to the countertop.
The Linen Closet Transformation
The original linen closet had bi-fold doors and was nearly impossible to access. We removed the doors and installed open shelving instead. The shelves are generous in size and much easier to use. Sometimes functionality is the biggest upgrade of all.
Lighting & Finishing Details
Lighting makes a dramatic difference in a small bathroom. The double light fixtures above the mirrors draw the eye upward and help the room feel taller. Oil rubbed bronze fixtures keep the look grounded, while champagne bronze cabinet hardware adds warmth and contrast. One design decision I wish I had made differently was adding wall treatment behind the vanity. Shiplap or board and batten would have added subtle texture. Even so, the room feels calm and cohesive.
What Colors Make a Small Bathroom Look Bigger?
Light colors reflect more light and make a room feel larger. In this bathroom, I used neutral ivory tones on the walls and tile to keep the space open. Darker colors work best as accents in small spaces. The navy vanity provides contrast without shrinking the room because it’s balanced by light surfaces.
What Is the Average Cost of a Small Bathroom Remodel?
Bathroom remodel costs vary widely depending on materials and labor. Our hallway bathroom remodel came in at just under $15,000, including labor and all materials. Costs included:
- Custom cabinetry
- Tile and installation
- Waterproofing system
- Cultured granite countertop + slabs
- Plumbing fixtures
- Lighting
- New exhaust fan
- Organizational accessories: utility baskets | lidded baskets
- Paint: Sherwin Williams Alabaster
There were a few items that pushed us over budget:
- Cultured granite slabs for niches
- Waterproofing systems
- Baskets and storage solutions
- New shower fan
Lessons Learned From This Remodel
- Plan your budget carefully and add at least 20 percent for overages.
- Keep bold elements limited in small spaces.
- Waterproofing is not optional.
- Storage solutions should be part of the design, not an afterthought.
- If you love a design element, do it. I should have added a wall treatment.
Final Thoughts
We waited many years before renovating this bathroom. We raised our children, paid for college, and made sure our retirement was secure before taking on projects like this. When we were finally ready, I didn’t want to cut corners.
Would I do it again? Absolutely. The process was a learning experience, and the finished result made daily life better in ways I didn’t expect. If you’re planning a renovation, you may also want to see our coordinating small primary bathroom remodel, where we installed a pony wall shower and used many of the same finishes for continuity.
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How long did it take from start to finish please?
Hi Pat! From start to finish was 6 weeks. Most days my contractor sent 2 people…but sometimes just one since it was a small space. There were also a few days where no one came at all. So with a full crew, working 5 days a week, it would have taken about 4 weeks. Thank you!
Your bathroom looks great!!
Your bathroom is just gorgeous! Thanks for sharing it and the resources.
What a transformation. It so pretty!
Karen
Your new bathroom is so lovely. It is pretty and classy, yet practical. I especially love your choice of mixed metals. I’m seeing so many blogs today with an overabundance of everything done in gold/brass, with the explanation that it is timeless. However, I’m afraid that it’s being so over used that that will not be the case! The choices in your bathroom look far more evolved and timeless. Great job!
What type of tub did you put in? It looks deeper than the original.
Yes…the new tub is much deeper. I added a link to the tub in the source list. Thank you!
Ann when I went to the link for the shelf brackets, they look totally different from yours. Are they no longer available?
Hi Nanci…you have to scroll down the page to see all the different bracket styles. There are shelves, then the brackets. Thank you!
Lovely new bathroom. It looks like it belongs in your home. That makes it a five star winner to me. Don’t regret the ship lap. I think it has been over used. You have a classic and up to date bathroom.
Well it’s light ,lovely and peaceful. I know what you mean about regret. When I spend money now on a big project, I think about the cost over the many years I will have it. Once you amortize it out, it’s worth it. Now if you weren’t staying in the house, I wouldn’t do it. But if you are then do it and enjoy. You can’t take the money with you and the older I get the more I want to enjoy things. I didn’t get my All Clad pots until I was 64 and I LOVE them…so worth it.
As far as the ship lap, it will be a trend and I think without it, your look is timeless. You could always go back and add a wainscot or some board and batten for texture. I love all your choices. I just redid our hall bath with navy walls, white cabinetry, wainscot and trim, white subway and faux marble tile and LOVE it so. You could add texture by doing a print Roman shade instead of the more austere plantation shutters.
This bathroom is beautiful, classy and very pleasing to the eye! It gives me inspiration for my bathroom remodel. Was it hard to get used to two single mirrors instead of the large plate glass mirror? I struggle with not wanting to loose the light and spaciousness the plate glass mirror provides.
Hi Toni! I didn’t have any trouble switching to the double mirrors. Having the lights over the mirrors really helps brighten everything and adds a nice glow. Thank you!