Creative & Stylish Small Bathroom Renovations

Designing a kids' bathroom is all about fun and creativity. There are so many creative bathroom decor ideas for making a space not only look cute but also function well for your family for taking baths, brushing teeth, styling hair, and so much more. Before you begin the renovation, you'll first want to figure out your budget and the type of makeover that you need. For example, is it a complete makeover, a simple redo with new accessories, or a mix of both? This will help you decide the scope of your project.

When our sample homeowner purchased their current house, the kids bathroom was in the worst condition out of all the bathrooms. The brown linoleum floors were beginning to warp; the countertop and sink had turned yellow over the decades; and the hollywood-style light fixture was screaming “vintage” – but not the good kind. All these elements were original to the house from the time it was first built over 20 years ago.

To save time and money, the couple kept the existing plumbing systems and layout. They chose to focus on giving the room a cosmetic overhaul. Wanting a neutral space that would transition well as the children got older, the couple planned to stick to a calming color palette while introducing playful elements through textures, mixed finishes, and fun shapes.

The first order of business was to demolish all but the bathtub, which got a resurfacing treatment but was otherwise in great shape. To further improve the aesthetic value of that part of the room, they chose an extra-long, luxury hotel-like shower curtain with a classic waffle weave. The room had standard 8-foot ceilings, but the extra-long shower curtain instantly made the space feel larger.

One of the most exciting and aesthetically impactful updates was changing out the brown linoleum floors. When choosing tile for the floors, they wanted something fun and patterned. But because the space was not very large, the pattern needed to be a bit more subtle so as to not overwhelm the space. They settled for a matte ceramic tile that was waterproof, stainproof, dent-proof and scratch-resistant – ideal tile characteristics for a kids’ bathroom. The warm, predominantly greige pattern provided a nice contrast against the otherwise black-and-white color palette.

To juxtapose the cool chrome faucet, shower trim, and hardware, they opted for a brass and black three-light sconce and an arched mirror with round, decorative studs. Both the sconce and mirror have defining art deco elements, which added an element of playfulness to the space. Accessories like light fixtures and mirrors are a great way to bring in personality; plus, they are simple to switch out in the future, should you decide it’s time for a change.

To add visual interest to the wall between the door and bathtub, these homeowners changed the standard towel bar for a row of chrome towel hooks. They kept the styling minimal for the sake of young children and their curious little hands. A small scalloped tray – which was thrifted for less than a dollar – was used to corral the soap and a couple fresh blooms from the garden. The gray towels, with a similar waffle print as the shower curtain, added a bit of color and texture to the space.

Last but not least, they added a personal touch by featuring their daughters’ artwork as decor. After choosing paint colors that fit the overall aesthetic, the girls were given free reign in creating their own abstract art, which was then cut and framed with a white matte for an elevated look.

Note: Homeowners should expect to spend anywhere from $1,500 to $6,500 on a small bathroom remodel. The total cost for this specific project was $2,065, and the breakdown is as follows:

• Tile: $300
• Cement Boards, Cement Tape, & Mortar: $70
• Grout: $15
• Vanity: $900
• Soap Dispenser: $10
• Light: $120
• Primer, Paint & Caulk: $100
• Baseboards: $20
• Tub Refinishing Kits: $50
• Faucet: $65
• Hooks: $30 for 4
• Door Knob, Door Hinges & Stopper: $35
• Toilet Paper Holder: $30
• Artwork, Frames & Mats: $10
• Towels: $10 for 2
• Shower Rod: $10
• Shower Curtain & Hooks: $20
• Mirror: $180
• Toilet: $90

Please note the cost breakdown does not include tools or labor, so take those added expenses into account.

Oksana Strelkova is a passionate blogger who writes about intentional living and design. She has been featured on Domino.com, House Beautiful, Good Housekeeping, and many others. A wife and mother of two darling girls, when not designing or blogging, she’s usually redecorating their home or daydreaming of their next trip abroad (she and her husband have visited nearly 30 countries together). Follow Oksana's latest house flip on FOXYOXIE.com and Instagram.