RENTAL RESTYLE: Small Bath Space Decor + Awkward Window Challenge

So you're renting, and the bathrooms aren't quite the same size as what you use to have? Lack of storage space? Lack of wall space? Just lack of space - period? Here's a few small changes I made to one of our now small bathrooms. We had 2 1/2 bathrooms before, offering both space + storage. Now we've gone to two, probably the size of our master bathroom before. But we still made the best of it with style + storage and for only the expense of a new set of bath towels - found on clearance for only $6.49...

How it was done:

 Used left over paint from another room in the house.

(This helps with consistency + flow of colors in the home.)

 Hid an awkward window with a picture (I already had - picked up at HomeGoods back in FL)  Adds style + privacy.

 Added cabinet door knobs - re-used - saved from drawer pull switch in Florida kitchen transformation (no handles on doors before)

 Added 2 floating shelves for storage + simple decor (from Target)

 Used a pair of 84" white window panels as shower curtain to add height to the small space. (had gotten at HomeGoods in FL - previously used in yoga room there)

 Picked up a fresh white set of towels w/grey stripe banding (on clearance

for only $6.49 at Ross) to display on towel bar. Folded extra set of white towels from HomeGoods) for shelves.

 Mixed in collected treasures from FL (the starfish + shell) plus

personal photos of Florida beaches I framed.

 Green sea grass brings a touch of life to the small space + relates to the coastal feel

(vs. using flowers) Smokey grey glass vase from HomeGoods FL.

Space before:

Tested picture sizes + content.

Saving the Ikea ocean prints for silver frames in the guest room.

Space after:

 Post update: 

Shared on HomeGoods collaboration Pinterest board - Happy By Design.

 

ReUsed one of the two white & silver soap pumps from our FL master bathroom here for the guest bathroom. Smokey grey glass vase & soap-pump from HomeGoods FL.

Previously, I'd use these coastal pics + decor only during the summer while we were living in Florida... But since our move to Arizona, using these items in our rental home helps bring a sense of connection to places we've been to.  And what better place to feel connected than the bathroom? lol Just kidding, but my point is that every room, no matter the size, is now an expression of us in our new home.

FL Townhome - Guest Bath

FL Townhome 1/2 Bath

FL Townhome Master Bath



Since our guest bath now is on the first floor, adjacent to the guest room, I used the medicine cabinet for storage of all the hotel samples we've collected and great for guest use. I've condensed almost 1/2 of the sheets and towels we had by donating them to Goodwill. Since I don't have the cabinet space I had before for the sheets and towels, I have them in a small linen closet just outside the bedroom.

From the second bathroom:

An eteger can help give storage space in a small bathroom.

Also from the second bathroom: Hooks replaced a standard towel bar.

Repainting an outdoor metal table (from HomeGoods) gives a space for a bowl to hold hair ties or rings.

From the first floor bathroom:

Building a small space with a neutral base allows for eeasy updates later: for example punch it up with red at holiday, or orange for fall.

Simple framed photos helped personalize the space.

Above photo I shot in St. Augustine back in about 2004.



Something else we had before in Florida were towel bars: in the showers, at the tub and in the water closet. Not having all that hanging space created a need for more folding space. Adding floating shelves helped give additional folding space in the guest bath. In our now (small) master bath, I used an eteger to help with storage space, plus we switched a standard towel bar for hooks. This makes everyday towels easy to get to, quicker to dry by hanging, and makes a functional display in a small space.

Rental ReStyle Recap:

1. Paint walls with an existing neutral color (grey)  2. Cover an awkward window with a picture 3. Floating shelves add storage + display 4. Window panels as shower curtains add height 5. Personal photos shot + framed 6. Details: greens - even faux - give life to a space + scented candle keep space smelling fresh. 7. Add door knobs to cabinet (these I had kept from when I switched the FL kitchen drawer knobs to cup pulls).

Before

After



A small space transformation like this can be done in a day. It's simple enough for a rental, or even a home staging if you need to sell. If you're looking for a simple weekend project for your home, this would be a great project to do, plus maybe add stencil or stripes to the walls for extra wow.

Thanks for stopping by!

LINKING POST TO:

DIY Showoff - Project Parade

Under the Table Dreaming - Sunday Showcase

Between Naps On The Porch - Metamorphosis Monday

Home Stories A to Z: Tutorials + Tips

Thrifty Decor Chic - April Before & After Party