Small Bathroom, Big Potential: Smart Design Tips for Compact Spaces

Remodeling a small bathroom in an older Maine home can feel like a puzzle—one with pipes, tile, and more than a few code requirements. At Arcadia Kitchen and Bath, we've worked on our fair share of compact bathroom remodels, and we know that just because a space is small doesn't mean the project will be. In fact, it often takes more strategy and creativity to get things right.

The first thing we evaluate with any small bathroom remodel is the layout. Can the plumbing stay where it is? Or do we need to move things around to meet code or improve flow? Moving plumbing is one of the biggest costs in any bathroom remodel, especially in older Maine homes where original layouts often don’t meet today’s building codes. So we always start with budget, layout, and code compliance before getting into the fun stuff.

It’s easy to assume that because a bathroom is small, the remodel will be simple or cheap. Unfortunately, that's rarely the case. Bathrooms involve a lot of trades—plumbing, electrical, tile, carpentry—in a very confined space. One of the most common DIY mistakes we see is skipping waterproofing or doing it improperly. At Arcadia, we only use Schluter waterproofing systems, and several of our crew members are certified in its installation. It’s one of those foundational investments that protects your home for the long haul.

There are a few classic design tricks that make a small bathroom feel more open: use lighter colors to reflect light and create a more spacious vibe, choose larger tiles with subtle grout lines to reduce visual clutter, add mirrors strategically to bounce light and expand the feel of the room, and opt for a shallower vanity (18" deep instead of the standard 21") to free up floor space.

But we also believe that design should reflect the home. In a historic Maine house, that might mean rich colors and classic mosaic tile. The key is to balance period-appropriate design with a smart layout and materials that won’t overwhelm the space. If you do go with a smaller tile, look for one with a soft, low-contrast pattern and match the grout color closely to avoid a busy, graphic look.

Storage is a common pain point in small bathrooms, especially if there’s no linen closet. We often convert existing closets into custom linen cabinets with drawers and doors—a much more efficient use of space. Other smart storage solutions include inset medicine cabinets, floating shelves, over-the-toilet cabinets, and custom vanities tailored to the client's storage needs. A well-planned cabinet or shelf can add a ton of function without taking up valuable floor space.

In smaller bathrooms, oversized fixtures can quickly overwhelm the space. We keep things clean and simple by minimizing plumbing fixtures in the shower area and often opt for a hand shower that functions as the main showerhead. When it comes to tile, plumbing fixtures, and lighting, we don’t have go-to brands so much as go-to principles: choose what fits the space, the aesthetic, and the lifestyle.

Lighting and mirrors play a big role in small spaces. Vanity sconces should be placed high enough to avoid casting shadows but not so high that they blind you. We always fit the mirror to the vanity and, when possible, recommend mirrors with built-in storage. We also recommend a neutral light temperature—around 3000K—for a flattering, natural glow. If you can increase natural light with a larger window, it's almost always worth the investment. If not, the right mirror placement can mimic the effect and add brightness.

Every remodel has surprises, but older homes are especially good at hiding problems behind walls—water damage, rot, outdated plumbing, or missing ventilation. We typically give a rough timeline of 8–12+ weeks for a small bathroom remodel, but that can vary depending on what we uncover. That’s why working with a team that knows how to navigate these challenges is so important.

If you’re considering a bathroom remodel in your Maine home, don’t let the size of the space fool you. Small bathrooms require big thinking. The best first step is to talk with a professional who can help you assess your space, your needs, and your goals.

At Arcadia Kitchen and Bath, we bring craftsmanship, code expertise, and creativity to every remodel—no matter the square footage. If you’re ready to make your bathroom work smarter and feel bigger, we’d love to help.