Modern DIY Bathroom Remodel Ideas for Homes of Any Size
Discover modern DIY bathroom remodel ideas that work for homes of any size, with smart layouts, budget friendly upgrades, and stylish finishes.
Bathroom remodels are perhaps one of the most commonly done interior projects. It makes sense, too, because they are smaller than the rest of the rooms, yet they are central to one’s daily routine. That’s why a good remodel can not only enhance the bathroom’s looks but also improve its functionality, comfort, and overall ease of use.
Whether you’re working with a spacious master bath or a compact guest bathroom, some smart design choices and utilities can make a tremendous difference without blowing your budget.
If you are looking to do a DIY style remodel for your bathroom, then here are some ideas that work for homes of any size, with specific tips for both large and small bathrooms.
DIY Remodel Ideas for Large Bathrooms
Large bathrooms are spacious; therefore, they offer a lot of flexibility in how you can remodel them. Here are some examples of how you can improve them via a remodel.
1. Create a Visual Focal Point
A large bathroom needs a statement piece as a visual focal point. This is the centerpiece that attracts attention as soon as you walk in. The good thing is that you have a lot of choice regarding which utility you want to turn into the focal point.
Here are some examples:
A free-standing tub
An intricately designed shower wall
Bold tile patterns in a small area.
Fancy bathroom vanity
Large framed mirror
Things like a free-standing tub or a shower stall can be placed away from the walls (if there is enough space) to create a luxurious and high-end feel. The best part is that none of these things requires complex construction.
2. Upgrade to a Double Vanity
Since remodels aren’t just about looks but also function, installing a better bathroom vanity can help you out. Since we are talking about large bathrooms, you should opt for premium bathroom vanities that come with features like:
Double sinks
High-end finishes that resist moisture
Soft-close drawers
Built-in lighting to provide some ambiance
A double vanity (with two sinks) is great for larger bathroom spaces because it allows multiple people to do their routines without getting in each other’s way. It also provides a luxurious and decadent look to the bathroom, which is so trendy today.
3. Design a Spacious Walk-In Shower
Large bathrooms are perfect for walk-in showers with bench seating, built-in niches, and multiple showerheads.
Here’s another great idea for a remodel: a walk-in shower. Large bathrooms have the space to accommodate a walk-in shower when the floor plan is well-designed.
So, you can create one during your remodel and add features like:
Bench seating
Multiple shower heads
Built-in niches for storing shampoos, conditioners, etc.
With some simple framing and waterproofing techniques, experienced DIYers can easily do this and make their bathroom look lavish.
4. Add an Accent Wall
A small touch that has a big impact is an accent wall. Instead of keeping the entire bathroom in mono or duo tones, you can make one wall different from the rest by adding textured tiles, wood panels, or different colors.
This breaks up empty space and, of course, adds some personality to the interior. It is one of the most cost-effective ways of achieving these effects.
5. Include a Functional Zone
Last, but not least, you can add a separate zone in the bathroom where you can set up a dressing area, makeup station, or linen storage. Such an area makes the bathroom feel more intentional and makes it more practical for daily routines.
DIY Remodel Ideas for Small Bathrooms
Smaller bathrooms don’t have the space to do big-budget stuff, but that doesn’t mean they can’t compete in luxury and practicality. Here are some smart ideas to make even smaller bathrooms have a big impact.
1. Use Floating Fixtures
To maximize the space available in a small bathroom, you should use floating fixtures. That includes vanities, toilets, sinks, and any cabinets you have in the bathroom.
Floating fixtures look elegant and smart. The space they leave on the floor not only looks visually light, but is easier to clean as well. Many luxury outlets for interior decor provide premium bathroom vanities, toilets, and cabinets that can be affixed to a wall to create the floating effect.
This is one idea that you should definitely try.
2. Maximize Light and Reflection
Another way to make the small bathroom feel spacious is to use lighting and reflection to your advantage. To do that, you can install light strips, extra light fixtures, and some mirrors in the bathroom.
Light strips should go behind mirrors and under floating vanities and cabinets. Install large mirrors above the vanity and try to make it span the length of the entire wall. This makes the room look twice as large. Finally, light bulbs should cast light on the vanity from around the mirror.
This approach is easy because it doesn’t require you to alter the layout in any way.
3. Choose Frameless Shower Enclosures
Opaque shower enclosures can make the bathroom feel even smaller than it really is. To avoid that feeling, you can replace the stall with glass shower panels. These reduce visual barriers and make the space feel as spacious as it really is.
4. Go Vertical With Storage
Since there is not a lot of horizontal space in a small bathroom, you can use verticality to your advantage instead. To be clear, we are talking about storage here.
Vertical cabinets, recessed shelves, and wall niches are all great options to get storage space for linen, cosmetic items, and toiletries. They don’t take up the walk space and allow you to use your bathroom in a functional way.
Best of all, they are easily doable on a weekend.
5. Install Space-Saving Fixtures
You can also save more space by using space-saving fixtures. Common examples of these include the following:
Compact sinks
Narrow vanities
Corner toilets
All of these are designed specifically for smaller bathrooms; as such, they don’t compromise on functionality while also saving space.
You can find such fixtures easily in most outlets, both in-store and online, so it's quite easy to acquire them for the remodel.
Final Thoughts
DIY bathroom remodeling doesn’t need a complete overhaul to be effective. Smart upgrades and some elbow grease can go a long way. Simply upgrading some fixtures can improve how you use the bathroom in your day-to-day life.
Whether you are remodeling a smaller bathroom or a large one, some choice fixtures, good aesthetic sense, and the will to do the upgrade will help you remodel smartly.
Use the remodel ideas listed in this guide to get started and make your bathroom remodel a success.