The Before & After of a Small Bathroom Remodel
- Date: May 12, 2025
- Author: Ken Combs, CEO / Owner
Bathroom remodeling projects are often at the top of homeowners’ to-do lists—not only because they enhance everyday comfort and functionality, but also because they can significantly increase a home’s overall value. But what happens when the bathroom you want to remodel is small? Limited square footage can present challenges, especially when you’re working within a budget. Fortunately, with the right approach and design strategy, even the smallest bathrooms can be transformed into beautiful, efficient, and inviting spaces.
Small bathroom remodels are all about maximizing space without compromising style. Simple yet impactful upgrades like updated light fixtures, modern sink faucets, sleek storage solutions, and fresh tile can make a dramatic difference. However, it’s important to make sure these elements not only function well in a small space but also blend seamlessly with the aesthetic of your entire home. That’s where thoughtful planning and expert design come into play.
At CQC Home, we’ve remodeled countless bathrooms—both large and small—helping our clients bring their dream spaces to life. Whether it’s a guest bath refresh or part of a whole-home renovation, our experienced team focuses on smart layouts, durable materials, and tailored design to deliver results that are both practical and beautiful.
One of the best ways to show what we can do is through our past work. In this featured small bathroom remodel, we helped the homeowners boost their property’s value while creating a cozy, spa-like retreat perfect for their guests. It’s proof that even compact spaces can have a big impact when designed with care and creativity.
Before
This home was built in 1986 and needed a designer makeover. The guest bathroom had a porcelain white tub with an outdated showerhead and porcelain soap container. The shower walls were decorated in faded white tiles with grey accents. A wall to wall mirror adorned the other side of the bathroom with bright fluorescent lights on top. Dark marbled laminate covered the counter with old white cabinets and the tile flooring was old-fashioned. There was nothing welcoming or inviting about this space and its style was purely functional.
After
CQC Home was able to give this guest bathroom a beautiful makeover, while coming up with cost-saving solutions for the tub and shower features. We kept the tub but re-glazed the porcelain with a white finish to make it shine again. The shower walls were updated with stone-like tiles and we installed glass shower doors for a sleek finish. The porcelain soap container was removed and replaced with a recessed hole in the shower enclosure. The shower head was updated, and we were able to use the existing plumbing fixtures to add a second shower head with a hand wand.
The vanity was upgraded with a white marble countertop and new greige cabinetry. Finished with satin nickel hardware, the vanity cabinets match the new shower tile perfectly, as well as match the aesthetic in the master bathroom. We removed the wall mirror and replaced it with a matching nickel finished mirror and warm track lighting above. A towel bar was added between the vanity and shower in the same satin nickel finish. The sink faucet was updated to a single hole vanity faucet and the flooring was also upgraded with new tile, truly capturing a modern elegance style.
This small bathroom remodel is just one of our many successful bathroom projects. CQC home has helped homeowners in Raleigh, Durham, Cary, and Chapel Hill with bathroom remodeling, kitchen remodel, and new addition projects. If you want to learn more, check out our remodeling process or discover new remodeling ideas from our galleries. Let us help you create your dream home today!


