When Kim sent dramatic before-and-after photos our way, we were excited to share her bedroom-to-bathroom conversion. Below is her letter describing the project and the inspiration behind it.

Okay, Youngsters… I’m answering your call for before-and-afters. I’m not sure it’s drool-worthy compared to some projects, but this is my favorite room makeover in our house—our upstairs bathroom. We bought a foreclosed home a year and a half ago. The house was built in the 1930s, so it had many charming original details, but the prior owners had neglected it. It took about eight months to make the place livable, and we finally “finished” this bathroom in August. Of course, renovating teaches you that a space is never really finished.

When we started the project, the space was a tiny bedroom—about 6 by 11 feet. It was cramped and underused, but it had great potential to become a substantial and functional upstairs bathroom. My husband and our fathers handled most of the plumbing and electrical work, which saved us money and let us customize the layout to suit our needs. From the beginning, I wanted the final room to feel calm, practical, and a little bit luxurious.

I took inspiration from a favorite blog for the idea of open bathroom storage with baskets, which helped shape the room’s organization and aesthetic. I also found a shower curtain I loved from Ballard Designs and built the rest of the palette and materials around that piece. Once the storage and curtain were chosen, everything else—fixtures, paint, towels, and accessories—fell into place. The result is a tranquil retreat that combines vintage character with clean, contemporary details.

The transformation is impressive. Converting a narrow bedroom into a spacious, serene bathroom is a smart way to reclaim underused square footage in older homes. The layout now allows for comfortable circulation, generous storage, and a cohesive design that feels current yet respectful of the home’s age. The open shelving with matching baskets provides both function and warmth, making toiletries easy to access while giving the room a tidy, curated look.

Key design choices that contributed to the success of this remodel:

• Thoughtful layout: Reconfiguring the space to place fixtures where they make the most sense improved flow and usability.
• Open storage: Baskets on open shelving bring texture and organization while keeping essentials within reach.
• A focal point: Choosing a favorite shower curtain early anchored the color and pattern choices for the rest of the room.
• DIY labor: Having family help with plumbing and electrical work made the project more personal and cost-effective.
• Balance of old and new: Retaining period details where possible and pairing them with clean, modern finishes created a timeless result.

The finished bathroom has become a quiet, inviting space that reflects thoughtful planning and a clear design direction. It’s a great example of how modest investments and smart design choices can transform a tiny, impractical room into a lovely and useful part of the home. Thanks to Kim for sharing the photos and the story behind this successful conversion—her process and choices offer practical inspiration for anyone facing a similar renovation challenge.

If you’re contemplating a small-room remodel, consider how storage, focal pieces, and layout changes can dramatically improve both aesthetics and functionality. Small rooms often become the most rewarding projects when they’re reimagined with intention.