How’s that for a title? We’re about 20% finished with this bathroom, but we’re sharing photos as part of the honest, work-in-progress story of our new house. A fresh coat of paint will go a long way — we’re torn between a soft gray and a warm mocha — and should help tie together the shower curtain, bathmat, and the charming vintage yellow tile. We also plan to add better artwork, a fun window treatment (perhaps a bright Roman shade), a new light fixture, and a few other tweaks that will hopefully elevate the room from “meh” to “wow.”

The practical news is that the bathroom functions perfectly and it’s clean. You can brush your teeth, take a shower, and use the facilities without issue. The previous owners left the house in meticulous condition, so there’s no mildew or grime to tackle — a welcome bonus. Now for the details:

Yes, I folded the toilet paper into a little triangle like a hotel. I know it’s a small thing, but little touches like that make the space feel intentional and welcoming.

This is a very small room — you can stand at the sink and touch all four walls. Because of the limited space, we focused on practical, compact solutions. I added a small clear acrylic trash can to the left of the toilet, which tucks neatly out of the way. In the shower we used a suction-cup caddy to hold sample-size shampoo and conditioner bottles along with body wash, keeping shower essentials contained without cluttering the tiny ledge. A mini tube of toothpaste sits in a cup on the sink so guests have what they need without taking up counter space.

There isn’t much countertop to speak of, so we kept the toilet tank lid clear for guests to use as a place to set toiletry bags. Bringing in plush white bath towels, hand towels, and washcloths helped complete the tidy, guest-ready look. It’s not finished, but it’s certainly grandparent-ready — and that feels like a win.

To avoid a stark, bare wall, we hung some inexpensive placeholder art above the toilet: three framed food photographs we already had — cupcakes, grapes, and lemons. They add warmth and personality without risking damage to irreplaceable pieces from bathroom moisture, since they’re prints we can reprint if needed. Someday we’d love to create or find artwork that coordinates with the printed shower curtain and the deep teal of the adjoining bedroom for a more cohesive, pop-filled look.

When designing a small bathroom, functionality and flexibility matter. We offered both bar soap and liquid soap to suit different preferences, and kept everything intentionally minimal so the room feels calm rather than crowded. The focus was on easy, low-risk updates that add comfort and charm without extensive renovation.

Another small, practical improvement: the door is non-reflective, so you no longer get that awkward full-body reflection while sitting on the toilet. It’s a small change but makes the space feel more private and less self-conscious — a surprisingly meaningful upgrade in a tiny bathroom.

Overall, this bathroom is a tidy, usable space with personality and potential. It’s clean, functional, and welcoming now, and with a few planned updates like paint, lighting, window treatments, and bolder artwork, it will feel finished and cohesive. For now, we’re enjoying the progress and the little victories — like the hotel-style toilet paper fold — and looking forward to the next steps.