10/06/2026
Even the smallest, simplest rooms have room to improve. Take the classic secondary bathroom. 5' wide by 8' long - basic - in almost every house in the US. Here are some very simple changes that make a big impact:
-move valve to the opposite wall of shower (or back wall when that works) so you can reach in and turn on shower without getting hit by cold water. We've heard contractors tell clients "this isnt possible, not to code" - a lie, its a little extra work, its not typical, but its certainly to code!
-we are removing a swinging or sliding glass door into this shower. We have the clearances, it makes getting in and out of this shower much easier. A slider is still an option, but the hardware is always clunky and we are trying to visually lighten the room
-upgrade the builder grade single can light... that was never enough light in a room you are getting ready in.
-when budget allows, we take the floor tile up the entire wet wall. It pushes the visual width of the room by eliminating material changes
-smart storage in the form of drawers in the vanity and a good medicine cabinet.
-we often prefer wall sconces on either side of the mirror (better even lighting on your face) but in a tight space we would rather do a lighted mirror than an above mirror vanity light.
-wall mounted faucet: when counterspace is already minimal, this is a great way to clean it up visual lighten the area. Plus, always easier to clean.
Then we play with material combos! By putting a darker tile on the back wall of the shower we are pushing your eye back through the space - its a visual trick to elongate the room. This works particularly well when you pull the neutral floor tile up the wet wall to eliminate material transitions. We also looked at pre-fab vanities for this secondary bathroom. There are great options on the market, and with the goal of a quick construction schedule, its a good way to tackle that.
Alright, back to work....Have a fabulous day everyone!
Cheers, RJI
