The view from the 25th floor sold me instantly. It swept across the city skyline and over the lake, glittering by day and glowing by night. That view convinced me to sign the lease on my first apartment in the early 1980s.
It was a tiny studio—barely bigger than a matchbox—and more than I could comfortably afford, but I never once resented the rent. I was paying for that view, and it was worth every penny.
Though decades have passed, I still remember that little apartment in vivid detail.
I painted the walls a soft gray with muted salmon pink accents that flowed into the bedroom space. My one big splurge was a modern, oversized floral couch—comfy and dramatic. Black shelving and matching Venetian blinds completed the look, striking a minimalist but stylish balance. Even my tiny eat-in kitchen had charm, dressed up with black, gray, and burgundy linens I found on sale.
The whole space came together beautifully—except for one room: The bathroom.
I remember nothing about it. Looking back, I realize I treated the bathroom as an afterthought. I probably painted it a color I liked and then hurriedly bought a shower curtain, bath mat, and towel set that only vaguely worked together. Sometimes I’d hang art that I loved, only to find it warped in the humidity or clashed with the space entirely. I had no plan. No vision. And it showed.
That experience taught me something that’s shaped how I design bathrooms to this day:
Small Space, Big Style: 3 Essential Steps to a Beautiful Bathroom
1. Start with the Shower Curtain
If the bathroom has a star, it’s the shower curtain. It takes up visual real estate and sets the tone for the entire space.
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Don’t rush the choice. Find a curtain that feels like you—a piece you’re genuinely excited about.
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Look for one that delights you with its texture, colors, or pattern. Hang it up and live with it for a few days. You’ll start noticing subtle tones and textures that weren’t obvious at first glance.
2. Pick the Paint Color After the Curtain
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Let your curtain guide your color palette. Its hues will lead you to the perfect wall color.
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Bring it with you when choosing paint. Ask a store associate to help you find complementary tones, and invest in a few sample pots to test at home.
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Paint a swatch or two and observe it throughout the day. Remember, paint always dries darker than it looks wet.
3. Add Accessories Last
Once your curtain is up and the paint is dry, the rest will fall into place.
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You’ll know instantly if your current towels and bath mat work—or if they need replacing.
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With the foundation in place, adding artwork, storage, or even upgrading fixtures becomes easier and more focused.
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Everything you bring into the room from here on in should support the look you’ve already created.
Bathrooms might be small, but they deserve just as much attention as any other space. Starting with one bold, beautiful element—the shower curtain—can transform the entire room. And who knows? It might just become the part of your home you love most.
