Renovation Tips to Get the Most Out of a Small Bathroom

When it comes to a bathroom renovation in Hobart, small spaces often present big challenges - but also exciting design opportunities.

Limited square metres, tricky layouts, and the need for smart storage all come into play, but with a carefully considered approach, even the most compact bathroom can feel open, luxurious, and supremely functional.

At Nomac Built, we've helped Hobart homeowners reimagine small bathrooms in both older homes and new builds alike. 

Whether you're working with a tight ensuite or a narrow guest bathroom, a clever renovation can unlock space, light, and style far beyond what the floorplan might suggest.

As Zak and Tom, founders of Nomac Built, often say: “A small bathroom can often be seen as a limitation but another way to view it is as a design opportunity waiting to be explored."

"We have worked on countless small bathroom renovations and believe that these compact spaces often yield the most rewarding transformations, with some careful thinking".

"When clients come to us with a small bathroom, they’re usually worried it won’t be practical or stylish. But we love showing them what’s possible with smart design choices."

"Often, these rooms end up being their favourite space in the home, because they’re not only beautiful, but incredibly functional.” 

Rethink the Layout for Flow and Function

The layout is undoutedly the foundation of any successful small bathroom renovation.

Even small adjustments to how fixtures and fittings are placed can free up space and significantly improve usability.

For example, replacing a traditional swinging door with a cavity slider can make an immediate difference, removing a major obstacle from the floor plan.

In many older Hobart homes, often the layout simply hasn’t kept up with modern needs.

Updating the placement of the vanity or repositioning the shower can increase flow and make the room feel much more usable without increasing the footprint.

It’s these subtle shifts, guided by a clear understanding of how the space is used, that deliver the biggest impact.

Choose Space-Saving Fixtures That Work Hard

Choosing the right fixtures is also more than just about style, but about freeing up floor space, improving function, and reducing visual clutter.

Here are a few effective space-saving options we regularly recommend at Nomac Built:

• ‍Wall-hung vanities: Elevate the vanity off the floor to create a more open feel and easier cleaning access.
• ‍Recessed shaving cabinets: Tuck daily storage into the wall cavity, offering function without bulk.‍
• In-wall cisterns: These toilets have concealed systems that reduce the visual footprint and provide a streamlined appearance.‍
• Corner sinks or compact vanities: Perfect for awkward layouts where every inch matters.‍
• Slimline fixtures: Go for narrow depth tapware, basins, and fittings that give the illusion of more space.

Each of these elements supports a design that’s as smart as it is stylish, letting you move freely without sacrificing storage or comfort.

Explore our Hobart Bathroom Renovation services to see what fixture options we frequently install.  

Use Colour and Light to Open the Room

In small bathrooms especially, colour and light work together to shape the mood and perceived size of the space.

Light, neutral tones such as whites, soft greys, and muted greens help reflect light and visually expand the room.

These colours also evoke a sense of calm, turning even a tight space into a serene retreat.

Mirrors are one of your most powerful tools in creating depth and light.

A large mirror above the vanity or a wall-length mirror opposite a window can dramatically amplify brightness and make the room feel twice as spacious.

Clever lighting choices also play a huge role here, ceiling-mounted downlights provide general illumination, while soft under-cabinet lighting introduces warmth and depth.

And if your bathroom lacks natural light, strategically placed LED lighting can mimic daylight and soften hard edges, creating a calm, inviting atmosphere.

Maximise Storage Without Compromising Style

Clutter is the enemy of space - especially in small bathrooms.

That’s why integrated, unobtrusive storage is essential. Here are several smart storage solutions we recommend:

• ‍Built-in shower niches: Create a clean, recessed space for shampoos and soaps without encroaching on the shower area.‍
• In-wall cabinets: Recessed storage within the wall cavity keeps daily essentials hidden but easily accessible.‍
• Over-the-toilet shelving: Utilises vertical space that often goes to waste, ideal for storing towels or decorative baskets.‍
• Mirrored cabinets: Combine functionality with reflection to enhance both storage and the sense of space.‍
• Slimline vanities with drawers: Offer discreet, under-sink storage without adding bulk.

As Tom and Zac put it: “In small bathrooms, we’re always asking, where can we tuck storage into the design, so it’s useful but out of the way?” 

Zak explains “That the key is integrating storage so seamlessly that it enhances both the look and functionality of the space."

"Whether it’s a recessed cabinet behind the mirror, a built-in shower niche, or cleverly placed drawers within a floating vanity, the goal is always the same, to keep essentials within easy reach without adding visual bulk.” 

For Tom, “A well-designed bathroom is one where storage solutions feel like a natural part of the space, not an afterthought."

"The goal is a bathroom that feels clean, calm, and spacious, even when it’s in daily use.”

Get Creative with Tile Direction and Style

Tile selection and layout can be used as visual tricks to reshape the space.

Vertical tiles, for instance, draw the eye upward, making the ceiling feel higher. Horizontal tile patterns, on the other hand, can visually widen a narrow bathroom.

Opting for larger tiles with minimal grout lines creates a more seamless finish, helping the space feel less busy.

Using the same tile on the walls and floor can also create continuity, reducing visual fragmentation and giving the room a more open feel.

Rather than using busy patterns, many homeowners opt for a single feature wall- such as a textured tile behind the vanity - to add interest without overwhelming the space.

Light It Right for Function and Mood

Lighting is one of the most transformative elements in a small bathroom.

Poor lighting makes a space feel cramped, but the right lighting can dramatically open it up and elevate the design.

A layered lighting approach works best. Start with ambient light, recessed ceiling fixtures that illuminate the entire room evenly. Then add task lighting around mirrors for grooming, such as sleek sconces or pendant lights.

Finally, introduce accent lighting under vanities or behind mirrors to add depth and visual interest.

A well-lit bathroom doesn’t just look bigger, it feels warmer, more comfortable, and easier to use.

Frequently Asked Questions about Bathroom Renovations Tips

How much does it cost to renovate a small bathroom in Hobart?
Most small bathroom renovations in Hobart, fall between $8,000 and $20,000, depending on the scope of work and the level of finishes selected.

Can I fit a bath into a small bathroom?
Absolutely. A shower-over-bath combo or a compact freestanding tub can work well if planned carefully.

How long does a small bathroom renovation usually take?
Typically 2 to 4 weeks, though this can vary based on material lead times and the complexity of the design.

Do I need permits for a small bathroom renovation?
Not always. Cosmetic upgrades don’t require permits, but moving plumbing or structural changes generally do. Your builder should guide you through the process.

Is it worth spending on a designer or custom fixtures for a small bathroom?
In many cases, yes. Custom vanities or layout planning can maximise every inch of the space - something off-the-shelf options often can’t achieve.

Final Thoughts

A small bathroom renovation is all about working smarter, not necessarily spending more.

With the right fixtures, layout, colours, and lighting, even the most compact bathroom can become a high-performing, stylish space that adds real value to your home and lifestyle.

At Nomac Built, we believe small bathrooms deserve big attention.

Our team brings creativity, attention to detail, and practical know-how to every project, ensuring your renovation looks amazing and works beautifully, no matter the size.‍

Thinking about a bathroom renovation Hobart? Chat with us about how we can help you transform your small bathroom into a space that’s both beautifully designed and incredibly functional.