In a city like Toronto, where every square foot matters, transforming a bathroom into a space that feels both stylish and spacious can seem like a challenge. But with the right planning, smart design choices, and the right team by your side, even the smallest bathroom can feel open, fresh, and luxurious.
At Modern Day Solutions, we’ve worked with homeowners across the GTA, from downtown condos to older suburban homes, helping them turn outdated, cramped bathrooms into beautiful, functional retreats. Whether you’re updating your ensuite, refreshing a powder room, or reworking a family bath, here’s how to maximize both space and style.
Start with a Smart Layout
A successful bathroom renovation starts with one key thing: layout. The placement of your toilet, shower, vanity, and storage makes a huge difference in how your space feels. In many older Toronto homes, bathrooms weren’t built for modern living, so the layout can be inefficient or awkward.
By rethinking the layout, you can make the space more open, improve flow, and allow for better use of every inch. For example, swapping out a bulky tub for a sleek walk-in shower can open up floor space and make the room feel bigger right away.
Go Vertical with Storage
In tight spaces, vertical storage is your best friend. If you can’t go wider, go higher. Tall cabinets, floating shelves, and wall-mounted vanities free up floor space and add valuable storage.
Smart vertical storage ideas include:
- A medicine cabinet with built-in lighting and hidden shelves
- Wall-mounted open shelves for rolled towels or baskets
- A tall linen tower beside your vanity
- Hooks or towel bars on the back of the door
These additions keep clutter off your countertops and floors while still giving you easy access to daily essentials.
Choose Light Colours and Reflective Surfaces
In Toronto homes where natural light might be limited, choosing the right colours and finishes can work wonders. Lighter shades reflect more light and make small bathrooms appear larger. Consider soft neutrals, whites, or pale greys for your walls and tiles.
You can also bring in reflective surfaces like:
- Large mirrors that bounce light and create depth
- Glossy or high-gloss tiles that shine and make the space feel open
- Chrome or brushed nickel fixtures that brighten the room
Adding a frameless glass shower door instead of a shower curtain is another subtle trick that creates an uninterrupted line of sight and enhances the sense of openness.
Optimize Every Inch with Custom Storage
Off-the-shelf vanities and cabinets don’t always work in smaller or uniquely shaped bathrooms something that’s common in older Toronto homes. That’s where custom-built storage shines.
Our team at Modern Day Solutions can design vanities and cabinets that fit perfectly into your space, even in tight corners or under sloped ceilings. We build around your plumbing, fit shelving into alcoves, and ensure every inch is working hard to keep your bathroom tidy and efficient.
Upgrade to Space-Saving Fixtures
Compact doesn’t have to mean basic. Today’s bathroom fixtures are smarter than ever, combining style with functionality. When renovating a bathroom, consider swapping bulky pieces for space-saving designs.
Popular space-saving fixtures include:
- Wall-hung toilets create the illusion of more floor space
- Floating vanities with under-lighting
- Corner sinks or narrow-depth sinks
- Slim, tall towel warmers that replace wide towel racks
These choices help streamline your bathroom without sacrificing comfort or design.
Focus on Function First
No matter how beautiful a bathroom looks, it needs to function smoothly. Think about how many people will use the space, what kind of storage is needed, and how much time you spend in there daily. A family bathroom may need double sinks or extra storage, while a guest powder room can be more design-focused.
During our consultations, we walk homeowners through these practical details to ensure the final design works for their lifestyle, not just in the moment, but for years to come.
Add a Touch of Luxury
Just because you’re working with a smaller space doesn’t mean you can’t include a few high-end features. Small touches can create a big sense of luxury.
Try these upgrades:
- Heated floors for cozy winter mornings
- A rainfall showerhead or body jets
- Backlit mirrors with built-in defoggers
- Soft-close drawers and cabinets for a sleek finish
These little extras take your bathroom from basic to spa-like, even without a full remodel.
Keep Things Organized
Once your bathroom is renovated, keeping it organized is key to maintaining that clean, spacious feeling. Use drawer dividers, countertop trays, and small baskets to group items together. Consider built-in niches in the shower for shampoo and soap, instead of bulky caddies.
Having a “home” for everything, from towels to toothbrushes, ensures that your new bathroom stays beautiful and clutter-free long after the renovation is complete.
Final Thoughts
Transforming a Toronto bathroom into a space that feels both spacious and stylish is entirely possible, with the right approach. At Modern Day Solutions, we’ve helped countless homeowners reimagine their bathrooms with creative design, smart planning, and a focus on quality.
Whether your space is big or small, modern or traditional, we can help you maximize every inch while adding comfort, beauty, and long-lasting value to your home. Since 2012, our team has proudly served homeowners across Halton, Hamilton, Burlington, Oakville, Milton, and beyond, and we’re just getting started.
Thinking about updating your bathroom? Let’s talk about turning your vision into reality without compromising style or space.