Homeowner & designer: Style at Home contributing design editor Christine Hanlon.

Problem: An outdated 48-square-foot bathroom–the only one on the upper level of this family of four’s 1920s Toronto home. “I’m sure the room hadn’t been touched in 30 years!” says Christine.

Goal: High impact on a low budget.

Wish list: More storage, more space, more style.

Design inspiration: Deco-style hotel ensuites.

Solution: To buy more elbow room without knocking down walls, Christine had the toilet moved a foot closer to the bathtub, a full-depth old radiator replaced with a slim, modern version, and built-in shelves installed between the studs on the side wall of the shower.

Best part: An all-white bathroom never dates. “If I decide I want to play around with a pink ikat shower curtain down the road, I get a new look for minimal investment,” explains Christine.
An open vanity
“An open vanity gives the illusion of more space,” says homeowner Christine Hanlon. To that end, she also replaced the clunky old radiator with a slim version that almost disappears against the white wall. The round bevelled-edge mirror was an inexpensive vintage find and its imperfect character provides just the right amount of interest.

Save: Standard sconce
Splurge: Ultra-slim radiator
Splurge: Vintage-look vanity

Polished chrome faucet
Christine decided on the classic, can’t-go-wrong combo of white and chrome. “For a family bath, polished chrome makes sense because it’s the least expensive finish and it won’t dull or tarnish over time like polished nickel does,” she says.

Save: Vintage mirror Glossy subway tiles
White is anything but plain in the new bathroom. Glossy subway tiles reflect the light and Carrara marble hexagonal tiles on the floor add visual texture. Christine’s inspiration? Art Deco hotel bathrooms from the 1930s.

Save: Original window treatment
Save: Low-flow toilet Extra storage space
A tiled niche between the studs on the side wall of the shower squeezes extra storage out of the small space. “Our linen closet isn’t large, so this nook gives us a place to store washcloths, towels and other bathtime necessities,” says Christine.

Save: Big box accessories

Unique toilet paper display
A vintage Chinese rice basket that Christine painted in a warm white holds extra toilet paper rolls – an unexpected artisanal touch that fits in perfectly with the neutral palette. “It’s a stylish and inexpensive storage solution,” she says.

Splurge: Marble floor tiles

Vintage gallery tray
A medicine cabinet beside the bathroom door provides handy storage. Christine placed a vintage gallery tray on its shelf to act as an attractive catch-all. The “S” hook, for Christine’s daughter, Sophie, adds a hint of personality.

Save: Basic medicine cabinet

Ruffled shower curtain
Christine hung a pretty, ruffled shower curtain just below ceiling height for added drama. To get the necessary length, she bought two ready-made curtains and used a part of one to add a horizontal “hem” of extra ruffles to the one she hung.

Save: Classic subway tiles
Splurge: Rain shower head

The colour palette: All-white bathroom inspiration

White is always fresh and forever timeless.




Pattern and texture on the floor create interest without dominating.




Ruffles keep things light, playful and feminine.




A glossy tile reflects light, and adds dimension.




Polished chrome provides the perfect hint of sparkle.