
Some transformations aren't about making a space bigger they're about making it work smarter. Not every design challenge can be solved by adding square footage; sometimes, the real magic lies in...
Some transformations aren't about making a space bigger – they're about making it work smarter. Not every design challenge can be solved by adding square footage; sometimes, the real magic lies in reimagining what's already there. That was the case with this 25-year-old Mumbai apartment bathroom, owned by a senior couple with little knowledge of interior design. In the hands of the right designers, however, the dated, underwhelming space was transformed into one that is both beautiful and highly functional.
This charming apartment bathroom, with its earthy colour palette, warm wood panelling, and sleek glass partition, wasn't always so inviting. Before the renovation, it was a dim, low-ceilinged space that felt dated and cramped. Mumbai-based Accent Bay Design Studio reimagined the bathroom using a brighter palette, thoughtful lighting, and modern replacements for outdated fixtures, completing the makeover on a budget of ₹3.08 lakh in just one month and 10 days.
The ceiling was damaged, with peeling paint adding to its worn-out appearance, while the dated pebble-print tiles made the bathroom feel cluttered, darker, and more cramped than it actually was. An open storage nook left toiletries on full display, contributing to visual clutter, and the overall space felt dull, claustrophobic, and in desperate need of a refresh.
The designers wrote in the caption, “Instead of chasing trends, we focused on what would matter years from now. Warm finishes, concealed storage, cleaner lines, better lighting, and a layout that finally feels effortless to use.” Speaking to HT Lifestyle, the team shared insights into the transformation process, explaining how replacing the dated tiles and bathroom fixtures, along with some structural upgrades, helped turn the once-cramped space into a functional bathroom.
They shared, “We replaced all tiles and bathroom fixtures. There was a tank that they had on the top, which had a leakage. Due to this the beams in the ceiling were all rusted. We moved the tank to a different location and made sure the plumbing was taken care of. This increased the ceiling height. Besides that, we used 4x2 matte anti-skid tiles, keeping the couple's safety in mind as they are senior citizens.”
The result wasn't just a prettier bathroom – it became a space that feels calmer, brighter, and far more enjoyable to use every day. A warm, neutral colour palette creates the illusion of a larger, more inviting interior, while thoughtfully placed lighting enhances the ambience, making the space feel open and welcoming.
This transformation is a reminder that great design isn't about creating a space that simply looks beautiful on day one. It's about making everyday living easier, safer, and more enjoyable for years to come. By prioritising thoughtful planning and functionality, this once-forgotten bathroom proves that the most successful renovations are the ones that continue to improve your daily life long after the makeover is complete.
Eshana Saha is a fresh face in lifestyle and cultural journalism, bringing a refined, multidisciplinary perspective to the intersection of entertainment, fashion and holistic wellbeing. With less than a year of professional experience, she has quickly adapted to high-pressure editorial environments and currently works full-time with HT Media. Prior to this, she interned for nearly six months with Hindustan Times’ entertainment and lifestyle vertical, where she gained hands-on experience in digital reporting, trend analysis and editorial storytelling. Based in New Delhi, Eshana specialises in comprehensive coverage of major cultural moments — from international film press tours to the curated aesthetics of global fashion showcases, award shows and music-centred events. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in English from St Xavier’s University, Kolkata, and a Master’s degree in English from the University of Delhi, equipping her with a strong academic foundation and a keen ability to deconstruct complex cultural trends into clear, high-impact narratives. Beyond the red carpet, Eshana has developed a growing focus on health and wellbeing reporting. She bridges the gap between celebrity-driven trends and practical, evidence-informed lifestyle advice, ensuring her work remains both aspirational and grounded in editorial rigour. She has extensively covered the health implications of Delhi’s air pollution crisis, while also playing a key role in amplifying expert-led insights on women’s health and mental wellbeing, helping translate complex medical perspectives into informed, impactful public awareness. An artist at heart, she explores multiple creative forms — from visual arts and music to culinary experiments — and brings a creative’s eye for nuance, texture and detail to every story. Whether analysing runway dynamics or examining emerging wellness movements, she remains committed to accuracy and the highest standards of contemporary journalistic ethics.Read More