Bathroom Remodeling Ideas for Portland & Vancouver Homes

A bathroom remodel isn’t just a home improvement project—it’s a chance to transform a purely functional space into a personal retreat. Whether you’re working with a compact guest bath or a spacious primary suite, thoughtful design can elevate both form and function.

At Amplified Renovations, we help homeowners across Portland, OR, and Vancouver, WA, bring their bathroom remodeling ideas to life. Below, we’ve outlined creative design solutions for modern bathrooms, small spaces, lighting, layout, and more—all tailored to the style and challenges of Pacific Northwest homes.

Modern Bathroom Renovation Ideas to Inspire Your Space

For homeowners seeking a clean, contemporary aesthetic, modern bathroom design offers a timeless appeal. Minimalist lines, innovative technology, and thoughtful materials can turn an everyday space into something extraordinary.

Popular modern remodel ideas include:

Frameless glass showers: Sleek and open, they create a sense of space and luxury.

Floating vanities: These wall-mounted units make cleaning easier and give bathrooms an airy, uncluttered feel.

Backlit mirrors: Add ambient light and visual depth while serving as a striking focal point.

Smart toilets and faucets: Touchless technology improves hygiene and adds convenience.

Matte black or brushed brass fixtures: Add contrast and character while staying on trend.

These upgrades work especially well in homes with existing modern features, but can also serve as a bold counterpoint in older homes undergoing a full renovation.

Space-Saving Tips for Small Bathroom Remodels

Remodeling a small bathroom can feel like a puzzle—but with smart choices, even the coziest footprint can become highly functional and beautiful.

Here are a few layout and design tricks for small bathrooms:

Wall-mounted sinks and vanities free up floor space and make the room feel larger.

Pocket doors or sliding shower doors eliminate the need for clearance space.

Niches and corner shelves offer storage without bulk.

Light, neutral colors reflect natural light and open up the space visually.

Oversized mirrors can double the perception of space while enhancing lighting.

In Portland and Vancouver’s older homes—where bathrooms were often designed compactly—these techniques can dramatically improve day-to-day functionality without requiring structural changes.

Lighting Ideas That Transform Your Bathroom

Lighting plays a central role in any bathroom remodeling project. It's not just about visibility—it’s about creating mood, enhancing safety, and highlighting your design choices.

Recommended bathroom lighting ideas and strategies:

Layered lighting: Combine ambient (overhead), task (at the mirror), and accent (in-shower or under-cabinet) lighting.

Recessed LED fixtures offer sleek, energy-efficient solutions for general bathroom lighting.

Pendant lights or wall sconces bring character and warmth to your vanity area.

Smart lighting systems allow for brightness and temperature control—ideal for early mornings or relaxing baths.

Backlit mirrors offer glare-free task lighting and an ultra-modern look.

Lighting is often overlooked until the final design stage, but it should be part of your plan from the start to ensure wiring and placement work with your layout.

Creative Bathroom Layout Ideas for Better Flow

The right bathroom layout can dramatically improve comfort and functionality. During your remodel, consider whether your current configuration is truly working—or if it’s time to rethink the space entirely.

Some popular layout upgrades include:

Double vanities: Ideal for shared bathrooms and growing families.

Wet rooms: These fully waterproofed areas integrate a walk-in shower and freestanding tub into one open space.

Open floor plans: Removing a dividing wall between toilet and sink areas creates a more expansive feel.

Jack-and-Jill layouts: Shared access from two bedrooms, great for families with teens or guests.

Moving bathroom fixtures for better traffic flow or to meet accessibility needs.

In Portland and Vancouver, many older homes have unusual or cramped bathroom layouts. Remodeling presents an opportunity to modernize these spaces and align them with current lifestyle needs.

Before-and-After Bathroom Remodels from Real Clients

Want to see what's possible? Here are just a few recent before-and-after remodels we’ve completed in the Portland and Vancouver area:

Project 1: Liberty Street Primary Bathroom Remodel

Before:

Small, outdated primary bathroom in a 1900’s NE Portland Craftsman. There is no shower, a small and outdated vanity, and only a partial wall for privacy.

Work Done:

• We moved the door over 4 feet to create space for a full-sized shower

• We framed and drywalled the remaining 1/4 of the wall between the primary room and bathroom

• Installed custom glass in the shower to bring in maximum light from the pre-existing skylight

• Installed imported flooring tile from Italy

• Custom tile in the shower

• Installed a toilet and vanity in new locations to maximize space

• Added state of the art ventilation to reduce moisture build-up

After:

A beautiful and modern master suite with a 6x3 spa-like shower, 48-inch vanity, and maximum storage and free space for optimal functionality.

Local Remodeling Tips for Portland & Vancouver Homes

Remodeling in the Pacific Northwest comes with its own considerations—from moisture management to style preferences. Here are a few local insights:

Waterproofing is critical. Given the region’s humidity and rainfall, we recommend high-quality vapor barriers, waterproof tile backers, and sealed grout.

Vintage homes need special care. Many Portland and Vancouver homes have older plumbing or irregular framing that requires custom solutions.

Energy efficiency matters. Install low-flow fixtures and LED lighting to reduce utility bills and conserve water.

Northwest design trends: Earth tones, natural textures (like wood and stone), and warm, spa-like aesthetics dominate current remodeling trends in the region.

Hiring a local contractor ensures they are familiar with local building codes and climate concerns, both of which are essential to a successful remodel.