In a master suite, you're designing for luxury and function. In a small guest bath or powder room, you're designing for impact. You're not selling space; you're selling an experience.
I had a client with a tiny, 5x8 guest bath. It was dark, cramped, and they were convinced it was a lost cause. They just wanted to "replace the tile" and be done. We asked them to trust us and let us re-imagine the space itself.
First, we replaced the bulky 24-inch vanity with a 24-inch wall-hung vanity. By lifting it off the floor, the room's footprint suddenly looked twice as big. Second, we used large-format (24x48) tiles for the floor and shower walls. Fewer grout lines trick the eye into seeing a larger, more seamless surface. Third, we replaced the tub with a curb-less, walk-in shower with a single, clear glass panel. No frame, no curb, no visual "stop."
We didn't add a single square inch, but the room felt completely different. It went from a cramped box to a custom, spa-like space.
My professional recommendation: Don't be afraid to go bold in a small bathroom. Use the large-format tile. Use the "busy" wallpaper (it actually creates depth). Most importantly, talk to your contractor about wall-hung (floating) fixtures. A floating vanity or toilet is the number one secret to making a small bathroom feel open, airy, and custom.