@kmkane... The "old thread" comments, at least from ME... aren't for any other reason than letting some contributors know, that the advice they might believe they are giving, may be moot. I know that when I 1st became involved on Houzz, I was glad when someone indicated that I may be addressing a question which had probably been answered months (if not years) ago. Helped me "learn" to check the original posting date before blathering on about an issue someone was no longer interested in.

Hi pcmom, there are two of us but we would like to preserve the two bedrooms as the idea is to make this a rental property at some point. The apartment is in the middle of the city, so while proper kitchen is a must a large dining table isn't (counter seating is fine). Primarily I was wondering if there is a way to get rid of the "dead" hallway space and add some more closet space or open it up in some way to make it feel spacious. Thought about it for a while but couldn't think of anything :) so thought I'd throw it out here just to make sure I am not missing something obvious :)

When installing over top of old ceramic/porcelain be aware that you will most likely have to "sink" the old tiles in cement to do this. That means grinding down the tiles a little (rough up the surface) then the self leveling cement is poured and allowed to dry. The new floor is then laid over top. Vinyl is notorious for requiring EXTREMELY flat surface. A ceramic tile rarely has this requirement (grout lines and "high spots" around tile corners give problems). A glue in place tile is also going to have the same problems and the same solution = sinking the tiles in cement. This adds extra costs to the floor. A rigid floor like a cork floating floor can handle a bit more floor deflection than vinyl or laminate planks. If labour in your area is relatively cheap...you could probably have the tile removed and the sanding of the mortar done for the same price as coating in concrete. You will also have the luxury of being able to lay any floor you want once it is done AND you don't have to worry about increasing the floor height. It is possible to sink the ceramic in cement...but is it the most cost effective option? Maybe not.

I agree with Diane's ideas! Grey is a nice color. The only thought I had on having a corner sink cabinet, you may not be happy with it in the end. You have a little corner, and the sink may be too small for you in the end along with not having any storage space. If you can't find any curtains that you love, try a cheap roller blind for now. It will give you a visual look and an idea if you want to stay with a curtain or going a bit modern with a patterned blind or even a roman type shade. It could turn the cozy look into a clean modern look. Framed mirrors are expensive. Call a glass company in your area and have them give you a price on mirrors. It might be quite nice to take the mirror down, and replace the wall there with a complete wall mirror to fit, stopping the mirror at the vanity, and continuing the mirror across the vanity between the sink and window. It will make your bathroom feel much bigger, even though you wont be able to see in the mirror over the sink. Close up the vanity doors with new door. Use props first (white poster to cover up the doors) etc. before you buy anything! Stick on tiles are a great idea! They clean nicely and look great. Although I wouldn't go with the wood look. Your bathtub tiles are old fashioned, go with a stick on floor tile that is easy to look at, try to get samples first. Remember Gray is a sleek clean modern color. It is not a cozy country color. If you don't like the grey in the end, maybe a real pale blue or butter yellow (that would be more of the cozy cottage look).