Please explain what you mean by "modernize": gut the bathroom, improve plumbing, change the paint, or what. Have you settled on a budget?

The door opening is very narrow, and the bathroom is small. I would start with a pocket door, if possible.

More pics of the inside of the bathroom would help.

I stay in an apartment so There's minimal I can do. I'm looking for ideas with shower curtain, bath rugs and paint color.

My thoughts to modernize or "update" a bath is to use non-bathroom items. For instance, get real curtains in a pattern you like and hang from floor to ceiling on the tub faucet side. But, then get an inexpensive clear shower curtain to slide behind when you need it. (leave open to make the room feel more spacious). A tub caddy in teak wood across the tub with organic soap and would make it "spa like". Hang towels on coat hooks (maybe with jewel tone adornment) instead of a typical towel rack. Use tall metal flower vases (Ross, TJ MAX) instead of the short, squatty bathroom trash bins. A "real" area rug (runner?) and lose the rubber backed "bathroom rugs". You can get the rolled rubber to cut to size to keep from slipping. You can keep the bathroom rug hung over the tub behind the curtain for when you need it. Hang artwork on the wall above the commode for color and interest. A vase of fresh flowers, or a wood vase with sticks could work too. If you like color..paint the sticks any color you want.

I agree with Darzy and ditch the rubber-backed rug mats. Paint the bathroom a dark color, like a smokey brown.

Find a fabulous mirror and lush towels is coordinating colors. Hope that helps. Charmean Neithart

i will loose the curtain and put glass!! for sure that is a modern touch, maybe add wallpaper :)

Gut out bathroom. Install large 12x24 or 9x24 porcelain tiles ( so many modern colors to choose from). Install tiles the long way, perpendicular to to the tub. This will draw your eye and give the bathroom a feel to be longer than it is. Decide on keeping a tub or turning it into a shower, but definitely add glass and loose the shower curtain. By loosing the certain you will visually gain more space being able to see past the curtain. Add a wall mount faucet with glass tile.

If you are renting, you need to check with the owner to see if you can paint. Chances are good that if you do get permission to paint, you will have to repaint to the original color when you move out.

So concentrate on the fun parts: a new shower curtain with a large new colorful rug and a large piece of art for the walls. New towels can pick up a color in the shower curtain or art. $40 shower curtain, $50 rug, $50 art, $50 towels. Target and overstock.com have great selections at budget prices.

Darzy, where do you get extra long plastic curtains to line the extra long drapes to keep water off the floor? If you used normal height plastic curtains, you would see the plastic curtain rod below the rod holding the decorative extra tall curtains.

Hi!! Check Target, Westelm.com or worldmarket.com...they have some great items! :) Here's a few examples of shower curtains I found that are cute...depending what color/style you favor :)

Hi!! Check Target, Westelm.com or worldmarket.com...they have some great items! :) Here's a few examples of shower curtains I found that are cute...depending what color/style you favor :)

Here's some neutral or fun colors: :)

croge, you're right. You can either do one sided curtain with and attacd on the ceiling "part way" or do a dual rod..like these examples. I used a black rod for the curtain and a stainless steel/chrome rod for the liner. I have a black vanity that coordinated with the curtain rod.

I've been thinking of the extra long curtain solution and it seems to me the best idea would be to hang a double curtain track in the ceiling and the plastic shower curtain will be hung from chains in the track closest to the bath; and remain hidden when retracted behind decorative curtains

Good idea croge.