Gather Inspiration
Save 5-10 bathroom photos you love. Look for achievable ideas within your scope.
Time Required
30-60 minutes
Goal
5-10 saved images
Focus
Achievable ideas
Why Gather Inspiration
Looking at bathroom photos helps you identify what you actually want, not just what you think you should want. You'll start seeing patterns in what draws you: specific colors, fixture styles, or overall vibes.
The key is finding inspiration that matches your scope. A refresh budget can't achieve a gut renovation look, but it can absolutely create a beautiful, cohesive space.
Where to Look
Search: "bathroom refresh before after", "budget bathroom makeover", "rental bathroom update"
Best for: Collecting ideas in boards, seeing before/after transformations
Search: #bathroomrefresh #budgetbathroom #diybathroom #bathroombeforeandafter
Best for: Real people, real budgets, authentic transformations
Houzz
Filter by: Small bathrooms, budget-friendly, specific styles
Best for: Professional photos with product sources
Home Store Lookbooks
Check: Home Depot, Lowe's, IKEA bathroom galleries
Best for: Realistic options with prices attached
What to Look For
Achievable in a Refresh
- • New paint colors
- • Updated fixtures
- • Different lighting
- • Fresh accessories
- • Clean grout/new caulk
- • Coordinated textiles
Requires Renovation
- • New tile
- • Different tub/shower
- • Moving plumbing
- • New vanity cabinet
- • Different layout
- • New flooring
Analyze Your Saved Photos
Look for common colors
What wall colors, towel colors, and accents keep appearing? This tells you your preferred palette.
Note fixture finishes
Are you drawn to matte black, brushed nickel, brass? Pick one finish family and stick with it.
Identify the vibe
Spa-like and serene? Modern and minimal? Warm and cozy? Name your style.
Spot the details
What small touches make these bathrooms feel special? Plants, art, specific accessories?
Pro Tips
- •Look at similar sizes: A huge spa bathroom won't help you refresh a small guest bath.
- •Find before/afters: These show what's actually achievable and give realistic expectations.
- •Save specific elements: Note why you saved each photo - was it the mirror, the lighting, the color?
- •Limit yourself: Too many options leads to paralysis. 5-10 images is plenty.