Plan Phase|Step 1 of 23
Take Before Photos
Document every angle. You'll want these for the reveal—and you'll be amazed at how much you forget about how things looked before.
Time Required
15-30 minutes
Cost
$0
Difficulty
Very Easy
Photos to Capture
Wide Shots from Each Corner
Stand in each corner and photograph the opposite side. Four wide shots minimum.
Entry View
The view as you walk in. This is what guests see first—it matters most.
Problem Areas
Awkward corners, dark spots, cluttered surfaces, dated elements.
Detail Shots
Close-ups of furniture, textiles, lighting, and decor you might change.
Photography Tips
- Natural light: Shoot during the day with blinds open. Evening photos hide problems.
- Don't clean first: Capture reality. A tidy version isn't the "before."
- Chest height: Hold camera at chest level for natural perspective.
- Landscape orientation: Horizontal photos show more of the room.
- Mark your spots: Use painter's tape to mark where you stood for after photos.
Why Before Photos Matter
- Satisfaction: You'll forget how bad things were. Photos prove progress.
- Decisions: Review photos when shopping to remember scale and colors.
- Sharing: Before/after comparisons are deeply satisfying to show others.
- Future reference: If you move or sell, documentation of improvements helps.
Pro Tips
- •Create a folder: "Living Room Before" with date. Back up to cloud.
- •Take a video walkthrough: Walk through narrating what bothers you. Future you will thank you.
- •Include measurements: Put a tape measure in photos for scale reference.
- •Note the time of day: Lighting changes drastically. You'll want to match for after photos.