You don't have to tear down walls to get a nicer bathroom.
If you’re bored with the current state of your primary bathroom or have been dreaming about updating it for years, now’s the time to do something about it. Whether it’s too small, too dark, or simply too cluttered, there are bathroom remodel ideas you can pull off even if you’re not a celebrity or influencer to get the spa-like primary bathroom you deserve.
But before you go knocking down any walls or ripping out old tile, think through your plan for the space. Does your dream bathroom have a clawfoot tub? A walk-in shower? A double vanity? If those bigger changes aren’t in your budget, simple bathroom remodel ideas like painting the cabinets or reglazing the bathtub can make your space look and feel new.
These bathroom remodel ideas will help you find a direction. We pulled before-and-afters of some of our favorite designer projects that you can pin to your mood board and reference as you piece your project together. That way, you can go forward confidently, knowing you’ve seen the most beautiful bathroom remodel ideas and aren’t missing out on anything.
In search of more bathroom ideas?
- How to Design a Timeless Bathroom
- The Best Small Bathroom Ideas
- The 60 Coolest Bathroom Tile Ideas
1
Before: Too Small Sink
This bathroom has great potential and a functional layout, but the fixtures are dated and a bit awkward—just look at that funky triangular sink.
2
After: Modern Masculine
After a quick refresh, this powder room is so much more handsome. The bowl sink leaves room to wash hands without splash back, and rich olive green walls add drama.
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Related: 40 Powder Rooms You and Your Guests Will Love
3
Before: Very Vanilla
Designer Taylor Young originally described the interiors of this California home as “vanilla,” which is actually a great jumping-off point for customizations. This powder room felt a bit dark and drab, ready for Young’s punchy personality.
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4
After: Pattern Play
A bold wallpaper totally transforms this powder room—no layout changes necessary. A dramatic stone sink makes the space feel more modern.
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5
Before: Mixed and Unmatched
This bathroom was previously a hodgepodge attempt at adding functionality and storage, but the space was never maximized to its full potential. Plus, the dated fixtures were less than desirable for the new owners’ tastes.
6
After: A Punch of Color
This berry hue is the ideal accent wall shade, but would’ve felt too overwhelming on all four walls of his bathroom. To balance it, design firm Banner Day Studios opted for an oversize cream vanity with warm wood knobs.
Related: 35 Designer-Approved Bathroom Paint Colors
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7
Before: Too Much Glare
An awkward wraparound countertop and wall-to-wall mirrors made this New York City bathroom feel dated and too sun drenched. The homeowners wanted a more modern and streamlined feel.
8
After: Sleek and Clean
Now preppy and sophisticated, this bathroom feels fresh with an almost all-white redesign. The separate mirrors reflect plenty of natural light without giving off the glare of a full-on mirrored wall.
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9
Before: Awkward and Mismatched
This bathroom is a bit confusing. Wrought-iron pedestal sinks offer zero storage, and oversized built-ins swallow the space. The open layout is one of the only things that works about this room.
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10
After: Spa-Like Serenity
Maintaining the layout, Laura Jenkins chose to demo all of the existing built-ins and sink stands in favor of a large double vanity to increase storage and counter space. Rounded mirrors and a subtle wallpaper soften the room and create a soothing atmosphere.
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11
Before: A '90s Nightmare
For everything there is a season, and for mahogany and brown countertops, it was the 1990s. However, these elements left this bathroom in dire need of light and breathing room.
12
After: Monochrome Magic
This once-dreary bathroom now has natural light, a new stone sink, and even some fancy overhead lighting. To cut down on costs, design firm Mimi + Hill kept the layout the same and focused on upgrading the fixtures and finishes instead.
Related: 20 Monochrome Color Schemes to Try
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13
Before: Cluttered and Chaotic
This bathroom needs to handle the morning routines of all three children in this family, which is a lot to ask from a layout that leaves much to be desired in terms of storage.
14
After: Beautiful in Blue
Toledo Geller knew that kids will keep their space neat only if there’s a designated place for all of their belongings to go. An extra-long vanity offers ample drawers, and a line of towel hooks ensure they never (well, almost never) end up on the floor. Plus, gingham tile floors add a bit of fun—it is a kids' space after all.
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15
Before: Function Without Form
This bathroom, in most aspects, is perfectly fine. The shower stall is spacious, and the vanity offers plenty of storage space. But ultimately, the homeowners wanted a sleeker look, without the beloved aughts color scheme of blue and brown.
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16
After: All White Atmosphere
The quickest way to look streamlined and cohesive is to choose one color and run with it. Toledo Geller opted for a spa-like feel with a calming palette of white. Different tile textures and shapes add depth to avoid feeling too stark.
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17
Before: Not Enough Storage
This bathroom has great windows and ample square footage, but there wasn’t a lot of storage space or room for the homeowners to get ready in morning, let alone at the same time.
18
After: Perfect for a Pair
Now the bathroom boasts a calming sage color scheme, an actual vanity, and most important, a vanity with a wide countertop for morning routines. Toledo Geller chose to add visual interest through the star-patterned tile and patterned cabinet doors.
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19
Before: Dated and Masculine
While this powder bath is perfectly functional, you can tell there’s not a lot of intentional design going on. It’s basically a taupe and bronze box.
20
After: Elegant and Sophisticated
Sherrell Design Studio chose a micro-patterned wallpaper to accentuate the ceiling height and make the room feel bigger. You hardly notice the vanity hasn’t changed—it just got new hardware.
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