A bathroom remodel can completely transform a space, taking it from dated and dreary to fresh and contemporary. With smart design choices and strategic updates, even the smallest bathrooms can be given new life. Here we look at 11 incredible before and after bathroom remodels for inspiration on executing your own bathroom overhaul. From budget-friendly DIY makeovers to full-scale renovations, these amazing transformations show just what’s possible when renovating a tired, outdated bathroom.
Introduction
Remodeling a bathroom can be one of the most satisfying and beneficial home improvement projects. An updated bathroom not only provides a more enjoyable space for your daily routine, but also adds real value to your home.
However, bathroom remodels run the gamut from simple cosmetic updates to complete gut renovations. Costs can also vary widely, from a few hundred dollars for a DIY makeover to tens of thousands for a full overhaul involving changing layouts and replacing fixtures and finishes.
To provide inspiration for your own bathroom redo, here we detail 11 jaw-dropping before and after bathroom remodels. Ranging from budget-friendly DIYs to luxurious master suite overhauls, these amazing bathroom makeovers implemented ingenious solutions and clever design ideas to transform the spaces.
From a dated, cramped bathroom turned serene spa sanctuary to a lackluster master bath completely reconfigured for better function, these renovations demonstrate what’s achievable. Read on for ideas and tips you can apply to your own bathroom remodel!
Clever Solutions for a Cramped, Outdated Bathroom
The Before: This bathroom hadn’t been updated since the 1960s, with a cramped layout, vintage salmon pink tile, and outdated lighting and fixtures.
The After: Working within a tight 55 square foot space and a shoestring budget, the homeowners implemented some ingenious solutions to completely transform the bathroom. They eliminated the dated soaker tub to free up space and replaced it with an expanded walk-in shower. To keep costs low, they retained the original footprint of the space and existing plumbing. Strategic choices like peel-and-stick floor tile, DIY wainscoting using beadboard panels, and new paint in Benjamin Moore’s Frost made the space feel fresh and larger. The modern vanity, X-frame mirror, and sleek fixtures completed the revamp.
Tips to Steal:
- Removing outdated tubs can open up small bathrooms. Switching to a walk-in shower is a space-saving solution.
- Peel-and-stick materials like tile, wallpaper, or panels make upgrades easy and affordable.
- Clad walls in beadboard or tongue-and-groove boards to add cottage-chic character.
- Paint colors like light blue, green, and gray, add a soothing spa-like feel.
- New vanity, fixtures, lighting and accessories go a long way in updating a bathroom’s look.
Opening up a Dark, Compartmentalized Bathroom
The Before: This master bathroom originally had a compartmentalized layout separating the tub, toilet and vanities. Its chopped-up feel was exacerbated by a strong color palette of navy blue and burgundy.
The After: Knocking down some walls opened up the space and enabled a more functional layout. Crisp white paint throughout brightened things up, while classic subway tile and gooseneck faucets added vintage-inspired style. The homeowners splurged on a freestanding soaker tub as a focal point.
Tips to Steal:
- For better flow, look for opportunities to remove or reduce walls between compartments.
- A neutral white or off-white color palette makes small bathrooms feel brighter and more expansive.
- Subway tile brings timeless, classic style at an affordable price point.
- Freestanding tubs make a stylish statement in place of bulky corner tubs.
- Gooseneck faucets and vintage-style fittings add character.
Gut Renovation of a Master Bathroom
The Before: This 1990s master bathroom was inherently dysfunctional with an odd angled layout and dated oak cabinetry and soaker tub.
The After: A complete demolition opened things up for a new clean-lined layout with his-and-hers vanities. Crisp white shaker cabinetry and marble tile create a light and airy spa aesthetic. Design choices like the frameless glass shower, polished chrome hardware, and sconce lighting give the space a sleek updated look.
Tips to Steal:
- For a master bath overhaul, start from scratch by gutting and relocating plumbing.
- Floating vanities with square ceramic sinks have a modern minimalist appeal.
- Frameless glass shower enclosures visually expand smaller bathrooms.
- Marble tile adds timeless elegance, but on a budget, larger-scale porcelain tile mimics the look.
- Details like square shower niches, chrome fixtures, and sconces give a integrated polished look.
Creating a Spa Sanctuary on a Budget
The Before: This master bathroom was stylistically stuck in the 80s with dated mauve tile, worn laminate counters, poor lighting, and a crowded layout.
The After: The homeowners transformed it into a clean, zen-like modern spa on a $2,000 budget. Crisp white paint covered the tile walls and new floor tile lined the shower and floor. An IKEA vanity was paired with bamboo-look laminate cabinets for storage. Gray quartz countertops and updated chrome fixtures completed the refreshed look.
Tips to Steal:
- White paint can update tile walls without the intensive demo of retiling.
- Floor tile instantly elevates even the most basic bathrooms. Use large-scale porcelain or ceramic tiles.
- IKEA is a budget-savvy source for contemporary vanities and cabinets.
- Quartz countertops offer the look of natural stone without the high cost and maintenance.
- Strategic details like wall-mounted faucets, new showerheads and towel bars go far on a budget.
Converting a Tired Tub to Spa-like Walk-in Shower
The Before: This outdated main bathroom featuring a shabby tub-shower combo begged for a remodel. Its poor layout had the door banging into the toilet tank.
The After: By framing in the tub and replacing it with an oversized walk-in stone tile shower, the homeowners created a serene spa bathroom. Design choices like the textured subway tile, marble accents, and antique bronze fixtures lend vintage farmhouse charm.
Tips to Steal:
- Switching from a tub to walk-in shower gains space and a modern update.
- Large-format textured tiles like subway add visual interest. Contrast with marble tile accents.
- Antique bronze hardware suits both modern and farmhouse looks.
- Cool grays and whites paired with wooden accents create a serene, organic look.
- Floating wood shelving offers stylish storage without clutter.
Opening up a Galley Bathroom
The Before: This galley-style bathroom layout felt beyond cramped, with corner sink barely allowing the door to open. Its leafy vinyl wallpaper also trapped it stylistically in the 1990s.
The After: Removing walls transformed the bathroom into an open, airy retreat. A corner floor-to-ceiling glass door for the walk-in shower along with gray porcelain tile visually expanded the space. Crisp white paint, updated fixtures and charming accents completed the aesthetic overhaul.
Tips to Steal:
- If possible, removing or relocating walls can instantly make a cramped galley layout roomier.
- Visually expanding tricks like a corner glass shower door and mirrored cabinets maximize the feeling of space.
- Floor-to-ceiling subway tile makes even a small bathroom feel sleek.
- Touches of black provide contrast against crisp whites and grays.
- Suspended minimalist shelving adds display space without cluttering.
Crafting a Contemporary Bathroom Retreat
The Before: This dated master bathroom was long overdue for a makeover, with its worn-out tile, poor lighting, cast iron tub and inefficient layout.
The After: The homeowners reimagined the space in a contemporary style with clean lines, geometric tile accents, and a spa-like ambiance. Removing walls allowed for reconfiguring the layout and walk-in shower. Stylish floating vanities, sconce lighting and sleek chrome hardware completed the modern transformation.
Tips to Steal:
- Floating vanities with under-lighting contribute to a streamlined contemporary aesthetic.
- Geometric or mosaic tile as an accent wall or shower floor adds modern interest.
- Multiple recessed lights banish dark corners and create even illumination.
- Details like chrome fixtures, industrial accents and vertical tile contribute to a sleek style.
- Curbless showers for a seamless look and improved accessibility.
Infusing Charm into an Outdated Bathroom
The Before: This uninspired bathroom was cluttered with a worn vanity and sink, dated yellow tile, poor lighting and improperly functioning toilet and exhaust fan.
The After: Infusing vintage farmhouse charm gave the bathroom a cozy facelift. A classic pedestal sink and new floor tile gave the space a clean foundation. Charming accents like the clawfoot tub, beadboard wainscoting and floral shower curtain brought in character. New lighting and accessories completed the update.
Tips to Steal:
- Clawfoot tubs make a stylish vintage focal point. Add a handheld showerhead for easier bathing.
- Subway tile and beadboard paneling add cottage charm at low cost.
- Pedestal sinks provide a clean, classic look that visually expands smaller bathrooms.
- Plenty of lighting is key for makeup and grooming. Install both overhead and vanity lighting.
- Fun shower curtains inject personality. Choose water-resistant fabric over plastic.
Gaining a Spa Feel in a Bland Bathroom
The Before: This outdated builder-basic bathroom left much to be desired with its cookie-cutter fiberglass tub/shower, cheap laminate vanity and poor lighting.
The After: Strategic upgrades like the tiled walk-in shower with bench, floating vanities, improved lighting and natural stone tile gave this bathroom a serene modern spa feel. The driftwood accents bring organic warmth to balance the cool grays and whites.
Tips to Steal:
- Warm up a bathroom with driftwood-look porcelain tile flooring and wood accents.
- Floating vanities create a streamlined look perfect for small bathrooms. Illuminate from below for added wow-factor.
- Frameless glass for the walk-in shower contributes to an airy, spa-like ambiance.
- A built-in bench gives a spot to store towels or pause while showering.
- Extra wide shower niche provides ample space for bath products.
Bringing the Spa Experience Home with a Master Bathroom Makeover
The Before: This master bathroom was stuck in the past, with its tiny corner tub, mismatched tiles, and dark backsplash and cabinetry swallowing up the space. Overall the aesthetic lacked cohesion.
The After: A full remodel transformed the space into a bright, contemporary retreat with spa-like finishes. They expanded the footprint and added a huge walk-in shower with a built-in bench and designer tile. Floating double vanities added modern minimalist appeal. Thoughtful choices like the towel warmer, dimmable lighting and freestanding tub dial up the luxury.
Tips to Steal:
- Built-in benches in walk-in showers add functionality and spa appeal. Select water-resistant materials like tile or treated wood.
- Make a shower feel grand by using large-scale porcelain tile on floors and walls. Continue the tile onto the ceiling.
- Towel warmers lend a lavish touch while freeing up counter space.
- Floating vanities maintain an open, airy aesthetic. Undercabinet lighting illuminates without cluttering.
- Splurge on the freestanding tub of your dreams as a focal point.
Updating a Tired Powder Room on a Budget
The Before: This outdated powder room had not been touched in decades. Its vintage pink tile, mismatched brown vanity, worn brass fixtures and poor lighting screamed for an upgrade.
The After: On a $250 budget, this powder room was transformed with peel-and-stick wallpaper, a glossy DIY paint job on the vanity, and updated modern brass hardware and light fixture. The simple, strategic changes gave the small space a completely fresh look.
Tips to Steal:
- Adhesive wallpaper or contact paper is perfect for quickly updating tile walls on a budget.
- Glossy paint on cabinets and trim zhuzhes up worn fixtures affordably.
- Swap out dated hardware like cabinet knobs and drawer pulls for updated versions like brushed brass.
- New light fixtures immediately modernize a bathroom. Add a dimmer for ambiance.
- Suspended shelves or floating ledges maximize storage without cluttering a small space
Infusing Retro Chic Style into a Jack-and-Jill Bathroom
The Before: This shared kids’ bathroom featured dated elements like a pink toilet and sink, worn laminate cabinetry, brass hardware and poor lighting.
The After: The homeowners infused retro flair with bold black-and-white checkerboard tile floors and pops of brass. Gallery walls displayed vintage finds, while modern updates like the floating vanities kept the look fresh. Pops of emerald green tied everything together.
Tips to Steal:
- Go bold with a black-and-white checkerboard tile floor to make a statement.
- Incorporate vintage elements like wall art, handles and accents for retro charm.
- Update lighting and fixtures to keep the look current. Opt for new brass hardware.
- Paint vanities in a crisp black and white for contrast and retro appeal.
- Pops of an unexpected color like emerald green or mustard yellow add flair.
Conclusion
These incredible bathroom makeovers show what’s possible whether you’re working with a limited budget or investing in a full overhaul. Even modest changes like new wallpaper and paint, updated light fixtures and hardware, or added storage can make an outdated bathroom feel fresh again.
More extensive upgrades like knocked down walls, walk-in showers, custom tile, floating vanities, and new tubs can entirely transform the look and function of your bathroom. Taking time to determine the layout and design elements that will make your daily routines more enjoyable is key.
Bathroom remodels require weighing options like adjusting the footprint, switching tub to shower, decorative finishes, fixtures, lighting and storage solutions. But the right choices can pay off for years by turning your bathroom into a restorative retreat. Use the tips and ideas from these inspiring makeovers as a jumping off point for creating your own bathroom oasis.