The first step of any major remodel is demo, right? Wrong. So, so very wrong, my friend. Tear into a space with a sledge hammer, without a plan in sight, and you’ll be left scratching your head trying to decide how to put everything back together again. Trust me. I’ve been there and done that. Take a page out of my book and listen when I tell you that the planning and prep work is always the first—and most important—step. Scour through inspiration pics, decide what finishes you like for your space, and double make sure they work for your budget. Once the timeline and finances are in place, then it’s time to get to work.

Geez, Cara. What’s happening in your construction site that brings out such finger wagging?

Master bath reno planning, that’s what. On the to-do list for this year is to make our currently dated 1960s master bath a showpiece, but while we have lots of other around-the-house fish to fry first, now is the perfect time to start prepping for the remodel ahead.

Before we jump into the inspiration photos for our bathroom remodel, let’s get to know the before pictures a bit better. Meet our master bath.

Oh yeah, baby. This is a room full of 1960s glory. Dated tile, formica counters, wood paneling and a baby blue toilet. Classic and terrifying.

Obviously, the finishes and fixtures in my master bath make it super easy to drool over similarly sized spaces that have received their long overdue facelift. Let’s check out a few pretties that are inspiring plans for our bathroom, shall we?

Inspiration Bathroom #1

Light tile, rain shower head, white vanity, glass shower doors. All of the elements in this room maximize every square inch of space. This compact bathroom was designed with the tidy exhibitionist in mind and I love every second of it.

Inspiration Bathroom #2

Lots to love about this space. The half wall gives a smidge more privacy than the glass doors of the first bath and by running the tile all the way to the ceiling, the room feels so much taller. I’m a big fan of an open vanity + vessel sink combo (as evidenced by the master bath remodel in my first house) and the extra storage below is a plus. The light colors and oversized mirror work wonders in reflecting light and making the space feel much larger than it actually is. This is heaven.

Tough decisions ahead but—holy moly—it sure is fun to day dream. I’ll keep you in the loops as we inch our way closer to kicking off this remodel but until then, there is lots more rehabbing fun hiding up my sleeve.

Cara Wilkerson is a real estate broker and a devoted do-it-yourself-er. She writes about her home transformations on her blog, Live the Home Life.