Is it time to renovate your bathroom? Planning is the crucial first step, but it doesn’t have to be boring. Have some fun and create a concept board to inspire your bathroom remodel.  Whether your goal is to maximize the space in your bathroom, simply to make your bathroom look better, or a complete overhaul of your bathroom, a concept board is a good place to start. 

What is a Concept Board?

If you’ve spent any time browsing for interior design ideas online, you’ve likely seen a concept board. In addition to inspiring your home improvement projects, It’s a tool for visually communicating design concepts, ideas and potential products you’d like in your space. Each concept board is unique. Your concept board is a collection of things you like and that inspire you, including patterns, colors, textures and images. It’s a visual representation of the look and feel you want your bathroom to have. Physical concept boards can simply be a scrapbook or collage of magazine clippings, or it can be as extravagant as a display board, complete with fabric swatches, paint chips, and photos to show textures and other design components.  Most concept boards today are digital because of the convenience of technology. Drag-and-drop software or copy-and-paste functionality make it simple to create. You can share your board with family, friends, or your designer and project manager with a tap or click of a mouse. Or collaborate in person by taking it with you on a mobile device. 

Why Should I Create a Concept Board?

For most homeowners, interior design does not come naturally. You see things you like, and you know you like them. You see things you don’t like, and you make a mental note to never have it in your own house. But to put together a complete look for a remodel project, you might feel at a loss.  A concept board helps you to discover your own sense of style. As you create your inspiration collection, you’ll notice themes and patterns in what you like. And you’ll gain confidence in your design decisions because you can see when each component fits well and matches the look you’re going for.  Think of your concept board as a “try-before-you-buy” opportunity. Instead of buying your paint and tile only to discover the colors clash after it’s finished, you can experiment without spending a dime. Try different combinations, go wild, have fun – all with zero risk.  Perhaps one of the biggest advantages of creating a design concept board is helping others to understand your ideas. A bathroom renovation can be a stressful endeavor for some households. Remove the stress of miscommunication by showing each other exactly what you’re envisioning.  The concept board also helps your designer or project manager to clearly understand what you want your bathroom to look like when the remodel is complete. 

3 Bathroom Concept Board Ideas

Riverstone Interior Design put together 3 bathroom concept board samples to inspire you. Remember, your concept board will probably look very different, and that’s okay. It should reflect your tastes and personality and the design you want for your home.

Boho Bathroom Concept Board

A boho bathroom incorporates natural textures, ethnic and vintage pieces, softer shades of wood, earth tones, clean lines, and plenty of green plants. It’s bold, yet relaxed and inviting.  This boho bathroom concept board showcases ethnic rugs, plants, earth tones, and gold hardware for a touch of glamour. 

Modern Farmhouse Bathroom Concept Board

Do you like all things Magnolia? If so, modern farmhouse might be the style for you. It’s the perfect pairing of an idyllic farmhouse setting with the fresh feel of modern clean lines. The space feels homey without feeling too farmy.  This modern farmhouse bathroom concept board showcases sleek black hardware, an antique rug, a distressed wood finish, and adorable polka-dotted floor tiles. It’s crisp and bright, with just enough roughness to add character. 

Mid-Century Modern Bathroom Concept Board

Mid-century modern is a trending style in 2021, but this look actually originates from the mid-1930s to mid-1960s. It’s understated and distinguished by sleek, uncluttered lines, minimalist character, mixed materials, and a focus on functionality.  This mid-century modern bathroom concept board features metallic hardware, geometric shapes, and solid colors. With minimal ornamentation and clean lines, it’s the perfect style for a bathroom. 

How to Create a Concept Board

Now it’s time to create your own bathroom concept board! Transform your bathroom vision into something tangible in 3 simple steps. 

Step 1: Choose Your Digital Concept Board Software

There are many software options for creating a digital concept board, such as 

• Canva 
• Microsoft PowerPoint 
• Microsoft Paint 
• Microsoft Word 
• Houzz 
• Pinterest 

Choose the one you’re most comfortable using. 

Step 2: Build Your Concept Board Collection

Now the real fun begins! It’s like shopping, but without spending money. Browse the internet, Houzz, and Pinterest and save pictures you love and that inspire you. Start with items you already have or will definitely have in your new bathroom. This might include flooring, tile, or bathroom fixtures you know won’t be changed. If you know it’ll be a part of your new bathroom, it has to be a part of your concept board. Save any picture you like, and if possible, make a note of why you like it. Is it the color? The pattern? The size or proportions? The textures? The lighting?  Over time, you might notice that all the bathtub photos you save are clawfoot tubs. Or maybe you’ll notice that every photo you save includes metallic features. This is how creating a concept board helps you to recognize your design style. 

Step 3: Finalize Your Concept Board

The last step is to put the finishing touches on your bathroom concept board to make it share-worthy and ready to use as a tool during the design process.  Look through all the images you’ve saved and pick your absolute favorites. Only include those favorites in your final board.  Ideally, your final bathroom concept board will include an image for most of the essential components of your new bathroom:

• Vanity door style & color
• Handles
• Countertop
• Sink & faucet
• Lighting
• Flooring
• Fixtures (tub, sink, toilet)
• And any specific design or storage features that are important to you

Organize the images in a way that makes sense to you. There’s no “right” way.  Label each item for your reference. You may wish to include a link to the source of any item you might want to purchase directly, or include the product’s reference number from the store.

Your Concept Board & Your Bathroom Remodel

Your bathroom concept board should represent the look you want for your new bathroom. It should evoke a sense of excitement in anticipation of your bathroom remodel. And it should give you confidence that your bathroom remodel plan is going to produce the kind of space you want in your home.  This concept board will serve as an invaluable tool when you work with your designer or renovation project manager. Refer to it when communicating your design goals. Your designer can also help you source pieces from your board that fit your budget.  Riverstone Interior Design is available to help you create a bathroom concept board. Contact us today for a design consultation.  For bathroom cabinetry and renovations, Riverstone Kitchens & Renovations has you covered! Again, contact us today for a free bathroom cabinetry or renovation consultation.