Are you looking to redo your bath on a budget? We know all the tricks to help you get the look you want for less, and we’re going to share them with you. We recently completed a budget-friendly design project for a client of ours, so we’ll walk you through the steps of how we achieved the look they wanted at a price they loved—and how you can do it too.

Decisions, decisions

It all starts with making strategic choices about what to keep vs. what to replace. If you’re working with a very lean budget – let’s say $500 to $1000 – stick to cosmetic changes only. A new coat of paint, a couple of accessories, a thrifted mirror, and a new plant can make a huge difference for little financial outlay. One of our favorite ways to give any space a new look for a few (or even zero) dollars? Clean or change your light bulbs! Wipe them off to remove any accumulated dust, or better yet, increase the wattage—once it’s safe, of course. Simply moving from 40W to 60W can give your space a super-easy facelift.

WHAT WE KEPT

Ok so let’s get down to the nitty gritty. Here’s a list of the items that we kept in order to make our budget stretch further.

Toilet

Let’s be honest: a WC is what it is. The only real requirements are that it be functional and leak-free—and that’s all. Anything beyond that is a nice-to-have. Our client’s toilet was in like-new condition, so we were able to save money by not switching it out.

Tub

Their tub is in great condition, and fit into the aesthetic of the new design, so we opted to keep it as well. Plain white standard tubs get a bad rap in today’s “overdesigned” culture, but we actually love them because of their versatility. Every item in a space can’t be a superstar, or it can quickly start to look chaotic. Considering that the average cost to install a tub is approximately $2,000 – which does not include the cost of the tub itself – this was a big win for cost savings.

Tiles

The tub surround was decorated with standard 6 inch tile in a subdued bisque tone, which means that it was neutral enough to blend easily with any design changes. Like the main fixtures in the space, the tile was in mint condition, and therefore provided another opportunity to save big.

WHAT WE CHANGED

Fixtures

Hands down, changing the hardware on your sink is the most cost-effective way to update your bathroom. Every room needs a touch of black, so we switched the faucets and shower-head from standard-issue chrome to elegant oil-rubbed bronze.

Paint

There’s nothing like a fresh paint job to update a space, and it’s also very cost-effective. You save even more if you put in the elbow grease and do the painting yourself. For our Farmhouse theme, we went with “Watery” by Behr.

Tip: When considering where to paint, look beyond the walls! You can drastically change the look of the room by painting the ceiling and/or floor.

Vanity & Sink

These can be pricey, but we were able to source a vanity/sink combo that was budget friendly as well as elegant. The sink is generously sized and has a cottage/farmhouse feel, plus there is ample storage in the vanity below.

Hardware

Amazon always comes through, especially if you’re on a budget. We updated the existing hardware with a 5-piece oil-rubbed bronze set that included a towel ring, toilet paper holder, 18-inch towel bar, 24-inch towel bar, and robe hook. Best of all, it was all under $40.

Mirror

If your bathroom is an outfit, the mirror is the statement accessory. We turned to Amazon again, and found the perfect one for under $100. The slightly distressed bronze finish coordinates with the hardware in the room without being too matchy-matchy.

Backsplash

Tile can be expensive, so limiting the amount that you use to a confined area is a smart way to refresh your space on a budget. We installed a new tile backsplash that includes the blues, browns, whites, and other tones found throughout the space.

Lighting

Completely replacing all the lighting would have been more than our client’s budget could handle, so we narrowed our focus. We installed a new ceiling light fixture (and yes, a brighter bulb) and left the task lighting as-is.

Shower Curtain

When in doubt, use fabric! It’s cheap (or it can be), showy, and voluminous. We got a new shower curtain in a plain white fabric, but its layers of tiers added interest and texture. Amazon to the rescue again, for under $20.

See? It can be done! We hope these tips help you to design the bath of your dreams—and keep costs under control. If you’d like some more pointers, or if you prefer to leave it to the pros, feel free to contact us. We’d be happy to discuss your vision for your space, and provide you with a free estimate.

Half baths are one of our favorite rooms to design, since they provide the opportunity to go a little over the top. If you love flashy floors, saturated colors, conspicuous chandeliers, wild wallpaper, and animal print, and you want to put them all together, the powder room (or half bath as it is also called) is the place to do it. Not that we’re necessarily recommending that – minimal and monochrome are fine too – but you get the idea.

Since entertaining season is around the corner (the holidays will be here sooner than you think!), now is a good time to start planning your powder room refresh. So where do you start?

Start with a statement sink

A half bath consists of just two fixtures: the toilet and the sink, so the sink should be a focal point. Since the average powder room is just 20 square feet, most people opt to forego a vanity in favor of a pedestal, or a ledge topped by a vessel sink. A vanity is not out of the question, however. Just make sure that it’s a showstopper and does not overcrowd the space. Try a converted desk or chest of drawers into unique bathroom vanity.

Include touches of tile

And by touches, we mean tile everywhere. Floor to ceiling tile is a look we love. Not only is it visually stunning, it is also easy to clean. Since you’re dealing with such a tiny space you can be a bit more adventurous with your finishes, and a bit more free with your budget. Need some ideas? You can go for the ultimate luxe look and clad the walls and floor in marble, add some sparkle with iridescent glass tile, or make the space feel larger by laying the tile out in a chevron pattern.

Layer in lighting

Many half baths are carved out of found space in a floor plan – created out of a closet, for example, or hidden under the stairs. For this reason they tend to have little to no natural light. Wall sconces and a chandelier will brighten up the space, make it functional, and add another layer of drama. If you can’t handle a windowless room, and your layout allows, try installing a skylight. The room will be flooded with natural light for most of the day, which will make it feel larger and more comfortable.

Maximize with mirrors

Nothing makes a room feel larger – and more dramatic – like mirrors. You will need one for over the sink. We recommend straying away from the standard medicine cabinet, and instead sourcing one that has unique etching, an interesting shape, or a vintage frame. If possible, incorporate a full length mirror as well, since this is the room that you and your guests will use to help you make sure you’re presentable.

Add accents and accessories

Decorative accessories are the “extra” in the word extraordinary. Even if you “go basic” elsewhere in your home, the powder room is the place to kick everything up a notch. You’ll need:

• Luxurious linens – high-thread-count hand towels, monogrammed if possible.
• Fine-milled soaps – subtly scented and generously proportioned.
• Facial tissues – super-soft, and stored in a tissue holder.
• Candles and/or aroma diffusers – make being in the powder room a multi-sensory experience.
• Greenery – use faux florals if that is your preference, or try a few stalks of bamboo for a zen feel.
• Canisters – store cotton pads, Q-tips, etc. in elegant containers.
• Wastebasket – splurge on a beautiful one.
• Art – Since unlike a full bath the powder room is not a wet room, a single statement piece or a gallery wall of your faves will be practical as well as beautiful.
• Do it for the ‘gram

Optics are everything. Visualize your space as an “after” photo that could be featured on one of those popular interior design Instagram feeds. Commit to a color, a texture, a print, a design style, or a trend, and then weave it unapologetically throughout the room. If you’re someone whose home is always full of guests, then make it gram-worthy, and ready to be featured in lots of bathroom selfies. Not into Instagram? That’s ok. The key is to make the space beautiful and eye-catching for you.

One last thing: sight lines are important. If you’re one of those people who leaves the bathroom door open between uses, and the room is visible from the rest of the house, make sure that the decor is not too visually disruptive.

Need some additional tips or expert advice? That’s where we come in. We can help you design a new half bath from scratch, or remodel your existing one. Contact us today to get started.