A bathroom reno is one of the biggest projects a homeowner can take on. From fresh tile to new fixtures, there are a lot of expensive decisions to make, and it’s hard to find where and when you can save a little of your budget, without sacrificing style.
To help make that choice a little easier, I chatted with four different designers from across the country to see what upgrades they choose to make a bathroom look and feel more expensive than it really is. Below, they share their four best ways to upgrade your bathroom while sticking to your budget.
A Vintage Wood Vanity
“If you want to maximize your renovation budget, look at the vanity,” says California-based designer Alex Kinion. Stately wood vanities are a designer favorite, but the price of a new one can run well into the thousands. Don’t have that in the budget? Try vintage! By repurposing an old dresser or table into a base, you’ll create a one-of-a-kind statement piece without overspending. Just be sure your new piece is plumber-approved. “It’s also best to opt for flat-top furniture that can be arranged flush against the wall,” says Katherine Jones, senior director of operations at Sweeten.
Ceramic Tile in the Shower
Creating a space that looks and feels expensive without breaking the bank is a master class in high-low decorating, says Georgia-based designer Liz Williams. “In a bathroom remodel, splurge on marble for your main floor, but switch to a complementary ceramic tile for the shower walls and floor,” she advises. “I find that a tonal ceramic tile with some variation can really enhance the marble floor. I also love a ceramic tile that has a mottled feel to offer dimension and texture.”
RELATED: Our Hall of Fame Bathroom Tile Ideas
Lighting with Personality
You already know that ambient and task lighting are imperative for any room, but accent lighting also plays a huge role in making a bathroom look even more high-end. “Aim for the trifecta: wall sconces, a central decorative fixture, and recessed lighting as needed,” advises Massachusetts-based designer Jennifer Wilson. “There are many affordable options available to introduce a fun and beautiful element to your bathroom to amp up the personality without breaking the bank,” she says.
RELATED: Beautiful Bathroom Lighting Ideas for All Styles, from Modern to Rustic
Refreshed Hardware
“For me, the simplest and most impactful bathroom upgrade you can make is hardware,” says New Jersey–based interior designer Megan Cherin. “Consider it the jewelry of the bathroom. Of course, you can spend a good amount on hardware, but you certainly don’t have to!”
Swap out your standard big-box hardware for something a little more special. Megan prefers patina-ready unlacquered brass, which is available at a variety of price points. Nickel is another designer go-to set to trend this year. And, while there is nothing inherently wrong with matte black hardware, it’s best to seek out those pieces that make your heart sing—you can even mix and match for a collected look!
Anna Logan is the Deputy Homes & Style Editor at Country Living, where she has been covering all things home design, including sharing exclusive looks at beautifully designed country kitchens, producing home features, writing everything from timely trend reports on the latest viral aesthetic to expert-driven explainers on must-read topics, and rounding up pretty much everything you’ve ever wanted to know about paint, since 2021. Anna has spent the last seven years covering every aspect of the design industry, previously having written for Traditional Home, One Kings Lane, House Beautiful, and Frederic. She holds a degree in journalism from the University of Georgia. When she’s not working, Anna can either be found digging around her flower garden or through the dusty shelves of an antique shop. Follow her adventures, or, more importantly, those of her three-year-old Maltese and official Country Living Pet Lab tester, Teddy, on Instagram.
