As much as we wish they did, most renovation projects don’t come with an unlimited budget. We’ve chatted before about where to splurge vs. where to save on a kitchen remodel, but today we’re heading to the other most expensive remodel in your home – The bathroom. Bathrooms are one of our most favorite spaces to design, because they’re truly all about the details. From the tile to the plumbing and the lighting – There are so many beautiful options for a bathroom remodel. If you’re embarking on a bathroom remodel and aren’t sure where to invest your budget, this one’s for you! Keep reading for our design team’s tips on where to splurge and where to save on a bathroom renovation.
Bathroom Remodel Budgeting Tips
The first thing to consider when going into a bathroom remodel is the layout of the space. Bathroom layouts are often dictated by what’s in the rest of the home, as well as space planning and plumbing constraints. For a main bathroom, we love having a walk-in shower and freestanding tub if possible. The goal is to make the space feel as large and as intentionally designed as possible.
Once you’ve decided on a layout, you can get into the nitty gritty of budget planning. Our advice would be to have an overall number in mind, and then choose finishes and fixtures to fit within that budget. Where you invest your budget will depend on your unique lifestyle and your priorities in a bathroom space! For example, if you love taking long baths with a glass of wine and a good book, invest in a beautiful freestanding tub with a ledge nearby and statement chandelier. If you prefer a clear countertop, invest in lots of storage in the form of a long vanity or tower unit. We suggest really thinking about how you’ll use the space and what features will have the most positive impact on your lifestyle.
Where to Splurge and Where to Save
Tile
We love using tile to create a statement look in a bathroom design. If you’re opting for all new tile for your bathroom floors and shower walls, it can add up quickly! We recommend going a little more cost-effective on your wall tile so you can splurge on the floor tile. You’ll get the most impact that way!
Cabinetry
Custom cabinetry is our love language, so we’d say splurge on your cabinetry and countertops if you can. Your bathroom vanity is often the main focus of the entire bathroom design, so it’s worth it to invest in something you really love! However, if you want to save here, there are some great prefabricated vanities available that can still make a statement. Look for one that includes a slab and a sink!
Lighting
Splurge on your light fixtures to really create that designer feel. We’re big fans of beautiful sconces, and love looking for light fixtures that don’t feel like traditional bathroom lighting. It adds a lot of personality to a space!
Mirrors
Save! There are lots of affordable options when it comes to bathroom mirrors. A simple mirror will allow your lighting and cabinetry to shine.
Hardware
Your hardware is a great place to save if you’re remodeling your bathroom on a budget. There are tons of affordable options out there, especially if you’re looking for a matte black finish (which we always love)!
Plumbing
Now this one definitely depends on your budget! There are some beautiful plumbing fixtures available that can really elevate your entire bathroom design. We love sourcing from Rohl, Waterworks, and Cal Faucets – They have the most beautiful silhouettes on the market. However, if you’d rather not spend a pretty penny on a faucet, you can always find good and affordable options online. We recommend deciding on the finish you want and filtering by color on a website like Build.com. You can almost always find a good faucet for less than $300!
Walls
For a cost-effective wall finish, opt for a drywall painted in an eggshell finish. If you love beautiful millwork (and who doesn’t!?), we often splurge on decorative paneling.
Linens & Accessories
Lastly, towels and accessories often come down to how much you have left in your budget! We love sourcing towels from Parachute, but a more cost-effective option is to find the best quality towels you can at Target or somewhere similar. If you take care of them well, they’ll last for years!
We hope this helps you decide where to splurge and where to save on your upcoming bathroom remodel. If you’ve already finished your remodel – Congratulations! Leave a comment below with your best tips to pass along. If you missed our splurge vs. save post for kitchen remodels, head there to catch up. Last but not least, if you’re looking for bathroom vanities or decor, head to our affiliate shop for all of our MGD favorites. Thanks for following along!