Thursday, February 23, 2023

Budget-Friendly Bathroom Updates

Bathtub faucet on a soaking tub in a white bathroom.

In every homeowner’s fantasy world, there is a professional interior designer to make your home sophisticated and stylish. Unfortunately, the reality is that creating Instagram-ready rooms costs a lot of money. Designers' recommendations may not always be within your budget.

Hundreds of hacks exist for achieving a custom, upscale look without breaking the bank. Thanks to the rise of DIY-ers and other trends like repurposing antiques, it’s fairly easy to get a high-end look with an inexpensive price tag.


A few strategic cheap bathroom updates and some simple restyling, and you can take your home from plain to premium.


Ready to learn some cheap ways to update the bathroom? Here are our favorite premium hacks that will make any space feel like a million bucks.



Gold finish bathroom sink faucets on a double vanity with blue tile backsplash.

Give hardware a fresh facelift 


A hardware refresh is one of the easiest and most impactful updates you can make. New hardware is quick, inexpensive, and instantly transformative.


Try a trending gold tone like this Brizo model, or you upgrade your tub with a sleek wall-mounted faucet. Quick hardware swaps elevate any space without a hard hit to your budget.


From cabinets to faucets, there are plenty of knobs just waiting for an upscale revival!



High tech medicine cabinets over a double vanity in a modern bathroom.

Add tech-focused features for a “smarter” home


Tech like Google’s Alexa or Amazon’s Echo have already made their way into our homes. There is a whole host of affordable tech-focused elements that can make a bathroom immediately more upscale and cutting edge.


For example, this gorgeous high-tech medicine cabinet gives you a mirror with one-touch task lighting, USB charging ports, and a touch control audio system to play music.


You can swap out your boring old toilet for this innovative model, which comes with cool features like a heated seat, deodorizer, and UV lighting for self-cleaning.



Furniture style vanity with gold fixtures and blue tile backsplash.

Customize your walls with decorative molding


It might surprise you to learn that one of the most budget-friendly ways to give your home a luxurious feel is with decorative molding. With a little focused time and some DIY know-how, you can add your very own decorative molding in a single weekend!


Choose a design that sparks an upscale quality – like a curvy shape or a leafy, Romanesque pattern. If you don’t trust yourself to take on the project, hiring a professional is still relatively inexpensive and will definitely be worth the investment long term.


For added elegance, make sure the molding matches the existing color of the walls so everything looks seamless and sophisticated.

Accessorize

Invest in new towels, a bath mat, and other accessories that match your desired theme or color scheme for a quick refresh.

Other hardware like towel bars and rings, robe hooks, and toilet paper holders are other excellent ways to achieve a refresh on a budget.

Check out our selection of accessories from soap dishes to shower caddies.

Shop Accessories



Marble sink with wood vanity and tall faucet on a bathroom sink.


Integrate some metallic items for added flair


Integrating a few metallic items to a room will give it that luxe look you’re hoping to achieve. Things like a gold-leaf mirror, a few pieces of vintage silver, or a brass table can all make a room feel more luxurious.


When it comes to metallics, a little goes a long way. A good approach is to think about how you choose jewelry for an outfit and do the same for your bathroom design. Don’t be afraid to mix metals to make your accessorizing more unique!


Install a new toilet seat


Replacing an old or worn-out toilet seat with a new one is a quick and inexpensive way to update your bathroom.


A new toilet seat breathes new life into the bathroom with very little cost or bother. Consider some perks like soft-close seats for an upgrade.


Add some luxury by springing for a washlet toilet seat. It's like a miniature version of a bidet at a fraction of the cost. This TOTO washlet offers an array of controls to curate the perfect experience.



Beige bathroom with glass vessel sinks and sconces on either side of the mirror.


Add energy-efficient lighting


Lighting is key to creating atmosphere, which gives your bathroom a boost with a minimum cost. Consider updating your lighting fixtures with energy-efficient options. This can save you money in the long run and improve the overall look of the space.


Adding some task or accent lighting can take your bathroom from good to great. Sconces add elegance, as do pendant lights over the vanity or bathtub.


Shop All Bathroom Lighting



Regrout and seal tiles


Nothing can make your bathroom feel dreary like old tile. Instead of undertaking an expensive replacement project, give it a refresh by replacing the grout.

This can make them look brand new and is a cost-effective way to refresh the entire space.

Install a new shower curtain

A new shower curtain can instantly change the look of your bathroom. Choose one that complements the color scheme and style you're aiming for.

For an upgrade, go with a new shower door. This permanent addition will add value to your home and give you that luxurious look you desire.


Furniture-look vanity by James Martin in dark wood.

Repurpose furniture

 If space allows, consider repurposing furniture for storage. An old dresser can be converted into a vanity or storage unit. This gives the space a custom feel and can be done for very little cost, especially if you handle refinishing yourself.

An antique buffet or dresser makes a great vanity. Even a vintage wardrobe can be repurposed as a linen closet. All it takes is a little imagination and elbow grease.



Repaint

A fresh coat of paint can make a huge difference. Choose light, neutral colors to make the space feel larger and brighter.

Don't be afraid to go bold on one wall to make a statement and add loads of style without the price tag. Wallpaper is another option for adding some luxury to some of the walls in your refreshed bathroom.

Add greenery

Plants can add a touch of freshness to any room. Consider low-maintenance plants like snake plants or succulents.

The warm, humid environment of the bathroom may make it the ideal place for plants that don't do well in other parts of the house or garden. Consider ferns, orchids, spider plants, pothos, etc.


Bright, neutral bathroom with vase of greenery on the countertop.

Hang art or pictures

Though there are some considerations that need to be made (humidity, temperature changes, etc.), art and pictures add a lot to the bathroom design.

Look for moisture-resistant materials in your art. Or try thrift shopping for a reproduction that looks great but you won't have to worry about in the humid environment.


Ready to turn your home into a luxurious retreat? Shop our premium products now.


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