The bathroom is one of the most upgraded spaces in the home, as modern styles and needs are constantly changing. Unfortunately, bathroom upgrades can be some of the most expensive, as plumbing, wiring, and bathroom fixtures can cost a pretty penny to change. You don’t have to sacrifice your bathroom plans entirely, however. There are a few subtle and affordable changes you can make that can spruce up your bathroom’s style and utility completely and create a beautiful bathroom on a budget.
Make a Game Plan
The best way to have a beautiful bathroom on a budget is to create a list of your goals and plans first. Knowing what you want to do beforehand can help you prioritize the most important additions first. You can also get estimates for all of your goal additions and budget for what you can. The first step to any home addition is to know what everything costs. Know beforehand what you can do yourself and what you’ll need to hire help for. Hiring experts like plumbers will add a lot to the price tag, so keep that in mind.
Don’t Renovate, Just Add
It may be tempting to rip out your bathtub and replace it, but that can cost a lot of money. If the problem with that bathtub is storage, consider adding storage instead of replacing the entire bathtub. Certain approaches can save you a lot of money without sacrificing your desired changes. Make sure the changes you want can’t be added affordably before you break down walls or rip out bathtubs.
Photo by Grace Kelly on Unsplash
Learn Local Trends
If you’re not certain where to start with your bathroom renovation, you may want to look at local trends and designs in your area. They can serve as a starting point for inspiration and may give you some insight into saving money with your renovation. Some of the local trends in the cities below combine style with affordability easily.
-
New York
New York bathrooms combine elegance with smaller floor plans. Hidden or unique storage options can make the most of any size bathroom here without extensive renovations or costly upgrades. Your bathroom can utilize innovative storage solutions for a sleek, modern, and urban feeling.
-
Miami
In Miami, bathrooms in many homes employ a modern, beach-chic theme. Tall mirrors, light colors (pastel beach tones like yellow or light blue work wonderfully), and intimate lighting can easily elongate a space and add modern, urban beach tones. In the harsh heat and humidity, eco-friendly bathroom windows are a must; affordable window films can do the trick without paying for entire window replacements. These additions don’t cost much but can make the bathroom look fresh out of a magazine.
-
Kansas City
In the Midwest, more homes are opting for rich, intimate designs. Hiring a plumbing service in Kansas City can help you swap out your traditional sink for a dark bowl-style sink or a black-gold sink finish. Alternatively, you can paint or apply a backsplash with rich, deep colors like forest green for a sleek and secluded space.
Bathtub or Shower Shelving
One of the best ways to add luxury and utility to a bathroom without the price tag is by simply adding more storage to your bathtub space. Instead of lining tons of shampoo bottles along the rim or along the floor, you can have proper organization that looks stylish and practical. There are many types of bathtub or shower storage solutions at affordable prices. Adhesive shelves stick to the shower wall, even while wet, to allow you to store bottles stylishly. Bathtub trays will enable you to relax in the bathtub while storing items like candles and scrubbers. Tension-rod shelving will use your bathtub and the wall or ceiling to suspend shelving. Take a look at your shower or bathtub to determine what storage options work best for you.
Adhesive Backsplash
Backsplash protects the walls from excessive moisture in the bathroom. Most people picture peeling and placing individual tiles to replace the backsplash, which takes a lot of time, effort, and money. An adhesive backsplash allows you to peel and stick your desired designs right onto the wall in one smooth step. Instead of dealing with the pain of traditional backsplash, peel-and-stick versions allow you to improve style and function with ease on your time and your wallet.
Choose a New Mirror
The default mirror in your bathroom is effective and functional, but is it stylish? When was the last time you replaced your bathroom mirror? A mirror can make a major style statement in a bathroom and even make a space appear larger. Mirrors are very affordable. You can get them from a Buy Nothing group or thrift store often for under $20. Create a beautiful bathroom on a budget by swapping yours out with a fresh design to see how much it transforms the space.
Image source: pixabay
Add Fresh Paint
Bathrooms are typically small rooms that don’t require a lot of paint. Choose a new color or accent color for your bathroom and paint a wall (or four). Fresh paint can give your bathroom a new and exciting makeover without hurting your wallet.
Swap Out the Hardware
Bathroom hardware, like cabinet pulls, towel racks, and doorknobs, may seem subtle in style, but you can significantly improve the room’s appearance when you swap them out. Choose some new cabinet pulls and towel racks that better suit the color or style you envision for your bathroom. As a bonus, these subtle additions can really help create a beautiful bathroom on a budget.
Thematic Lighting
New lighting fixtures are cost-effective when you shop wisely. Big-box retailers can offer some great deals on many styles of lighting. Even swapping out a bulb for a different light temperature or brightness can make a huge difference in your bathroom’s look.
Photo by ASR Design Studio on Unsplash
Touches of Luxury
Another way to create a beautiful bathroom on a budget it to add smaller touches of luxury that make a bathroom feel more immersive without spending on major overhauls. Get some high-end plush towels to hang up. Choose a thick shower curtain with a liner decorated in colors or patterns that match your preferences. Add a luxury-brand bath mat to improve comfort and spa-like immersion. Decorate the space to your tastes with an elegantly framed art piece or stylish artificial plants. These changes can be added slowly over time for peak affordability.
Conclusion
Often, the most subtle changes in your bathroom can make the most impact, and they don’t have to cost your entire wallet. Make a plan to evaluate what areas of improvement your bathroom needs the most. By approaching it thoughtfully, you can make affordable bathroom upgrades and additions to turn your bathroom into a magazine-worthy dream!
