We all know that bathrooms can be expensive to renovate. According to Houzz, the national average cost of a bathroom renovation is £11,000. But what if you could transform your bathroom for less than that? Look no further. Here are 10 tips on how to build a gorgeous bathroom on a budget.
Tip 1 – Avoid expensive materials
Unless you’re restoring an old bathroom, avoid using materials such as marble, limestone, granite and bronze as they can be expensive. Instead, use wood for a timeless finish or wall paint.
Start by thinking about what you can actually afford to spend on your bathroom, and when you can afford to do it. You can expect to pay anywhere from £700 to £14,000 for a room the size of your average bathroom. Tip 3Reduce the number of doors We know that many people prefer having a bathroom with a separate bath and shower room, but the truth is that those are both expensive, especially when you factor in fitting one. Instead, opt for just a standard loo with a separate shower and bath in one. That’s likely to be cheaper.
Tip 2 – Choose the right theme
Choose one you like. A bold green scheme is a good choice if you want to decorate a small bathroom. For a big-space look, there are several modern interpretations of the Egyptian pyramid theme. Find out more about how to mix bathroom ideas that complement each other. Tip 3Restore the previous colour scheme Not every bathroom needs a makeover, but if yours was done in blue and white – such as in a mid-century house – you’ll find it’s easy to recolour the scheme to your taste. Start by buying a small swatch of the former colour and work from there. If the swatch looks too young for your taste, an old coverlet or even your own linen would work beautifully. Use your imagination to bring the colour back to life.
Tip 3 – Coordinate your colours
Think about the benefits and possibilities of different colours. If you are renovating, choose bold colours to show off the walls. If you’re just adding a splash of colour, choose subtle tones to increase impact.
Create a neat and organised space, buying smaller mirrors, which will reduce the visual impact of lots of glass, and put colourful towels or accessories in one corner. Consider colour accent Mix up your look and take advantage of colour psychology. For instance, adding subtle tones of pink to the floor will brighten up the space. Or, instead of classic white walls, why not try to match colours, for instance with accessories in a different colour scheme?
Tip 4 – Keep it simple
This is one of the most important tips to follow in our bathroom room makeover series. If you’re not able to afford an entire bathroom re-design, don’t be afraid to keep a traditional bathroom layout. The aim is to keep the functionality of the bathroom and the room structurally sound. Adding an extra bathroom could potentially flood the previous one and leave it in ruins. In contrast, by keeping the original layout and decor, you’ll save a whole lot of money and time.
Pot filler is a new method of plumbing design that’s becoming very popular among bathroom designers. The technique allows designers to easily add shower curtains and ensure privacy in bathrooms with limited space. Using a pot filler can save you a whole lot of money and time.
Tip 5 – Get creative with tiles
A garden-tile mosaic wall and a mosaic bench around your bath could look amazing. The key to a beautiful bathroom is the right kind of tiles. Choose a pattern that suits your style and use tiles as decoration rather than a way of delineating separate areas. What’s more, some simple mosaic tiles can transform a bathroom for less than you might think.
Tip 6 – Avoid expensive fixtures
Bathrooms don’t have to be showrooms for expensive fixtures. If you can’t get your hands on your ideal tub or shower, you can make do with a cheap alternative. Want to use the bath that you already have? Hang bath mats and throw pillows to give it some old-fashioned romance. Or try dressing a portable shower enclosure with a shower curtain. Want a soaking tub? Opt for a tub base, an oversize sink or storage rack. Or if you’re unsure, consider a stand-up shower with some water tiling. If you want to save money, consider installing a durable, low-maintenance material such as white plastic sheets or waterproof silicone.