Where to save and where to splurge on your bathroom remodel

I get this question A LOT! “Where should I splurge and where should I save on my bathroom remodel? I’m so overwhelmed.”

First of all, I got you. No need to stress. In this blog post I’m going to share the things I suggest splurging on, and the things I suggest saving on. 

I want you to have the bathroom of your dreams, that looks and feels luxurious and that functions exactly as it’s supposed to. I want to make your life EASIER. 

So….grab something to take notes with along and your beverage of choice and let’s do this!

Splurge

  1. High Quality Tile and Flooring (With Epoxy Grout)

My first suggested splurge is on tile. Not only are you going to be walking all over this space all the time, but it’s very easy to tell the difference between cheap tile and nicer tile. For something that’s going to get so much attention, it’s important to invest in this material. You want something that’s durable and won’t stain or get damaged easily. So this is definitely something you should be willing to spend more money on. Flooring should be considered a permanent part of your home that is going to get the most wear and tear. 

Epoxy grout is the best type when selecting one for your tile. It is both stain resistant and durable, which are both extremely important qualities when it comes to grout. It’s also perfect for traffic-heavy areas. 

Bottom line. Don’t skimp on the bathroom tile and grout. 

2. Smart Storage

Hear me when I tell you how important it is to incorporate storage that works for you and allows your bathroom to function exactly as it should. Like, seriously...invest in this. I need  you to take away two main points: basic organization and multi-functional storage.

 So, let’s talk about just plain organizing your stuff. Is it not the worst feeling when you don’t have a place to put anything in your bathroom? You can never find what you need, you have to keep your makeup or shaving supplies in another room, everything is crowded and unorganized and it’s just...well...not working. 

Make sure you have ample drawer and cabinet space to store all of your items. The things you use daily should be easily accessible, so ensure you account for that when planning your space. 

 I am obsessed with organization! Change your mindset and train yourself to know that everything should have its place. It’s so much easier to edit, sort, and organize your items in such a way that makes sense so that all you have to do is maintain. Plus, let’s face it -- who doesn’t want convenience and flow when it comes to using your bathroom? The last thing you need is to be rushing around in the morning, unable to find where you stuck the hairdryer and you’re running late! We’re already living in such a chaotic world with so many responsibilities and things to do, why add disorganization to your list? No bueno.

I want ease and grace for you whenever possible because I’m just caring (and OCD) like that!

 Here are a few ideas for Smart Storage! See below…

>>Multi-Functional Storage

The second part to this is ensuring you include storage that not only organizes all of your things but is multi-functional. Making selections that are multi-functional like the vanity shown above. There is covered storage (the drawers) AND open-storage (shelf-below) giving you options when it comes to storing your different items. You can also have custom storage solutions built as well. I love this option because you can truly get something that is customized to your unique needs.

 If you are a neat and tidy person, you can get away with open storage. This is a great way to style and display the items you use most often, along with some decorative accessories if you so choose. Have fun with it! I would not suggest this option if you don’t like or don’t have time to organize and place things in a specific manner. Cabinets would be more suited for you since you would have doors that can be closed, keeping those things tucked away and out of sight. 

 When choosing an item for bathroom storage, ask yourself…”ok, is this going to work for me?” I suggest making a list of everything that needs to be stored in this place, and find a piece that satisfies everything on your list. Trust me, you’ll thank me later. You’ll most likely be less overwhelmed when you’re looking for storage solutions as well, because you already know what your needs are. Do your homework before you begin shopping!

>>Additional Cabinetry

If your vanity is just not giving you enough storage options, add it in other areas. If there’s not a lot of floor space, consider using wall space. For example, you can mount shelves on the wall that you can use for storing towels. If you have a linen closet, consider using that to store some of your items. No linen closet? This is the perfect time for your to include that in your layout.

 If you’re working with a professional designer, ensure you let them know what storage needs you have. They can provide some amazing solutions for you. If you need help with remodeling your space, you can book your Design Discovery Session via phone, here. 

>>Integrated electrical outlets/USB ports

This is all about convenience and is so beyond worth the money you will spend. Remember when I mentioned your space functioning for you? Well, electrical outlets and USB ports need to be a part of that equation! In the technological world we are immersed in, having these outlets and ports placed strategically in your bathroom makes absolute sense. We spend a large amount of our lives in our bathrooms but we also spend a lot of time on our mobile devices. Incorporating USB ports and electrical outlets INSIDE of your drawers or slide out racks in your cabinets is a fabulous addition to your space! It makes it extremely convenient for using hair dryers, electrical shavers, curling irons, etc. It will also allow you to charge or use more items (phone, etc) simultaneously without taking up a lot of space.

>>Pullout racks/double-tiered drawers

I mentioned this when discussing USB ports and electrical outlets. If you can incorporate pull-out racks and double-tiered drawers, it will be a game-changer! Doing this maximizes the space you already have. The great thing about this is that you don’t have to replace your existing cabinetry. Look at your existing space and see how you can have these functions built into your cabinetry.

If having a carpenter build these for you will put you over your desired level of investment, check out places like the Container Store to find items like this that are perfect for small spaces. Get creative!  The objective is to maximize, maximize, maximize your space!

3. Use sustainable Materials

By using sustainable materials, you are doing your part in showing some love to this great place we call Earth! We often think we have unlimited resources and that is further from the truth than we know. Why not do your part and use materials that will not only last but can be reused.

There is an added benefit to having recyclable and sustainable materials in your bathroom, kitchen, and flooring. Sustainable materials are those that have very little amount of negative impact on our environment. They are materials that promote health because they are not treated with toxic chemicals so you don’t have to worry about off-gassing and breathing toxic fumes while you’re in your home. They’re durable, long-lasting, renewable, and reusable.

 Try using materials that replenish quickly (meaning we always have enough) like cork, hemp, wood, linen, straw, etc. Fun fact: A bamboo, for example, replenishes in about 60 days. That’s crazy fast! 

4. Low-flush toilets, solar heating, low flow showers, etc.

When you use items like a low-flush toilet or low flow shower heads, it saves water and saves you money in the long run. Solar heating is an upfront investment but will reduce the cost of your electricity bill. These are just some of the examples of items that have less impact on our planet but will also save your hard-earned cash.

Save

  1. Keep existing footprint if possible 

One of the best ways to save money is to keep your existing layout. This means, that everything stays where it is.

Moving things such as plumbing will quickly shoot your remodeling investment through the roof! So, if you can keep everything in its current place, it will save you a ton of cash.

Now if your bathroom is not functional or just doesn’t make sense for how you live, then consider this to be on the splurge side for you. If your investment level is limited, don’t reconfigure your layout.

2. Reface cabinets (or paint them) rather than replace them

In most cases, there is no need to get a whole new vanity. This will, of course, depend on your style preferences and storage needs, but if you want to save money and still make a huge impact on the look of your bathroom, consider refacing or painting your existing cabinets. 

 It’s ah-mazing what a little paint and new hardware can do! When you save in this area, it will allow you to splurge on that high-end tile or custom storage solutions. Wink, wink.

3. Lighting

Lighting is everything, but you don't need to go for pricey fixtures unless your level of investment can support it. This is something you can easily save on. There are so many options out there that will not break the bank and will still give a high-end look to your bathroom. 

Layered lighting is important and will take your space to the next level. Make sure you don’t have just one source of light. Incorporate task lighting so you have ample light when applying make-up or shaving.

bath wallpaper.jpg

4. Choose paint over wallpaper 

Wallpaper is typically going to be more of an investment than paint. It usually requires an installer and quite a few tools! If you have textured walls, it will cost more money to have the texture removed before wallpaper can be applied. Plus, if you ever decide you want to change things up and have it removed…that’s more money love!

Paint is such an inexpensive way to change up a space without spending a lot of money. It completely changes the look of the room and can have a major impact!

So as you can see, there are many ways that you can splurge on your remodel but there are just as many ways you can save. You have to be intentional from the start. Be strategic. Have a plan. Take the time to figure out what your needs are, then you can consider the “nice-to-haves”. If it’s within your desired level of investment, then incorporate those items into your plan. Be realistic about how much you want to spend and how much your remodel will really cost.

Now is the time to make those decisions moving forward so you have a clear roadmap that will get you to the bathroom of your dreams!

If you’re still overwhelmed or you just don’t know where to start, Shades of Gray Design Studio is here to help you navigate the world of remodeling. Yesss…this is what we were made to do!

Let’s do this together. We’re excited to hear all about your project! Schedule your Design Discovery Session, here.