Elevating Your Bathroom on a Budget
I’ve got to be honest with you – when it comes to bathroom design, I’m a bit of a snob. There’s just something about that perfect blend of form and function that gets me all excited. But let’s be real, not all of us can afford to deck out our bathrooms with the kind of high-end fixtures and finishes that grace the pages of interior design magazines. Or can we?
Secrets of the English Bathroom
Recently, I was browsing through one of my favorite design blogs, Laurel Bern Interiors, and came across a post all about the new Drummonds showroom in New York City. Now, Drummonds is the kind of luxury bathroom brand that makes my heart flutter, but also my wallet cringe. [1] As Laurel so eloquently put it, “I will be lucky if I can so much as afford one of their cup holders one day!”
But the post got me thinking – there must be ways to capture that high-end, English-inspired bathroom aesthetic without breaking the bank. And you know what they say, necessity is the mother of invention (or in this case, creative budgeting).
Achieving the Look for Less
So, I did a deep dive into some of my favorite design resources, and let me tell you, I found a goldmine of affordable options that can help you design a bathroom worthy of a palatial estate. [2] [3] [4]
First up, let’s talk about the foundation of any great bathroom – the tile. Now, I know what you’re thinking, “Tile? That’s going to cost me an arm and a leg!” But hear me out. There are some seriously affordable ceramic tile options out there that can give you that luxe, handmade look without the luxury price tag.
For example, the folks over at Fireclay Tile have a new collection of $10 per square foot “Essentials” tiles that are simply stunning. And don’t even get me started on the gem that is The Tile Bar – their 3×12 “Manchester” tile in a gorgeous slate blue is only $8 per square foot. [2]
But wait, there’s more! Cemento Collection has a dreamy emerald green brick tile for just $10 per square foot, and The Tile Shop has some delectable slate blue and gunmetal options in a 4×12 format for a mere $7 per square foot. [2]
Faucets and Fixtures
Now that we’ve got the tile situation sorted, let’s move on to the all-important faucets and fixtures. As Laurel mentioned, Kohler is a solid go-to for high-quality, yet affordable options. [1] Their Memoirs console sink and Kathryn sink with porcelain legs are both stunning and surprisingly wallet-friendly.
But if you really want to channel that classic, English-inspired vibe, you’ve got to check out Rohl and their Perrin & Rowe line. [1] These faucets and fixtures have that beautifully crafted, heirloom-quality look, and the prices are actually quite reasonable, especially when you consider the level of craftsmanship.
And let’s not forget about Rejuvenation, a brand that’s part of the Williams-Sonoma family. [1] Their bathroom offerings are simply divine, with a level of style and sophistication that belies their affordable price tags.
Storage Solutions
Now, I know what you’re thinking – “But Laurel, where am I going to put all my stuff?” Excellent question, my friend. The English have it all figured out with their built-in closets and chests in the bathroom. [1] But for those of us without the luxury of that kind of square footage, there are still some clever solutions.
Consider investing in a gorgeous console sink with ample storage space underneath, or a beautifully crafted vanity with plenty of drawers and cabinets. And don’t forget about the power of a well-placed shelving unit or cabinet – it can really help to maximize your storage without sacrificing style.
Bringing it All Together
Alright, let’s take a step back and review what we’ve learned. With a little creativity and some savvy shopping, you can absolutely design a bathroom that looks like it was pulled straight from the pages of a high-end design magazine – without the hefty price tag. [5] [6] [7] [8]
Start with affordable, yet high-quality tile options, then layer in those gorgeous faucets and fixtures from brands like Kohler, Rohl, and Rejuvenation. Don’t forget to incorporate clever storage solutions to keep your space clutter-free and oh-so-chic.
The key is to focus on quality over quantity, and to be willing to put in a little extra legwork to uncover those hidden gems. Trust me, the end result will be a bathroom that’s the envy of all your friends – and your wallet will thank you, too.
So, what are you waiting for? Let’s get to work on designing your dream bathroom, one that’s high on style and low on cost. It’s time to show the world that you don’t need a limitless budget to create a space that’s truly fit for a queen (or king!).
References
[1] Laurel Bern Interiors. “High-End Bathroom Sources: Drummonds.” Laurel Bern Interiors, 11 Apr. 2022, https://laurelberninteriors.com/high-end-bathroom-sources-drummonds/.
[2] Kestenbaum, Erin. “Affordable Ceramic Tile That Look Expensive.” Erin Kestenbaum, 20 Feb. 2022, https://erinkestenbaum.com/2022/02/20/affordable-ceramic-tile-that-look-expensive/.
[3] Henderson, Emily. “Bathroom Renovation Mistakes and Tips.” Style by Emily Henderson, 30 Aug. 2022, https://stylebyemilyhenderson.com/blog/bathroom-renovation-mistakes-and-tips.
[4] “High Quality but Affordable Bathroom Vanities.” r/HomeImprovement, 27 Sep. 2022, https://www.reddit.com/r/HomeImprovement/comments/xoqljh/high_quality_but_affordable_bathroom_vanities/.
[5] Henderson, Emily. “Why Designers Hate Most Medicine Cabinets & Some Genius Alternative Bathroom Storage Solutions.” Style by Emily Henderson, 19 May 2022, https://stylebyemilyhenderson.com/blog/why-designers-hate-most-medicine-cabinets-some-genius-alternative-bathroom-storage-solutions.
[6] Horan, Mackenzie. “Perrin and Rowe Georgian Era Bathroom Faucet Look for Less.” Mackenzie Horan, 10 Jan. 2022, https://mackenziehoran.com/2022/01/10/perrin-and-rowe-georgian-era-bathroom-faucet-look-for-less/.
[7] “Cabinet Hardware: Cheap vs Expensive.” Houzz, 1 Dec. 2016, https://www.houzz.com/discussions/3871879/cabinet-hardware-cheap-vs-expensive.
[8] “Master Bathroom Floor Tile Design.” The Brain and The Brawn, 3 Aug. 2022, https://thebrainandthebrawn.com/master-bathroom-floor-tile-design/.