Get The Luxury Bathroom Look For Less
Have you ever walked into a posh hotel bathroom and felt a pang of jealousy? The gleaming marble countertops, the claw-foot tub, the brass fixtures – it’s the epitome of luxury. And you think to yourself, “I want that in my home!” But then the harsh reality sets in – that kind of high-end design comes with an equally high-end price tag.
Or does it?
Uncover the Secrets of Affordable Luxury
I used to think that the only way to achieve that designer bathroom look was to shell out thousands upon thousands of dollars. But as I’ve learned over the years, that’s simply not true. With a little creativity and the right know-how, you can get that luxurious look for a fraction of the cost.
It all started when we bought our fixer-upper of a house a few years back. The bathrooms were stuck in the 80s – all beige tile and dated fixtures. I knew I wanted to gut them and start fresh, but our renovation budget was, shall we say, on the lean side.
So I hit the ground running, determined to find ways to get that high-end look without the high-end price. And let me tell you, I discovered some real gems along the way. [1]
Fooling the Eye with Luxury Vinyl
One of the biggest areas where you can save a bundle is with your flooring. Now, I know what you’re thinking – “Vinyl? Really? How can that possibly look luxurious?” Well, my friends, let me introduce you to the world of luxury vinyl plank (LVP) flooring.
I’ll admit, when I first heard of LVP, I was pretty skeptical. I envisioned those cheap, plasticky sheets of vinyl that my grandma had in her kitchen. But the stuff they’re making these days is a far cry from that.
The key is to look for LVP that has a realistic wood or stone look. [2] Brands like Coreluxe and COREtec are absolute masters at creating luxury vinyl that could easily pass for the real thing. And the best part? It’s often a fraction of the cost of hardwood or tile.
Seamless Transitions and Continuous Flow
Now, you might be thinking, “But won’t it look weird if I have LVP in my bathroom and then a different flooring in the rest of the house?” And that’s a valid concern. The trick is to make sure the LVP you choose has a continuous, seamless look that flows throughout your home.
I made that mistake in our first bathroom renovation – I went with a wood-look LVP that didn’t quite match the real hardwood in the rest of the house. It looked…well, let’s just say it didn’t exactly scream “designer.” [3]
But for our second bathroom, I did my homework and found an LVP that was a dead ringer for the hardwood in the rest of the house. And let me tell you, the difference is night and day. It looks like the flooring was meant to be there all along.
Elevating the Basics with Luxe Touches
Now, once you’ve nailed down the flooring, it’s time to start thinking about the other elements. And this is where you can really have some fun and get creative.
Remember those brass fixtures I mentioned earlier? Well, you don’t have to break the bank to get that look. Head to your local hardware store or scour online retailers, and you’ll find a wealth of affordable options that will give you that high-end feel.
And don’t forget about the little details. Things like luxurious towels, plush rugs, and stylish light fixtures can make a big impact. [4] It’s all about building that cohesive, designer-worthy look.
Blending Old and New for a Timeless Look
One of my favorite tricks is to mix and match vintage and modern elements. For example, in our second bathroom, we kept the original pedestal sink, but paired it with a sleek new faucet and a stunning, oversized mirror. [5]
The contrast between the old and new creates this really interesting, layered look that feels both timeless and on-trend. Plus, scouring flea markets and antique shops for unique finds can save you a ton of money compared to buying everything brand new.
Don’t Forget the Power of Paint
And let’s not forget the humble can of paint. A fresh coat of paint can work wonders in transforming a space from dated to designer. And the best part? It’s one of the most affordable ways to make a big impact.
In our first bathroom, we went with a soothing, spa-like blue-gray color. It instantly elevated the space and made it feel so much more luxurious. [6] Don’t be afraid to get bold and experiment with color – it’s a quick and easy way to add that designer touch.
Putting It All Together
So there you have it, my friends – the secrets to getting that luxury bathroom look on a budget. It’s all about finding the right balance of affordable, high-quality materials, mixed with a healthy dose of creativity and personal style.
Trust me, I know it can feel daunting at first. But once you start to see the pieces come together, it’s so rewarding. And the best part? You’ll be able to enjoy that posh, designer feel every time you step into your bathroom.
So what are you waiting for? Let’s get to work on transforming your space into a high-end oasis, one affordable upgrade at a time.
Sources:
[1] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kZPgZhHnYeg
[2] https://mariakillam.com/dos-donts-vinyl-plank-floors-bathroom/
[3] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7WYSqCu1SxE
[4] https://stylebyemilyhenderson.com/blog/bathroom-renovation-mistakes-and-tips
[5] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-kFMWuLRgYE
[6] https://stylebyemilyhenderson.com/blog/why-designers-hate-most-medicine-cabinets-some-genius-alternative-bathroom-storage-solutions
[7] https://www.bayonabudget.com/2022/07/27/why-i-hate-luxury-vinyl-flooring/