Who doesn’t like looking at gorgeous designer bathrooms and kitchens in magazines? But not a lot of people can afford the same luxury in their own homes. Just because you don’t have a big budget doesn’t mean your own space has to be boring and generic. You can create a luxurious bathroom or kitchen that doesn’t break the bank. With just a few tips and tricks, you’ll have guests gushing over your own designer-inspired rooms!
Plan Ahead
Before getting started on any renovation or remodeling project, keep in mind a few things to keep costs down. The first thing is to plan ahead for all the work that you will be doing. If your project includes electrical or plumbing work, do that first. You can always fit cabinets and change out faucets later on. You don’t want to install a brand-new sink only to find out the faucet doesn’t fit in the old space anymore.
Don’t change the big stuff. This goes without saying for anyone on a budget. You don’t want to do extensive work like relaying tile or moving fixtures around. If the electrical or plumbing needs a bit of work, go ahead and do it now. But if everything is working fine, there is no need to touch those big-ticket items like kitchen appliances or the bath.
Work with What You Have
Just because you are giving your space a new look, doesn’t mean you have to throw out all the old things. Think outside the box and look for creative ways to repurpose or refurbish old fixtures. For instance, you may be able to repurpose an old dresser as a vanity in your new bathroom. Or you can use leftovers/broken tiles to create an interesting art piece for the kitchen walls. After all, one person’s trash is another person’s treasure!
Tips to Get a Luxurious Space
Focus on the Details
A budget renovation isn’t going to touch major items (floor, oven, baths, etc.) What this means is you have to look at the details. Swap out a faucet, a showerhead or even the sink for a quick upgrade. These smaller items often cost less than you would expect, especially if you’re looking for luxury.
A shower with both handheld and waterfall showerheads can instantly give you a designer look without the price tag. Another easy upgrade is to replace your existing faucet with newer models. A faucet with sleek lines, curves or simply one with a taller profile can transform your old bathroom or kitchen.
Have an old kitchen sink that you’d like to replace? Look at under-mount sinks with single, deep bowls. These models are both practical and evoke a sense of style.
Use Large Tile and Focus on Accents
Laying down new tile for the entire bathroom or kitchen is a major project. Instead, focus on a smaller area at eye level. Switch out the standard tile for large pieces in unique colors. By focusing on trim and accents, you will need fewer tiles and draw the eye of the viewer. You can splurge on more expensive tile options but still spend less overall. Larger tiles also mean less maintenance for the long term.
Upgrade Knobs and Pulls
A smaller budget often rules out a complete overhaul of cabinets. But you can still switch out drawer knobs and pulls for a luxury upgrade. Depending on the overall design of your bathroom and kitchen, opt for different materials like leather pulls or chrome knobs for an instant facelift!
Ever notice how luxurious spaces also look clean and neat with no clutter? Clutter on your kitchen counter or bathroom sink is never a good look. Opt for covered storage spaces to keep all your knick-knacks out of sight. Not only does this make it easier to keep your space clean but it makes your space look stylish as well.
Use Lighting to Your Advantage
One thing any luxury bathroom or kitchen has in common is how effectively they use lighting. Using a large mirror in the bathroom with wall sconces at the side (instead of a traditional light on top) is a good luxurious option. If your kitchen has a window, make it the focus of your decor. A single, unique lighting piece can transform the entire space! The light itself may be expensive but the project will still be within your budget.
Luxury bathrooms and kitchens need a tasteful color palette. Stick to a monochromatic color scheme or just a couple of shades of the same color within the space. Highlight specific areas with an accent color (either contrasting or complementary shade). Use rugs or other removable decor items for a splash of color instead. Now you can always switch things around for a quick facelift in the future.
