The Refresh Hour: Affordable Bathroom Remodeling

One of the most exciting and rewarding updates you can make to your home is remodeling your bathroom. It’s a project that doesn’t just improve how your space looks — it truly enhances how you live every day. Whether it’s upgrading the flooring, creating storage that fits your lifestyle, or selecting those refined finishing touches, we’re here to help. Today, we’re sharing practical tips on how to start your affordable bathroom remodel and make beautiful, budget-friendly choices that feel anything but ordinary.

The Cost Breakdown for an Affordable Bathroom Remodel

When it comes to renovation costs, bathrooms are right up there with kitchens. In fact, they often involve just as many intricate decisions and details like plumbing, tile, countertops, cabinetry, fixtures, and finishes — not to mention coordinating everything and everyone involved.

While labor costs are fairly fixed, the good news is that you have a lot of control over material and finish selections.

Pro Tip: A well-designed bathroom saves you money in the long run — which is why working with an experienced Kitchen & Bath designer is so important. They’ll guide you toward selections you’ll love for years to come while making the most of your budget.

Affordable Bathroom Tile Selections

Tile can be one of the largest expenses in a bathroom remodel, so if you’re working within a tighter budget, we have a few designer-approved alternatives to consider.

For starters, skip the tile surround and opt for an acrylic shower or bath surround instead — it’s budget-friendly, easy to clean, and still looks great! Today, you can find faux tile and stone surrounds to give you a more elevated look without breaking the bank.

For flooring: We’re loving these water-resistant options that don’t sacrifice style:

• Luxury Vinyl Tile (LVT): Thicker and more durable than standard vinyl. Great for high-traffic areas or homes with pets.
• Ceramic Tile: Affordable tile selection, easy to cut but can be more prone to chipping
• Porcelain Tile: More durable and less porous than ceramic, making it more resistant to water, stains and chipping.

Right now, faux stone looks are trending, offering a beautiful, elevated feel without the hefty price tag. (Psst — all featured projects on this post are using a faux stone tile)

Design isn’t just visual—it’s practical. A well-planned bathroom makes your daily routine easier, more comfortable, and more enjoyable.

Bathroom Storage Solutions

Before you dive into your remodel, think about storage. Who’s using the space? What needs to be stored? A well-planned and organized bathroom feels better because it works better for you.

For a high-end custom look, our designers can create fully custom cabinetry — perfectly tailored to your needs. But if you’re looking for an easy, affordable update, consider:

• Refreshing existing cabinetry and hardware
• Installing a pre-fab vanity that includes the cabinetry and countertop

We’re especially loving Kohler’s prefab vanities right now — they’re affordable, beautifully made, and easy to install. We recently used them in the project featured above and we can’t get enough of them!

Working with our Certified Kitchen & Bath Designers means you’ll get expert help rethinking your layout, creating niches, or simply organizing your space smarter — whatever best fits your needs.

Bathroom Lighting Guide

Similarly, lighting completely transforms a bathroom— it’s what makes a space feel welcoming, polished and yours.

Layered lighting is the key to success:

• Overhead lighting: Great for visibility. Use it to highlight beautiful features like tilework or a vaulted ceiling.
• Sconce lighting: Perfect for mirror symmetry and practical tasks like makeup and shaving. (Pro Tip: Add a dimmer for instant mood lighting!)
• Mood lighting: Soft, subtle lighting ideal for winding down at night — like a night light, but prettier.

Bring character and style to your bathroom with a statement flush mount light fixture

Add charm and better visibility with decorative sconces alongside your mirror

Create an instant atmospheric environment with an artful plug-in