Small Bathroom Remodel on a Budget

I love bathroom remodels, but they aren’t always possible when you have to stick to a budget. I’ve learned that you don’t have to gut your entire bathroom to make it fabulous! A little TLC and working with the existing framework with some polishing can transform a bathroom. Both of these bathrooms in my new house were soooooo boring. They were the first rooms I tackled in the new house because I knew they would be a quick remodel with limited funding required. They both turned out fabulous that I can barely remember what I started with. So, here are my best tips to remodel your small bathroom on a budget.

 

#1: Examine the existing tile/vanity/hardware

If your foundation is ok, this will save you a TON. The tile on my daughter’s bathroom was disgusting and the grout was almost black against the stark white tile, but there were no major cracks or deficiencies. It just took a little elbow grease with bleach and baking soda to make them look brand new again! The vanity cabinet, although not my color of choice, the wood was good so I left it (for now...may change with a new vanity top). You can paint vanity cabinets with minimal cost by using a good primer and a semi-gloss latex paint. I did this in my old house, and it turned out beautifully! In the main floor bathroom it had a pedestal sink and hardwoods, so no need to change those big ticket items. I did remove and patch the holes from a towel rack above the toilet. I replaced the large towel rack with more appropriate sized hand towel holder.

#2: Paint or Wallpaper

Obvious I know, but adding some color or wall interest is HUGE! For my daughter's bathroom I used Sherwin Williams Watery and the main floor paint is Sherwin Williams Pewter Tankyard.  The wallpaper accent wall I choose in the main floor bath was a little pricy at $150 (with supplies), but doing the labor myself saved me so much and with the small space to make a statement, it was so worth it. In bathrooms you have so much accent wall ability – think about a wood wall, stripes, chevron, stencils, metallic paint, decals, bead board, wainscoting, or faux brick (I’m giving this one a try somewhere in my house).

#3: New fixtures

Not only thinking about changing the vanity/cabinet hardware, think about changing the faucet, towel/toilet paper holders, shower head, mirror, and lighting fixture. Pick and choose what you think will make the biggest impact. On both these bathrooms I did the lighting (same piece because we loved it) and the mirror. In my opinion, these are GAME CHANGERS in a bathroom. For the main floor bathroom I also removed the brass towel and toilet rack hardware and replaced with new brushed nickel hardware. My goal down the line is to change the countertops, sink and faucet in my daughter’s bathroom – but for now, it’s a start. I mean anywhere I can add marble or granite…I’m going to :)

 

#4: Add décor

In my daughter’s room I was inspired by the beautiful paint color I choose to go with a boho chic theme. I found a rug, shower curtain, towels and amazing quote art from HomeGoods that went perfectly with the color scheme and were on budget.  I added two custom Etsy prints with frames from HomeGoods. To save some money I also created DIY shelving units using wood and brackets I found.

In the main floor bathroom, I knew I wanted to stay with a metallic theme from the wallpaper and I remembered I had bought 3 Ikea frames (similar)at a yard sale for $1…yes ALL 3 for $1…so I rummaged in our packed boxes and found them!! Anytime you see frames or art you love on sale, buy them. If you don’t end up using them think of using them as gifts and inserting personalized photos for an engagement, wedding, graduation, etc.

#5: Go in phases

You don't have to do everyhting at once. Start with the basics and then save up for the dream renovation or adding new pieces.