Are you thinking of renovating your bathroom? Did you get a quote from a contractor that made your stomach queasy? Welcome to the joys of home improvement — where even the smallest project can be so expensive that the number will make your eyes pop out of your head like a 1990s cartoon character. While a lot of the costs have nothing to do with design (the labor costs involved in construction don’t depend on what sconces you choose), here are a few tips for a stylish bathroom remodel on a budget.

Tip 1: Use inexpensive materials (like stone and tile) creatively!

Let’s talk tile…

My favorite affordable bathroom design tip is to take an inexpensive tile and apply it in a fun pattern for high impact design/low cost. In Dallas, we’ve got a number of fantastic, affordable tile resources — my favorite being Bedrosians and Floor & Decor. Subway tile and penny tile are generally less than $5 per square foot and can be applied in limitless patterns. We did just that in this girl’s bathroom. The pattern was so simple, the tile installer didn’t even increase his labor charge for this. Style - win. Cost - win. Heart - happy.

Now let’s talk about those countertops:

Another great way to keep your bathroom renovation on budget is to use an inexpensive countertop. We love using a white quartz. It’s cheap, durable and neutral. In this bathroom, we had the countertop fabricator add a scalloped edge. This was only a $150 up-charge, but it took the style up 1000%.

Tip 2: Skip the Shower Glass

I know, I know. All the cool kids are using frameless shower glass. I get it. But here’s the thing - that stuff is expensive. So if it’s a secondary bathroom and you can do a tub shower, do it. If you really, really want that glass, limit it to one panel. Here’s a spot we did just that — all the style of glass, much less cost (and, bonus, no costly shower door hardware needed).

Tip 3: Use inexpensive plumbing

We like nice things too. But guys, plumbing can be a sneaky little expense. When you’re browsing Build.com for that shower system, but sure to check the cost of the valve. Some of them are a small upcharge (say $40), but others are upwards of $200-$300. So even if that shower looks inexpensive, the valve might be a major bump to your bottom line.

Our favorite budget friendly plumbing line is Delta. I used it in both my kids baths and have taken showers in both their bathrooms and, boy, the water pressure is lovely. Opt for black or polished nickel with going for an inexpensive plumbing line, as most of their brass/gold finishes are a bit Ceasers Palace.

And yes, chrome, is the cheapest finish. Always. But unless your home is super modern, I’d avoid it. It’s cold, clinical and will not age well. Trust me.

Powder bath in Dallas Texas designed by Lark Interiors. with brass faucet and grassbloth wallpaper

What’s our very best design tip?

What’s the very best design tip of all? Hire an interior designer! Interior designers can save you money, time, and your sanity. Learn more from the blog post linked below.