Bathrooms have evolved over the years from purely functional areas in your home into indulgent retreats to escape to, boasting stylish colour schemes, new functionality and cleverly designed storage solutions. The sums of money that people are now willing to spend on their bathrooms would have been inconceivable 15 years ago. However, even with a more modest budget, you can still achieve a luxurious bathroom look that will do your home proud.
Designing a luxurious bathroom involves multiple factors, including thoughtful and relevant space planning, a harmonious blend of products, a mix of textures, the right colours for your space and layering in terms of bath linen, paintings, plants and accessories. Fortunately, these bathroom design principles can be applied no matter what your budget is.
Start by gathering inspiration (hotels are a great place to start), then tweak your design approach to create a luxury bathroom that works for you, your space and your budget.
Dive into our practical tips and strategies that will help you elevate your new bathroom’s style without breaking the bank.
The first step in creating a luxury bathroom on a budget is to realistically assess your finances. Take the time to evaluate your budget, considering your savings, available funds, and any financing options.
Once you have a clear understanding of your financial situation, it’s time to set some goals. Think about which bathroom items are most important to you and splash out on one or two key items. By prioritising your spending, you can allocate your budget effectively and achieve the desired results.
When considering a budget for your bathroom, it’s important to factor in the future value it can add to your home, if you’re looking to sell in the future. Not to mention the wellness benefits that a welcoming bathroom sanctuary in your home can offer.
Choosing brands that represent great value is key to having a wonderful new bathroom that looks luxurious, but which does not come with an exorbitant price tag. Astral Bathrooms has chosen to partner with internationally renowned bathroom brand Jaquar for precisely that reason.
They offer a combination of sleek and innovative contemporary style and cutting-edge features, to create dream bathrooms at a sensible and accessible price point.
Selecting the right materials and fittings is crucial for attaining a luxurious look for your bathroom without overspending. While it may be tempting to invest in costly materials like marble or granite, there are many affordable alternatives that you can consider.
For a luxurious bathroom look at a lower price tag, explore options like porcelain tiles, laminate flooring and engineered wood cabinetry for your vanity units and storage.
When choosing showers and taps, prioritise energy-efficient models with modern designs and advanced features that provide both style and functionality without exceeding your budget.
A clutter free and tidy bathroom exudes luxury! Every elegant bathroom has smart storage solutions behind it. Consider what you need to store and where it should be easily accessible. For example, if your cleaning products aren’t conveniently placed near the toilet, they’ll likely end up sitting out, instead of being stored in a cupboard.
Storage units are the best opportunity to add a real sense of style and character to your bathroom and offset the clinical feel of white porcelain! Not only do they provide useful storage and a good use of space, your choice of stylish storage furniture can allow the bathroom to evolve from clinical to elegantly stylish.
Opting for larger tiles can stretch your bathroom budget further, particularly if you’re hiring a tiler. Fewer tiles will be required, and there will be fewer cuts needed (unless your bathroom is unusually small), which can speed up the project.
Furthermore, large wall and floor tiles can create the illusion of a more spacious bathroom. Choosing a tile that works for both walls and floors can also minimise waste from cut bathroom tiles. If you can’t afford stone, wood or marble, then opt for porcelain tiles.
Alternatively, if you’ve fallen in love with an expensive tile, but can’t afford to tile the whole wall, then stick to splash areas, using bathroom paint in a co-ordinating or contrasting colour for the remaining wall surfaces.
No matter how hard you try, it’s challenging to make a toilet exude luxury and style. It’s not meant to stand out, so it’s best positioned in a discreet corner, allowing more space for other, more eye-catching fixtures. To keep costs down, it’s important to choose your toilet wisely thus allowing more budget for other aspects of your bathroom that can really add luxe appeal.
Today, there is a wide variety of toilet styles and shapes available, making it easier to match your toilet with the rest of your bathroom design.
No bathroom is complete without luxurious finishing touches, and there are plenty of options to choose from. Scented candles in elegant holders can effortlessly enhance your bathroom’s ambiance, while other decorative accents can add even more charm. Consider displaying artwork on the walls, adding plants and foliage or investing in unusual mirrors, bath mats that exude character and unique soap and toothbrush holders. These details will help transform your space into your very own bathroom sanctuary.