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Budgeting for a Bathroom Renovation: What You Need to Know

Updated: Aug 25, 2022

There is no doubt that planning a bathroom remodel can be a daunting task. It's a very small space with a lot of moving parts and SOO many options to choose from. In this post, I am going to provide you with some help with putting together a GOOD - BETTER - BEST budget for your bathroom renovation and how style and budget go hand in hand.


I’ll be tackling all the FAQ’s I get about:

  • Plumbing Fixtures

  • Tile

  • Lighting

  • Bathroom Vanities

I'll also share a case study about the primary bathroom I designed for my own home and show you where I splurged and where I saved.

A guest bathroom with Brizo fixtures and Architessa tile

The Best Bathroom Appliances and Plumbing Features for Every Budget


There is something sexy about Gessi plumbing fixtures that makes them one of my favorite lines out there. They are sleek and modern and all handmade in Italy. When designing something more contemporary or transitional within a mid-range budget, Rohl is the place I turn to find fixtures. When installed in bathrooms, the fixtures feel sturdy and have an eye-catching appearance.

The coolest fixtures from Gessi and David Rockwell (The Rockwell Group)

I recently had the pleasure of attending a Kohler event and learning about their extensive line of fixtures and accessories. From high end designer lines to budget friendly options, they have something for everyone. Besides that, everything is made in the USA and the warranty is unbeatable. The Components collection at that price point is the chicest modern design I've seen with great accessories and cool faucet handles.


Sleek and chic! Components line at Kohler

Im loving these Anthem fixtures from Kohler



How Much Will I Spend on Bathroom Plumbing Fixtures?


The price list below shows what we spent on our primary bath (2018 pricing):


The Best Bathroom Cabinets & Countertops


Konst Union is my local one-stop-shop for the best in European luxury in the bathroom, including the best cabinets and vanities. Nowadays, there is a wide variety of vanities available to choose from. If you prefer not to design a custom vanity, Worlds Away introduced bathroom vanities that are beautiful, functional, and feel custom-made. Perfect for adding subtle glamour to your bathroom. For affordable contemporary style, I recommend clients to James Martin Vanities which you can order on Build.com. Made with quality materials and designed in a transitional style, they will never go out of style. We have a master bath with a double trough sink and lots of drawer space for storing things off the countertops.


Konst Union - a great luxury source for bathrooms and kitchens!
Swooning over this mid mod burl wood vanity from Worlds Away
Our primary bathroom with the double trough sink from James Martin Vanities and Artistic Tile

The Best Bathroom Lighting


How Do You Choose Lighting for a Bathroom?

There are a few important elements unique to the light scheme in the bathroom. Namely:

  • Multi-Functional: You want to think in terms of day-to-night. Sometimes you’ll want full light for getting ready to go out, sometimes you’ll want just path lighting in case you’re up in the middle of the night.

  • Vanity Lighting: The optimal vanity lighting is lit from the sides, rather than from overhead which causes shadows.

  • Damp-rated: Safety is very important in these little spaces where we mix water and tile. Damp-rated lighting ensures your fixtures can withstand the elements!


Best Bathroom Lighting

My current go-to source for inspired bath lighting is Palecek. I like to think of their products as resort-casual attire for the home. They excel in using natural materials which are great for modern farmhouses or coastal retreats alike. For something unique or whimsical, I turn to Currey and Company. With their extensive line of styles, they will fit perfectly into any home. I always find something that’s funky, fun, and fits perfectly in my clients’ budgets at Regina Andrews. They’re great for decorative accents and sweet feminine silhouettes.



Gorgeous coastal style sconce by Palecek

Look how adorable this sconce is from Currey and Co!
Regina Andrews fixture in my client's powder room

Mia Sconce - Regina Andrews







How Much Does Bathroom Lighting Cost?



The Best Places to Shop for Tile for Your Bathroom


where should i go to source tile?

From Kelly Wearstler to Barbara Barry, Ann Sacks is my go-to source for amazing designer tiles. The price point is high but IMO totally worth it for the handmade feel and distinctive high design. Walker Zanger also has some fabulous options for creating the serene bathroom of your dreams with their minimalist, textural wall slabs. Larger slabs of tile or porcelain means less grout lines in a shower. And that means easy maintenance! The tile selection at Architessa is diverse, but I always find reasonably priced tiles that are always on-trend.


I love everything Kelly Wearstler designs - especially this tile!
How fun is this Architessa tile in my teenage son's bathroom?
Walker Zanger tile - gorgeous and versatile!

NEED this tile for my next dog loving client! (Architessa tile)





How Much Does It Cost to Tile a Bathroom?


IMO tile selection is as important as the layout of the bathroom. Not only will a good tile add a wow factor to a room, but it needs to be easy to maintain and will not look dated after a few years.

Artistic Tile's large format floor tiles are so unique and make a statement

When it was all said and done, this master bathroom came out to $34,404.48 in total. If you were adding along, you might be wondering how we’re a few dollars short. There are other items we left off this guide, like the vintage vanity mirrors, radiant flooring, shower glass doors and the labor and installation costs. But, my guide on how to budget for your whole home remodel is here if you would like to see something more comprehensive for your bathroom and beyond.


Large format tile and shimmery bronze niche tile by Artistic Tile

Contact us today to help design your dream bath. We can help you figure all of the complexities and help you stay on budget!


Is your kitchen in need of a remodel? Peep this post on kitchen renovation budgets I recently wrote about here!


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