We all want a luxe-looking washroom to suds up and shower in. The challenge is creating that spa-like space without getting soaked. Read on to see how bargain-bin tile, secondhand furniture, and selective use of high-end finishes can give you the polish you want at a price you can afford.
A Place for Two
1. Vintage washstand
Set between matching pedestal sinks, a tiled-back washstand creates a his-and-hers vanity for a lot less coin than a new dresser-style model. Expect to pay about $250 for a similar washstand at antiques or thrift shops.
Save by Not Building In
2. Wall-Hung Mirrors
Easy-to-hang flush-mount mirrors don’t require wall-busting construction like recessed medicine cabinets do.
Use Expensive Materials in Most Visible Places
3. Tile-Top Wainscot
Use a luxe material sparingly and for the most visual impact by adding a dramatic ceramic tile border to enhance inexpensive wood beadboard.
Get Colorful
4. DIY Mosaic Design
Design a pattern, pop out mesh-backed ½-inch white tiles, and replace with colorful accents.
Build on a Furnished Foundation
5. Sideboard vanity
A mirrored dining room buffet replaces both a run-of-the-mill medicine chest and a sink cabinet. Paint it the same color as the walls to give it a built-in look.
Bring Outside Elements Inside
6. Outdoor-shower paneling
Horizontal slats nailed to vertical framing nod to the look of an open-air shower enclosure.
7. Utility light
Instead of a dressy sconce, a caged fixture, like those on farm buildings, offers a lot of light— and style—for just a little money.
Natural Accents
8. Natural stone counter
A soapstone top, with its river rock color and matte finish, has a warmer look than polished granite. Cut one to your specs using woodworking tools.
9. Twig-style tissue holder
TP hangs from a spindle suspended between the vanity’s front and back legs. Make one using a $1 wood dowel from the hardware store.
Go for Bright and Airy
10. Room divider
Framed frosted Plexiglas panels linked by steel cables create a visual partition without blocking natural light.
11. Towel cubby
Better looking than a plumbing access door, a wood-lined niche with a removable back panel stores extra towels. Box-in a void at the end of your tub surround using hardwood plywood and trim for about $50.
Design a Rustic Retreat
12. Weathered shelving
A wall-mounted barn board shelf stores bathing essentials and makes attractive use of the blank canvas above the claw-foot tub.
13. Two-tone tub
A serene palette of watery hues on the walls and shelf is complemented by a soft gray paint on the tub exterior. Refinish the outside of your claw-foot with a metal-safe enamel, such as Impervo Alkyd
Create Handcrafted Character
14. Curved backsplash
A custom demilune backsplash gives this painted wood vanity the look of a vintage washstand. Instead of warp-prone wood, use a sheet of marine-grade polymer that’s easy to cut with a jigsaw and never needs paint.
15. Simple skirted sink
A gingham curtain hides exposed plumbing, and punches up a white and cream color scheme.
Try a Vertical Backsplash
16. Low-cost tile tricks wall runner
Mix small quantities of discounted odd-lot hexagonal mosaics, skinny “liners,” and oversized subways to create a distinctive vertical backsplash. Save 60 percent over custom tile orders.
Mix it Up
17. Varied pattern
Install a square grid halfway up the wall, cap with a tiled rail, then lay subsequent courses on an angle for a more decorative look.
Create a Border
18. Chair Rail
Set plain subways on end to create a dentil-style border on a tiled wainscot. Seal the exposed, unglazed ends with caulk.
Use Glass Wisely
19. Bold Accents
Scatter glass or other accent tiles within a field of moderately priced field ones. Product idea: Lake Garda glass subway tiles, Ann Sacks.
*These are ideas for do-it-yourself projects. If you would like a professional to assist you in this project please call DJ’s Home Improvements at 516-775-8696, or visit http://www.djshome.com to see some of our completed projects for design ideas. DJ’s Home Improvements is a design-build remodeling company with 40 years combined experience, licensed in Nassau and Suffolk counties of Long Island New York.
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