Dec 5, 2023 Building Tips 4 min read

10 must-know tips for designing a cost-effective bathroom

Bathrooms are often considered a sanctuary within the home, a place for relaxation and self-care. However, between tiles, fixtures, and plumbing, the costs of creating that dream bathroom can quickly escalate. Thankfully, with some strategic planning and smart choices, you can design a bathroom that's both stunning and economical.

To help you get started, Amy Coombes Landmark Homes Manawatu shares 10 clever tips on how you can create a bathroom that ticks all the boxes for beauty, practicality, and budget.

1. Choose standard format tiles

Using standard 600mm x 600mm tiles is a cost-effective choice for both walls and floors. These tiles are not only affordable to purchase but also easier and cheaper to install. The standard size means less cutting and waste, making the laying process more efficient.

2. Limit wall tiling

While fully tiled bathrooms may look luxurious, they come with a hefty price tag. A more budget-friendly approach is to tile only the shower walls and vanity splashback. This offers a high-end look than an acrylic shower, without the high-end cost.

3. Smart layout planning

During the layout stages, consider placing the shower and vanity on the same wall. This allows for more affordable feature tiling across the entire wall, rather than on two separate walls, expanding your design options while reining in costs.

4. Use affordable materials for non-wet areas

For non-wet feature walls, cost-effective materials like Hardie Groove Lining not only adds a layer of texture and visual interest to your bathroom, but is also easy to paint. That means you also have the freedom to change up your colour scheme whenever you like. It's a fantastic alternative to pricier options like natural stone or intricate tile work, allowing you to achieve a designer look without the designer price tag.

5. Add colour to non-tiled spaces

Painting the non-tiled areas is the most cost-effective way to add interest and depth to your bathroom. Choose a colour that complements the overall design to tie the room together.

6. Consider shower options

If you have room for a double shower, think about installing a rainhead dumper on one side and a slide-shower on the other, rather than a dual shower at both ends. This approach cuts your plumbing hardware and labour costs in half, while still offering a luxurious shower experience.

7. Mitre tiled edges for a luxe look

For a small additional cost, mitering the tiled edges of soap recesses, open corners, and half-height ledges can add a touch of luxury. This low-cost technique offers good bang for your buck with a more sophisticated look compared to strip edging.

8. Choose affordable mirrors

Standard square, circular, or custom-shaped mirrors sourced from glaziers are generally more affordable than framed or LED mirrors from plumbing merchants. Plus, you can customise the look by choosing unique shapes and arrangements to add impact to your space.

9. Wall-mounted bath tapware

Wall-mounted bath tapware is considerably more affordable than its free-standing counterparts. Depending on the brand, you could save hundreds or even thousands of dollars.

10. Make a statement with grout

Believe it or not, the colour of your grout can dramatically change the look of your bathroom. Using a contrasting grout colour can turn standard tiles into a feature wall or floor. It's an incredibly cost-effective way to add design flair without changing the materials.

As you can see, there are lots of clever ways to create a beautiful, high-end bathroom – and your dream home – without breaking the budget. Ready to make that dream a reality? Let’s get started. Contact your local Landmark Homes team today.