Annette O'Brien
Rather than just a room to address your daily personal care routine, bathrooms are increasingly becoming a sanctuary to escape from the busy lives we lead. The choice of fixtures and finishes to create a more high-end, luxurious look to your bathroom can create an atmosphere of calm luxury, but how can you stretch your budget to best effect?
To avoid overspending on your bathroom renovation budget, here are some bathroom design ideas to help achieve a luxurious space, without the luxury price tag.
1. Pick one feature
Paring back bathroom styling by selecting one luxury feature will not only create a gorgeous focal point for your space, but it will also lift the entire feel of the room. Tiling is an essential finish in a wet space but more than function alone, the style of tiles you choose can carry a greater design load to see it punching well above its weight visually. Invest in a feature tile wall or vibrant vanity splashback in your bathroom to set the tone – and they needn’t cost the earth. “Hexagons and penny rounds come in an array of shades and create a dramatic impact to any space,” says Beaumont Tiles design specialist Christie Wood. “They’re easy to lay as they generally come on a meshed backing – making them perfect for DIY projects.”
“There are many ways that DIYers – whether novices or pros – can capitalise on any sized budget and inject a little luxury into their home.”
Christie Wood, Beaumont Tiles’ Design Specialist
“Subway tiles are another way to complete the luxe look for less. The key is to use them in an unexpected way like laying them in herringbone or on an angle. For those who are daring, pair them with a coloured grout like navy blue – perfect for a coastal chic or a global fusion inspired project,” Christie suggests.
2. Bold lighting
Add drama by taking the latest looks lighting into the bathroom for an unexpected statement of luxury.
“We’re seeing a trend towards simple, clean lines, with materials such as stone, brass and timber high on wish lists,” says design services manager Amy Harper-Pell of Special Lights. “Another trend is to contrast minimalist bathroom design with bright-coloured, oversized or crystal lighting, which commands attention.”
(left) Observatory Lighting glass cloche filament wall light, $149, Temple & Webster (centre) Mercator ‘Beverly’ pendant light, $99, Temple & Webster | (right) ‘Santiso 1’ wall bracket light in Brushed Brass/Amber, $199, Beacon Lighting
3. Statement tapware
“Beyond tiles, consider matt black or brushed gold tapware or a statement bath,” Christie suggests. “Gold gives an affluent edge to nearly anything, and nothing screams high-end more than striking matt black finishes.”
4. Statement bath
A freestanding bath says luxury from any angle and it is possible that the money saved by a more straightforward tiling job – rather than tiling a set-in tub – will be better spent on the va-va-voom factor of the design you choose. Do your research and consider buying second hand which could save hundreds of dollars. You might be surprised at what’s on the market within your budget however, from a classic cast iron clawfoot bath to more sleek, contemporary designs.
5. Large format finishes
Remove visual clutter in your bathroom and create space by choosing finishes that have ‘expanding’ properties. “Large-format or slab tile designs should be your go-to here as sizes can go up to three meters,” says Christie.
“The fewer grout lines you see, the more expansive your floor will look. You should also ensure you tile from floor to wall.”
Christie Wood, Beaumont Tiles design specialist
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