4 Clever Ways to Save Money on Your Bathroom Renovation

People think using an Interior designer will make a renovation more expensive. In reality, the right designer can save you money — especially on bathrooms, where mistakes are costly.

Tip 1 – Plan Before You Start

One of the most common (and costly) mistakes I see in bathroom renovations is jumping straight into buying tiles, fixtures, or fittings before the full design is in place. It’s tempting — you see a beautiful tile on sale, or a tap you fall in love with, and you grab it. But without a complete plan, you risk ending up with pieces that don’t work together, don’t fit the space, or require expensive layout changes later.

As an Interior designer, I take the time to create detailed plans before a single purchase is made. This includes the layout, tile elevation plans, measurements, and placement of every element. Once the builder opens the walls and starts placing the plumbing, it can be a costly mistake if the pipes are not installed according to the faucet requirements. With a clear design roadmap, we can avoid last-minute decisions and costly changes — saving you both stress and money while ensuring the final result looks cohesive and intentional. Having a professional tile plan enables you to order the correct amount of tiles, which saves you money in the end.

Tip 2 – Choose Where to Splurge and Where to Save

A high-end bathroom doesn’t mean every single element has to carry a luxury price tag. The secret is knowing where to invest and where to be smart with your budget. For example, I often recommend spending a little more on quality faucets and shower fixtures — they’re used every day, so durability and feel matter. On the other hand, you can balance the budget by using statement tiles in just one feature area, such as behind the vanity or inside the shower niche, and pairing them with simpler, more affordable tiles elsewhere. This way, you get a designer look without overspending. I often do a funky tile just on the floor to add personality and keep the wall tiles quite simple. There are different quality tiles with different price tags.

(China, Turkey, Italy) Sometimes the tiles from Turkey can look just as nice as the tiles imported from Italy, so do your research.

Tip 3 – Source Smart

Knowing where to shop can make a huge difference to your bottom line. Designers often have access to trade discounts, exclusive suppliers, and clearance deals that aren’t available to the public. I also know which suppliers offer the best quality for the price, so we can avoid the “cheap now, costly later” trap. By sourcing smart, we can stretch your budget further while still achieving a high-end finish. I work with two local bathroom showrooms, and because I bring them a lot of customers so they give me a great trade discount that clients walking through the door would not get.

Tip 4 – Think Timeless, Not Trendy

Trends come and go, but your bathroom should still look beautiful ten years from now. Choosing a timeless base design means you won’t feel pressured to remodel when styles change. That doesn’t mean you can’t add personality — you can bring in trendier elements through accessories, paint, or even towels, which are easy (and inexpensive) to switch out over time. I normally inject colour into a bathroom by adding a colourful vanity unit. A timeless design not only saves you money in the long run but also ensures your bathroom remains a pleasure to use year after year.

A well-designed bathroom isn’t just about beauty — it’s about creating a space that works for you, fits your budget, and will stand the test of time. By planning carefully, spending wisely, and avoiding costly mistakes, you can enjoy a luxurious space without overspending.

If you’re ready to start your bathroom transformation, I’d love to help you create a design that’s both stunning and cost-effective. Get in touch today to book your bathroom design consultation.