A look at two budgets that lead to your dream bathroom
By Yanic Simard • Photography By Valerie Wilcox
Through the magic of television, you can transform a bathroom top to bottom in three days for $1,000. In reality, it takes a lot more than that…a lot more! We’re talking months from concept to completion, to get that magazine-ready look. Here are two, very realistic budgets to give you an idea of what you can do to help plan your dreamy, quality bathroom—with your feet planted firmly on the ground.
All-New Bathroom: Major
Looking to truly overhaul a bathroom top to bottom? Replacing the toilet and tub with the fixture accoutrements (or upgrading to a shower stall) will cost anywhere from $4,000 to $8,000. Then look to these trends for that high-end designer appeal:
HIGH-IMPACT TILE Even the largest bathrooms are still a relatively small space compared to the whole home, so it’s a good place to go big. Floor-to-ceiling tile in a solid hue porcelain or a subtle natural stone keeps a space unified, while a rich feature-slab wall treatment in the shower or tub area provide the drama that defines the room.
Floor-to-ceiling tile, with book matched stone tub accent wall, penny-tile shower floor and installer: $20,000.
WOOD VANITIES The must-have luxury bathroom addition of the moment is a grand furniture style vanity in rich wood—the sort of piece that feels like it was plucked from a salon and dropped in the bathroom with a sink suddenly attached to it. Custom zebra wood vanity: $3,500.
INTEGRATED SINK COUNTERS Sinks made from the same material as the countertop is what makes up this irresistible design, offering a smooth transition from surface to sink; a seamless esthetic. One-piece construction means no crevices for dirt or debris. Most are made from stain-resistant composites, making them very easy to maintain so they’re always looking good. Trough-style doublesink counter with modern polished faucets: $2,500.
INTEGRATED TECH Planning on installing a new shower in 2018 or 2019? It would be almost a waste not to splurge on some integrated technology, which can save you time and money down the road. Shower systems with touch controls can be set up to remember different shower preferences (like the perfect temperature) so you don’t waste a second fiddling with manual levers. Mid-range shower set with touch controls: $1,600.
FINISHING TOUCHES Glass shower panel $900, matching accessory set (towel bar, robe hooks, roll holder) $600, white bath linens $200, custom backlit mirror $2,700, potlight grid $1,000, heated floor $1,500, plus general labour/installation/ work $5,000-$10,000 (starting on a clean slate—no major modifications, or fixing up required) for a total budget of $52,500 or more.
Bathroom Refresh: Minor
For a do-it-yourself style upgrade, you can give your standard bathroom (three-piece, 60-sq.-ft. or under) a freshened-up look for just a few thousand dollars. This won’t cover major fixes like replacing tile, but if you focus on some key details, you can make an impact. Try these trends:
SHADES OF SIMPLE Going grey or cream in the bathroom is a huge trend for 2018 and beyond, and can be as simple as choosing a crisp, new tone for the walls. Grey adds sophistication and depth, but is still breezy, classic and serene. Try Benjamin Moore’s Bunny Grey or Natural Cream in Aura Washable Matte. Wall paint/supplies: $150.
TRANSITIONAL SHIFT Transitional style isn’t only a huge trend for kitchens: a cross of traditional and modern decor styles gives a bathroom character and warmth, while still appearing clean and up to date. Add a new vanity cabinet with shaker fronts, but a modern slab top, and a simple, flat vanity mirror. Mirror and cabinet plus installation: $800
GLEAMING NICKEL Nickel is the more understated cousin to the brass and copper trend. Nickel is subtly warmer than steel or chrome while still appearing truly timeless, and brushed-nickel faucets especially will ward off spots. New faucet with installation: $250
ILLUMINATING LEDS With technology and energy saving being huge trends, LED lighting is everywhere, and the bathroom is a great spot for crisp, white lights. Choose a model with a stylish shape and multiple points of light, and you can truly set the focal point—and the mood—in the bathroom all from one central fixture. LED-pendant or mirror light plus electrician: $700.
FINISHING TOUCHES White bath linens ($200), a new shower curtain ($100), plus decluttering (free!) for a total budget of $2,200.
(Please note – budgets do not include taxes or costs of working with a design professional. These budgets act as guidelines, pricing may vary depending on level of quality.)
Looking for bathroom inspiration and beyond? Visit tidg.ca to see Toronto Interior Design Groups project portfolio, or follow @tidgboutique on Instagram.
SOURCES:
BLACK BATHROOM: Ove bathtub by Wetstyle, Backlit Mirror (custom) by Lumi Design LIGHT-COLOURED BATHROOM: Maestro Round Sink by Native Trails Both vanities custom designed by TIDG
Yanic Simard is the founder and owner of the petite boutique interior design firm, Toronto Interior Design Group. He has over two decades of experience in the interior design/build business and has made his mark in the industry across Canada due to his concentrated industry knowledge, and abundance of unique design ideas.