Cut expenses without cutting corners on bathroom remodel

When homeowners get the urge to remodel and renovate their homes, two rooms immediately top the list — the kitchen and the bathroom.

In the past decade, we’ve seen something of a renaissance in home bathroom design. From innovative use of materials to radically reimagined bathtubs and toilets, today’s bathrooms offer dream spaces, with comfort and convenience in a stylish package.

This dream, however, comes with a price tag. A midrange bathroom remodel that includes a steel tub, a pressure-balanced shower, a ceramic-tile floor, a new vanity and an integrated sink could cost almost $20,000 — and that’s just for a 5-by-7-foot room. An upscale bathroom remodel might cost as much as $60,000.

Before this sticker shock scares you away, know there are secrets to saving money and still getting a beautiful bathroom.

Lynn Schrage, an interior designer at Kohler Co., offers some of her best tips and tricks for achieving a big change on a small budget.

• Find a focal point.

You don’t need to have top-of-the-line everything to create a stunning bathroom. Think in terms of what piece you want to be the star of your bathroom. Maybe you want it to be the sink, a freestanding bathtub or a spa steam shower. Pick one fixture that will draw the eye and take center stage. You’ll be amazed at what this does for the overall effect.

• Incorporate creative storage solutions.

When remodeling a bathroom, it’s always exciting to stumble upon a solution that brings together the practical and the beautiful. This happens a lot when you try to figure out how to store toiletries, towels and more. Wall cabinets, wicker baskets, storage ladders and storage towers create charm and keep your essentials orderly. One of the most effective ways to create a stunning overall effect is to mix a touch of luxury with quality materials. For instance, coordinate wooden cabinets with a tiled wall-paneling treatment around the bathroom. Also ripe for coordination are shower panels with stone or porcelain tiles from Kohler’s Choreograph line. Focusing on and investing in these luxury elements while using quality materials will help offset costs and give you a dreamed-of look.

• A touch of luxury goes a long way. • Select an integrated vanity sink.

Looking through your many choices of sinks, showerheads, toilets and other fixtures is downright inspiring, but sometimes it can be hard to know where to start. Of all the options available, consider setting your eye on a vanity top with an integrated sink; these units can be mounted on any number of vanity styles you like. This combines style with functionality in a timeless design and cuts down on cleanup and your installation cost.

• Work with a professional.

Many people who want to save on a bathroom remodel think the most economical way is to go it alone and take the do-it-yourself route. However, a professional designer can help you discover the style that fits your personality and budget — and help you avoid costly mistakes.