How to Design a Bathroom That Looks Expensive—Without the Price Tag
A guide by Designs Delivered
You don’t need a luxury budget, or a full-service designer, to create a bathroom that feels elevated. With a few thoughtful swaps and design-forward decisions, you can completely transform the feel of your space while staying well within a real-life budget.
Whether you’re updating your own bathroom or tackling a renovation with resale in mind, here’s how to get that high-end look, without the high-end price.
1. Choose a Vanity with Personality
Contractor-grade vanities tend to lack visual interest and soul. If your budget points you toward a basic box with a solid toe kick, don’t panic. A few small upgrades can completely shift the feel. Try swapping in statement hardware or opting for a freestanding vanity with feet for more presence and polish. The goal? Something that feels considered, not cookie-cutter.
2. Skip the 4-Inch Backsplash
That standard, stubby backsplash that comes with the countertop? It’s one of the fastest ways to make a bathroom feel builder-basic. Instead, consider skipping it entirely for a cleaner, more European-inspired look, or go vertical with tile. Even a single row of stacked subway tile in a vertical orientation can feel modern, intentional, and elevated.
3. Frame It Out
Those frameless mirrors that come glued to the wall? They don’t do much for the design story. Upgrade to a framed mirror with presence, bonus points for a unique shape like round, arched, or organic. It’s one of the simplest ways to create a high-end, custom feel without adding major cost.
4. Use Organic Materials (or Fake Them Well)
Nothing warms up a bathroom like texture. Wood tones, stone, unlacquered brass.... These finishes instantly bring dimension and sophistication. Can’t spring for the real thing? Look for convincing alternatives: wood-look tile, stone-inspired quartz, or textured porcelain. Even one or two finishes with organic texture can shift the entire tone of the room.
5. Keep It Tonal, Not Busy
A restrained, tone-on-tone palette can make a space feel far more luxurious than one with bold contrast. Stick to shades that layer well: creamy whites, soft taupes, mushroom, greige, navy, or black. By keeping things cohesive, you give the space that polished, designer-level look.
Designs Delivered Tip:
A weighted linen or canvas shower curtain can be just as transformative as new tile. Take it to the ceiling for a dose of drama! Texture + simplicity +drama = luxury, no renovation required.
6. Prioritize Hardware and Lighting
Even in a budget bathroom, beautiful details go a long way. Think: knobs in aged brass, matte black pulls, sconces with fabric shades, or a standout pendant over the vanity. These are the choices that trick the eye into thinking the whole room was professionally designed because, with the right support, it basically was.