There’s a lot that goes into the planning and construction of a custom home. Finding the perfect plot of land (location, location, location!), preparing that land, orienting the home, and designing it inside and out.
You want to focus your time and money on the rooms where you spend most of your time: the kitchen/great room and the master suite. Many clients come with a list of priorities for the master suite: large sleeping area, a sitting area, large windows – and a show-stopping bathroom. When you’re budget isn’t ‘the sky is the limit,’ however, compromises need to be made. Don’t worry, there are still several ways to make your bathroom look and feel like one of the most expensive, luxurious room in the house.
The staff at Acipe Design can help you every step of the way!
Table of Contents
Size
When you’re working with the staff at Acipe Design on the perfect design for each room of your custom home, we’ll talk about square footage. Sometimes overall square footage is dictated by things like homeowners associations or local ordinances, but how you use that square footage is up to you.
Some clients choose a sprawling master suite on that takes up an entire floor, while others opt for quantity of rooms over size, making sure each family member has their own space. No matter which you choose, the size of the bathroom will affect the cost as well as the design.
Building Materials
The building materials and finishes you use are what will set your bathroom apart. There are materials with the look and feel of high-end, expensive materials or finishes that won’t break the bank. “Peel and stick” versions of tiles, as well as counters with the look and feel of high-end materials can be less expensive while maintaining the look of the pricier material.
If you’re looking to radiate an expensive look, look past the ‘builder grade’ items found in many homes for something more unique – unique can look expensive, even if it’s at the same or similar price point.
When you work with Acipe Design to create your dream custom home and bathroom, we’ll help you Choose the Right Materials for Your Custom Home, including incorporating Sustainable Materials into your home build.
Paint
If you’re not going crazy and tiling every wall, you’re likely going to be using paint at some point. Choose a muted color – or a bright sunny color if you like. The paint contractors associated with Acipe Design do a top-notch job in every room of your home. Our article on The Role of Color in Interior Design can help guide you in choosing the perfect paint color for the bathroom and any other room in your home.
Fixtures
One of the easiest and often least expensive ways to achieve a look and feel of expense and luxury is the fixtures. Make sure you don’t miss a trick and add these must-haves, which come in a number of shapes, sizes, styles, and price points:
Shower Head
Opt for a rain head or a set that includes a large stationary head as well as hand-held sprayer.
Vessel Sinks
Master suites typically have dual sinks. Upgrade the look with vessel sinks that sit on top of the counter rather than inset sinks.
Faucets
When upgrading your sinks, don’t forget about the faucets. You’ll need a faucet that rises to a comfortable height for hand-washing, and there are a number of luxurious-looking styles and finishes at every price point.
Lighting
There are several ways to light your bathroom space, many of which have the look and feel of luxury. Sconces flanking the mirrors and even a chandelier over the bath tub are full of style and luxury at any price point. For those late night trips to the bathroom, choose LED strips to install under the vanity cabinet. You can even have them wired for motion activation so you don’t have to switch on a light. Choose a color in a ‘cool’ lighting level to save your eyes from a sudden change in lighting.
The most inexpensive way to light your bathroom can be built right into your home. When working with the staff at Acipe Design, we’ll help you add windows and orient your home for the best use of natural light in every room, including the bathroom.
Check out our article on The Role of Lighting in Interior Design for more tips and tricks for every room in your home!
Bath Tub
Stand alone bath tubs come in a variety of styles and price points. A separate shower and tub screams luxury, but doesn’t have to make your wallet scream at the price.
Mirrors
Mirrors can make a room feel larger – and more luxurious by default. For even more luxury, skip the giant vanity mirror and go for a smaller, framed mirror over each sink. If you do decide on one large mirror, look for one that includes upgrades including lighting or steam-clearing functions.
Cabinet & Drawer Pulls
An easy, inexpensive way to add a touch of luxury to any bathroom is the handles or pulls on cabinet doors and drawers. The style alone can seem luxurious, and these items come in a number of high-end looking finishes as well.
Shower Surrounds
Frameless glass showers are a luxurious finish, and their increase in popularity is making them more affordable. Add a large-format peel-and-stick tile for a luxurious-looking finish without all the dollar signs.
Bidet Attachment
If you can’t afford a toilet/bidet combo or separate fixtures, consider an attachment. The attachment fits onto the toilet and is situated in the same way a built-in fixture works for less money than the combo or separate fixture you may otherwise need to install.
Vanity
This utility can also be a statement piece that radiates luxury, tradition, minimalism, or whatever look you’re going for. A unique vanity piece can elevate any bathroom’s luxury status!
Sustainable Features to Add
The building and construction industry is a major contributor of waste and greenhouse gases, but it has been working steadily over the years to reduce that carbon footprint. Your custom home can help with that! There are a number of low-flow faucets, shower heads, and toilets that radiate ‘expensive’ while also saving you money on your water bill as well as conserving a natural resource. Don’t forget the LED bulbs for lighting fixtures!
Accessories
An inexpensive and often overlooked way to add luxury to your bathroom is through accessories. There are all sorts of accessories that will make you feel like you just stepped into a luxury hotel bathroom without leaving home:
Towel Warmers
There are towel racks that include warming components as well as warmers that are not fixtures. Whichever you choose, the feel of a fresh-from-the-dryer warm towel after your bath or shower elevates the experience without too much of an elevation in price.
Go for a Natural Look
Wicker, woven bamboo, and other natural materials are being used for baskets and trays that easily hold toiletries that clutter up the counter. These natural look pieces, as well as the clutter they hold, give the impression of a luxurious bathroom without a high price tag.
Toiletry Kits
A bathroom needs hand soap, as well as other items like cotton swabs, tooth brushes and toothpaste, tissue, and more. Toiletry kits that hold all these things and more come in glass, ceramic, and stone finishes with a look of luxury.
Shower Curtains
If the bathroom you’re designing has a tub/shower combo, a nice fabric shower curtain in a muted design or color will add a touch of luxury. When using a fabric curtain, make sure it has water resistance or you add a plastic liner on the inside.
Bath Mat
Bath mats come in various sizes, colors, and patterns from plush carpet-like pieces to absorbent towels, to rugs that look like they may be found in a living room or bedroom. Taking your bath mat game to the next level adds a touch of luxury without serious damage to your bank account.
Art
When you walk into the bathroom of a luxury hotel, you’ll often see at least one piece of art on the wall in the bathroom. To elevate your own bathroom to this luxury, choose a few small pieces, or a single large statement piece, to hang. Muted colors that blend with the walls or bold statement colors are acceptable and very chic.
Bath Tub Tray
While you may not use it when taking a bath, a simple bath tub tray in a beautiful wood finish elevates the style and luxury of any bathroom – especially those with stand alone tubs. There are a number of styles, including ones that hold a wine glass, offer a spot for your bathtime reading material, or host a fresh towel or small vase of greenery.
The tray can be removed for bath time or used as part of your luxurious and relaxing bath at the end of a long day.
Final Thoughts
We could go on and on about the ways you can turn your bathroom into a luxury oasis. These and many more are your disposal to create the luxury bathroom of your dreams. When you sit down with the staff at Acipe Design, we’ll talk you through these and any other design elements you want to include in your bathroom and throughout your home.
Contact us today!