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4 Bathroom Remodel Design Trends & How to Get Them for Cheap

Bathroom remodeling accounted for 81 percent of the remodeling jobs performed in 2015, the National Association of Home Builder’s Remodeling Market Index survey reports. What’s more, bathroom renovations were the third most appealing home remodel project to buyers, just behind kitchen upgrades and renovations, the National Association of Realtors says.

Whether you’re trying to appeal to buyers or just yourself, upgrading your bathroom can provide a more pleasant environment. From gadgets to finishes, here are four current bathroom design trends to modernize your space and how to get them for cheap.

High-Tech Toilets

Twenty percent of all new toilets installed in 2016 were high-tech toilets, Houzz reports. These toilets include features like self-cleaning capabilities, overflow protection, motion-activated seats, heated seats and built-in nightlights. The cost of these features will account for a chunk of the budget, as they can range from $500 to $6,500.

The overall cost of a bathroom renovation in 2016 was $11,364, but you’ll have to factor in a bit more if you’re choosing high-tech gadgets like a specialty toilet. However, 20 percent of that number comes from labor; so if you’re able to install this kind of toilet on your own, you could save big in this department.

Private Shower Nooks

More renovators are ditching tubs entirely, opting for private shower nooks with an increased size instead. Existing bathrooms are typically not big enough to accommodate a larger, walled-off shower, so many renovations expand into nearby rooms. Unfortunately, this is extremely pricey. Instead of going this route, see if you can rearrange the existing area of your bathroom to better accommodate the shower of your dreams. It will still be pricey to move toilets and sinks around, but far less expensive than plowing through walls.

White Countertops and Cabinets

White cabinets and countertops are timeless, which is why many homeowners are flocking toward them when they remodel. They’re also neutral, giving you the option to change the look of the bathroom with simple updates like paint and hardware. That being said, if you can’t afford new countertops and cabinets, you can paint your existing ones. This often provides the design refresh you need, all you’ll need to pay for is the paint.

Nickel and Chrome Faucets

Rose gold and stainless steel are moving aside to make room for nickel and chrome. Matte nickel in a brushed or stain finish and shiny, polished chrome are two of the hottest faucet finishes in master bathroom updates. Fortunately, nickel and chrome were fads in the past, so it should be easier to find second-hand faucet hardware from salvaged pieces. Stop by your local construction salvage yard or antique store to see if you can score a deal on this recurring trend.

Updating your bathroom won’t be cheap, but now that you have an outline of the potential costs as well as some knowledge of current design trends, you can use this information to plan a renovation that will stay stylish for years and won’t break your budget.