Designer bathroom looks on a budget

Creating a designer look in the bathroom doesn't have to break the bank, with these stylish alternatives to suit any budget.

If you can't afford the latest CaesarStone benchtops or porcelain tiles, don't worry. Creating a trendy, stylish designer bathroom on a budget is as simple as shopping around, says Kent of Kent Stringer Interior Designer in South Melbourne.

"Getting a great bathroom design is about working with the space you have," says Kent. "A good tap, a nice shower screen and a good basin can make the space very stylish without having to spend a fortune on tiling and benchtops."

According to Kent, a recent boom in bathroom supplies is good news for prospective renovators. "There are now many budget alternatives to designer bathroom products," he says. "For benchtops there are some fabulous Laminex tops which can give you a very smart, clean line without having to use a more expensive stone."

Bathroom tiles are often the worst offenders when it comes to breaking the renovating budget, but these too can be affordable if you do your homework.

"Shop around, because tiles vary a lot in cost," says Kent. "Some of the cheaper tiles are being manufactured really well these days, so have a good look before deciding. Chinese marble and limestone tiles can work really well, or you can combine stone with a simple white tile to get a bit more of an upmarket look for less."

Bathroom lighting is also important for creating an elegant look and needn't cost the earth. "Lighting is often overlooked in bathrooms, which can make the space less appealing," says Kent. "Getting some cheap globes to light around the bathroom mirrors is an easy way to combine style and function."

Even with these budget alternatives, renovating a bathroom is still a fairly expensive exercise, so keeping to a timeless, classical look will ensure you get the maximum amount of time out of your new designer bathroom.

A trendy bathroom look is possible even without the help of a bathroom designer: "It's good to put a bit of your own personality into your bathroom decor, but you can do that with your own accessories such as towels and toiletries," says Kent. "Keep the actual shell of the bathroom simple, clean and not too fussy."

According to Kent, a successful bathroom renovation should also take the rest of the house into consideration. "The updated bathroom should always relate to the rest of the house, and you can do this by carrying through some of the existing elements," he says. "For example, if you have a Victorian-style house you could furnish your new bathroom with traditional tapware to maintain the feel. Working with what you have is the key, even if you're going for a trendy bathroom look.

Need help getting a stylish bathroom look? Find bathroom design experts online: