Ask Emily – February’s question:
Q: I am in the process of remodeling my bathroom – can you give me any ‘exclusive designer tips’ to cut my costs?
A: Absolutely! Here are three of my favorite tips for savings money on bathroom remodels without compromising style:
1) VINTAGE VANITY FIND: Stop by a second hand furniture shop or low-end antique shop. Find a table that has a shape & style that you find appealing. You can find one that is small and fits the space exactly, or one that is larger and use half of the table (see image on lower left). Re-paint or re-stain the table to suit the chosen color palette of the bathroom. You can also find some pieces that can be retro-fitted and used as a vanity – these make great conversation topics (see image on lower right). Get creative and you will have a vanity that looks unique while saving you a fortune.
vintage vanity - 1/2 table used
antique shop find for vanity use
2) REMNANT COUNTERTOP: Most stone fabricators have a large selection of ‘remnant’ pieces of marble, granite, quartz, and more. These pieces are left overs from large scale projects. Bring the measurements of your vanity, pick a ‘remnant’ piece that suits your bathroom’s color palette and ask the fabricator to price the stone top. You are will likely save more than 50% of the cost you anticipated for your countertops.
3) CRAIGSLIST: Peruse the many items available on Craigslist. You would believe the things you can find: overstock on faucets, rain shower heads, vintage claw foot tubs, overage of tile, and MORE! Don’t be too proud to hunt do your bathroom goodies! Be smart and spend wisely for you space. Craigslist even has an app for your iphone – LOVE it – use it!
Happy Hunting & Happy Savings!!! Don’t forget to send us your questions for our next newsletter!!!
Sincerely,
Emily Mackie Norris, ASID