On TikTok, one of the biggest trends in recent months has been bathroom remodeling. Everywhere you scroll, it seems like there’s someone painting walls, smashing tiles, or installing new fixtures to create their dream bathroom.
It’s the latest DIY craze—turning ordinary bathrooms into extraordinary, stylish spaces. And while it may seem like these makeovers cost a fortune, not everyone is spending big to achieve these Pinterest-worthy transformations.
With a few smart choices, you can give your bathroom a brand-new look without a sky-high budget. We had a chat with those who had gotten their hands dirty before, followed trends and created the insight that you have before your eyes. Ready to jump in?
What’s Hot and What’s Not
First we had a chat with Brie, a DIY enthusiast who is not really skilled at remodeling, but always knows what’s cool and what’s out. She explained in detail the trends that ruled the bathroom renovation world in 2024, and offered insight on how much it would cost to follow these trends. Here is what we gathered from her experience.
What’s Hot:
Backlit Mirrors
Backlit mirrors are all over Instagram and TikTok, and for good reason. These mirrors add an ambient glow that feels modern and chic, casting a soft light that’s perfect for creating a cozy, spa-like vibe. The best part? They’re surprisingly affordable! Backlit mirrors come in a range of prices, so you can find a good option that won’t break the bank. Plus, they’re easy to install, making them a great DIY addition.
Stone Accents
Stone finishes bring an earthy, natural look to any bathroom. From countertops to shower walls, stone can add a luxurious feel, but it often comes with a high price tag. Additionally, these accents may not match every bathroom’s aesthetic, and installing them usually requires professional help, making this trend a bit harder on the wallet. Consider this option if you’re ready to invest in a high-end look that will require some upkeep.
Changing Tiles
Replacing tiles can instantly refresh the look of your bathroom, giving it a clean, updated feel. But new tiles come with both a high price and a lot of work if you’re doing it yourself. Tiling is a complex process, and improper installation can lead to costly repairs down the line. If you’re on a tight budget, consider alternatives like tile stickers, which can mimic the look of real tiles without the expense and effort.
Open Concept Showers
These are all the rage for creating a spacious, airy feel. However, open showers aren’t ideal for every bathroom, especially smaller spaces where water might splash everywhere. If your bathroom layout allows for it, an open concept shower can give a modern, streamlined look, but it’s worth consulting a professional to ensure the design works well in your space.
Curved Mirrors
Curved mirrors are a big trend right now and an affordable one, too. These mirrors break away from the standard rectangular shapes, adding a touch of elegance and softness to the room. Curved mirrors come in a variety of shapes and styles, making it easy to find one that matches your aesthetic without costing a fortune.
Matte Partition Walls
Matte finishes bring a sophisticated, modern look to bathrooms. Matte partition walls can add a chic, understated vibe, especially when paired with neutral or pastel tones. While some matte materials can be costly, there are budget-friendly options that still offer the same aesthetic without a huge investment. Brie is positive that these walls are here to stay for a while, since it seems like their popularity is gaining momentum.
Bathroom Organizers
Organization is key to a functional bathroom, and stylish organizers can keep your space looking tidy and chic. From wall-mounted shelves to chic storage baskets, there are countless options that won’t hurt your budget. Organizers are easy to install and can be tailored to suit any style, making them a quick and affordable upgrade.
Now, let’s see who has made its way to our naughty list of bathroom remodeling.
What is absolutely not hot?
- All-White Bathrooms: Brie was not the only one who felt like we have outgrown all-white bathrooms. They can feel stark, clinical, and difficult to maintain, as every speck of dirt stands out. Adding colors, textures, and warmth can make a space feel more inviting.
- Boring Sinks: Basic, builder-grade sinks don’t bring much personality to your bathroom. Look for interesting shapes, textures, or materials if you’re upgrading this feature.
- Built-In Tubs: Built-in tubs take up a lot of space and can make a bathroom feel cramped. Freestanding tubs or open showers are trending alternatives.
- Immovable Furniture: Fixed cabinets and vanities are being swapped out for more versatile, movable furniture pieces that make it easier to refresh your space when you want a new look.
How to Create Your Low-Cost Bathroom Makeover
For the next section, we invited experienced people to join the conversation. We had Finn who had recently joined the interior design industry, his companion Ivy, who’s good with her hands, and Ethan who had renovated his own bathroom not long ago. This is what we gathered from their conversation:
1.Don’t Change Everything
You don’t have to gut your bathroom to achieve a new look. Try changing only the decor and visual elements instead of the foundational ones. This approach avoids costly construction work and allows you to upgrade the look without hiring an electrician, plumber, or contractor.
2. Stick to One Look
This is the issue that Finn typically faces while talking to his clients: they want everything all at once.
To avoid overspending, choose a single style for your bathroom and stick to it. Whether it’s rustic, minimalist, or vintage, a consistent look means you won’t feel the need to buy extra decor items for multiple themes. This streamlined approach is easier on the budget and creates a cohesive, stylish look.
3. Go for Sticker Tiles
Sticker tiles are a fantastic way to change the look of your walls or floors without the mess and expense of real tiles. These peel-and-stick options come in various patterns and textures, mimicking the look of tile while being easy to install and remove. It’s the perfect solution for renters or anyone on a tight budget who wants a splash of style.
4. Invest in Lighting
When remodeling his bathroom, Ethan strongly believed in a certain “vibe” that he seeked to achieve. After a few failed attempts, he realized that lighting is the budget-friendly choice that can give him a great freedom.
Good lighting can transform the feel of a bathroom more than furniture or decor. Consider swapping out outdated fixtures for modern sconces, backlit mirrors, or LED lights. Lighting doesn’t just improve visibility; it enhances the overall ambiance, making the room feel more luxurious.
5. Add a Natural Touch
Plants can bring warmth and freshness to your bathroom, creating a mini oasis without a large investment. Choose humidity-loving plants like ferns, bamboo, or snake plants, which thrive in bathrooms and add an organic element that complements any decor.
6. Trendy Floor Mats
A stylish floor mat adds a splash of color and texture to your bathroom. Look for one in a trendy design or color to instantly brighten up the space. Floor mats are affordable and easily replaceable, making them a great option for updating your look.
7. Create a Statement Wall
Ivy reminded us that the most cost-effective projects she had participated in, consisted of a statement wall. The aesthetic success of the project mostly depends on the creativity of the client, but they can almost always turn out great, because there are a million possibilities, none of which resemble the other.
A single accent wall is a cost-effective way to make your bathroom feel stylish and unique. Use wallpaper, paint, or even sticker tiles to give one wall a pop of color or pattern. It’s a quick, inexpensive upgrade that can redefine the whole room.
8. Get Inspired
Ethan wished he could reach out to professionals when renovating his bathroom. Such an opportunity could save a lot of time. That’s where we come in.
Our platform, Mindelia, isn’t just for pros—it’s a hub of inspiration where homeowners can browse projects, get ideas, and even reach out to professionals for advice, free of charge. You can see what real pros are doing with real-world budgets, giving you a clear insight on what to expect.
Small Changes, Big Impact
In the end, there was something that all of our guests agreed on: Be bold and imaginative!
Paint a wall, add some plants, install a new mirror—each of these small updates has the power to change the atmosphere of the room. And once you’re done, take a picture and share it on Mindelia! This platform is designed for people like you, whether you’re a pro, a DIY enthusiast, or just looking for tips. Share your successes, ask questions, and connect with others to make the most of your renovation experience.
