Where to splurge and where to save in a bathroom remodel is an important balancing act. The right choices can turn this essential space into something extraordinary without breaking your budget. But how can you ensure you choose the best options that enhance function, style, and value? This article explores expert-backed bathroom remodeling tips on where it pays to invest, including cabinetry and lighting, and clever ways to cut costs without sacrificing quality.
1. Splurge-Worthy Elements in Your Bathroom Remodel
High-Quality Cabinets
Bathroom cabinetry can make or break a bathroom style. Investing in high-quality cabinets is therefore essential. Custom cabinetry is a popular option and offers complete design freedom. From unique dimensions to specialty finishes and architectural details, the possibilities are virtually endless.
Every element is built to your exact specifications and hand-finished for a level of smoothness and coverage that off-the-shelf options simply don’t offer. Want to color-match a vintage tile or introduce a rare wood species? Custom allows you to bring your vision to life down to the beading on an inset frame.
Then there’s semi-custom cabinetry, which, although slightly more limited, still provides exceptional value. It’s ideal when you want a tailored look without going fully bespoke. Options typically include ¼-inch size increments, multiple finish upgrades, and enhanced box construction with plywood and veneer choices.
“Both semi-custom and custom options offer inset doors, thicker door profiles, and frameless construction upgrades that allow for cleaner lines and better use of space,” says Steven Ramaekers, Founder of MainStreet Design Build. “Whether you need increased storage, a luxury finish, or ADA-compliant functionality, well-designed cabinetry can help to make your bathroom look and function in a way that works for your whole family.”
Countertops
If you’re going to splash the cash on your bathroom remodel, countertops are one of the smartest places to invest. They set the tone visually and stand up well to daily wear and tear when you invest in the best materials.
Here’s a quick comparison of popular high-end countertop materials to consider:
Quartzite
Quartzite is quickly becoming the high-end favorite for bathroom remodels. It’s a natural stone formed under intense heat and pressure that makes it incredibly hard and highly resistant to scratches and chips. It’s also heat resistant, can handle temperatures up to 1,000°F, and has low porosity, making it less prone to staining – though sealing is still recommended. Visually, Quartzite mimics marble with elegant veining and beauty.
Quartz
Engineered quartz – not to be confused with Quartzite – is man-made but luxurious in its own right. It’s non-porous, highly resistant to stains, and easy to maintain without the need for any sealing. While it lacks the depth and natural variation of stone, its uniformity and wide color range make it a go-to for simple and modern designs.
Granite
Once the gold standard for stone countertops, granite remains a durable, natural, and popular choice. It’s resistant to heat and scratches, though its popularity has dipped slightly due to its often darker tones and unpredictable patterning. For bathrooms where a more organic, earthy aesthetic might be desired, granite can still be a beautiful and long-lasting option, particularly when matched with lighter cabinetry or brighter finishes.
Marble
Long associated with the ultimate luxury, marble is unmatched in beauty and historical elegance. Its soft veining and subtle glow add an ambiance of sophistication to any bathroom. However, it is the most delicate of the four options outlined here because it’s porous and prone to staining, chipping, and etching from everyday use. Marble is best suited for spaces where appearance takes precedence over durability.
Fixtures
Fixtures play a significant role in how a bathroom functions and looks. From premium faucets and shower systems to toilets and bidets, the right fixtures enhance the longevity of the interior and make it a more pleasant place to be.
When it comes to showers, there are a variety of options to turn your shower area into a spa-like retreat, including thermostatic valves, smart shower controls, rain heads, and handheld wands. All provide your family with multiple options to suit different preferences.
Likewise, upgraded faucets deliver better water pressure, smoother temperature control, and finishes that resist corrosion and tarnish. In terms of toilets, sleek one-piece designs or models with built-in bidets add comfort and ease while also simplifying cleaning.
Premium material selections and tailored construction can also benefit vanities and sinks. While these elements may carry a higher upfront cost, their durability, design flexibility, and daily performance requirements make them one of the most rewarding areas in which to splurge.
Lighting
Lighting is one of the most powerful design elements in any room, but it can be overlooked. A carefully designed lighting plan improves visibility, shapes mood, enhances functionality and safety, and highlights your bathroom’s best features.
Layered lighting is a clever strategy where, for example, built-in ceiling lights provide task clarity, while wall sconces, pendants, or chandeliers add warmth and elegance. Specialty fixtures, like dimmable lighting or integrated LEDs, allow for flexibility throughout the day. A good lighting plan also takes natural light into account, considering window placement and sun direction to avoid glare or dark corners.
Other Splurge-Worthy Considerations
If you’re looking to take your luxury bathroom remodel up a notch, then the following thoughtful extras can go a long way. Heated flooring, for instance, transforms cold mornings into a warm and comfortable start to the day, especially during freezing-cold Michigan winters. Steam showers add to a spa-like experience at home, offering both relaxation and wellness benefits in one beautifully designed space.
Lighted mirrors or medicine cabinets combine function with elegance, improving visibility while adding a soft ambient glow. Heated towel racks are another small indulgence that keeps towels warm and dry year-round. If you have the space, a separate dressing area can provide extra room and privacy to help make your morning routines feel more relaxed and unrushed.
2. Smart Areas to Save Without Sacrificing Quality
We’ve covered some of the key areas of a bathroom in which to splurge. That said, not every element of a bathroom remodel needs to come with a luxury price tag. Some of the smartest savings can be found in the smaller details that don’t compromise style or quality.
Hardware like pulls, knobs, and even faucets offer plenty of stylish and affordable options. Consider prioritizing function and finish over impressive brand names. You’ll still get a beautiful result at a fraction of the cost. Backsplashes are another area where creativity trumps cost. A simple field tile can look stunning when paired with a patterned accent or an unexpected layout.
For flooring, luxury vinyl and wood-look tile are durable, moisture-resistant, and remarkably convincing alternatives to pricier stone or hardwood. And don’t underestimate the power of a good paint job when it comes to wall treatments. High-quality paint in a well-chosen color can transform the space entirely, while a bold feature wall or paneling detail adds character without inflating your budget.
3. Tips for Finding the Right Balance
“Finding the right balance in a bathroom remodel starts with clarifying what matters most to you,” says Christine Ramaekers, Founder and Creative Director of Interior Design. “For example, are you after added comfort, a timeless design, an aging-in-place solution, or resale appeal? Or a blended mix of all these? By identifying your priorities early, you can set a realistic budget and allocate funds where they’ll have the most impact.”
If future-proofing your bathroom and increasing the value of your property is a priority, then invest in long-lasting features you’ll use every day, which will add value if you ever decide to sell. A well-balanced remodel is tailored to your life, style, and long-term goals.
4. Common Mistakes to Avoid
When deciding where and whether to splurge, it’s essential to avoid common remodeling misjudgments. The biggest mistake homeowners make is over-investing in trendy features that may look dated in just a few years. While it’s tempting to chase what’s popular, timeless choices tend to age more gracefully. On the flip side, cutting costs on essentials like plumbing, waterproofing, or structural elements can lead to expensive and messy problems down the line. Durability is crucial.
Another common error is underestimating hidden costs, which can quickly eat into your budget. These surprise costs include electrical upgrades or the need to move plumbing. A realistic plan and budget, which allows for some leeway and accounts for both style and infrastructure, is key to a successful and stress-free bathroom remodel.
5. How Professional Guidance Can Help
Working with an experienced design-build remodeling firm can make all the difference in getting the most from your luxury bathroom remodel. Established professionals bring technical knowledge, aesthetic insight, and a deep understanding of where to invest and where to economize.
They can help you avoid costly missteps, uncover hidden opportunities, and ensure every choice aligns with your goals, budget, and lifestyle. Their guidance helps streamline the process so you feel confident that your bathroom remodel will be both beautiful and built to last.
Splurge or Save on Your Birmingham Bathroom?
A beautiful bathroom remodel comes from knowing where careful investment will have the most significant impact. Splurging on cabinetry, countertops, and lighting can bring both beauty and long-term value while looking for opportunities to save on details like hardware, backsplashes, and paint keeps your project balanced and on budget. Your team of expert design-build professionals will know exactly how to help you choose and find the best options for either scenario.
Why Choose MainStreet Design Build for Your Bathroom Remodel
For more than 30 years, local homeowners have partnered with MainStreet Design Build to keep Birmingham homeowners on top of the latest design trends. Based in Birmingham, Michigan, and proudly serving Southeast Oakland County since 1991, MainStreet delivers an award-winning, full-service design-build experience marked by timeless design, personal care, and exceptional craftsmanship.
Our in-house team of architects, interior designers, and skilled tradespeople work seamlessly together to ensure your project is completed with precision, integrity, and an unwavering commitment to quality.
Visit our gallery of exquisite, trending luxury remodels to discover how we bring the vision of a dream home to life with our proven design-build process. Sign up for our newsletter, and schedule a free consultation to discover firsthand how the experts at MainStreet Design Build can help create an elegant, innovative, and deeply personalized remodel for you and your family, and do so on time, on budget, and with the utmost quality.
