Q + A with Kelly - Bathroom on a Budget

Local resident with two cute dogs in the house is looking for tips on how to finish their bathroom on a budget:

Kelly says: Thank you so much for your images and your request for some design advice with your upcoming basement bathroom renovation! I love blank slates and starting from scratch so hopefully this will give you some inspiration and some ideas for this space. 

So let's start with the flooring and build around that. I know you are worried about costs and would like to keep this within a reasonable budget, but because I don't know exactly what your budget is, I will give you a few options.

We have porcelain tile in endless colours and patterns starting at around $2.90 sq/ft. So we can accommodate all budgets. But because this space is quite small, void of windows and will be used frequently by guests (when this pandemic is over), I feel it needs not only something dramatic and trendy, but can handle a mid priced point tile because of the size of the room.

I'm suggesting the Hexatile Matte collection from Centura and I love everything about this tile! For your basement bathroom, I would keep it neutral so you can add and change colours with the seasons or your mood as I know you two love colour. This stylish hexagonal tile in Gris would blend well with blues, oranges, blacks or even reds so a great base for you to build upon and make it your own with colourful accents. The warm grey tone is soft and neutral, the 8" size is perfect for a small bathroom as it gives movement with it's lines and the shape and the drama of the tile isn't lost as it would be with a larger tile. It also has a subtle texture and a matte finish which is a safer surface in a bathroom in the event of water spillage.

City Loft SW7631 by Sherwin Williams is a warm neutral paint colour that again, would lend itself to any accent colour you choose. The light colour will keep the room feeling as large and bright as possible as you do not have any windows in the room, so lightness is key.

My vanity suggestion for your extra bathroom is the 30" vanity (also available in a 42") in the Trough Collection in Soho from the Canadian company Cutler. It's only 16" deep so is great for smaller spaces, offers soft close drawers, ample storage space with an additional interior drawer and a motion sensor light in the drawer as well. Having a floating vanity in a smaller bathroom again, keeps the space open to appear larger and of course is great for cleaning and showing off the fabulous floor tile. The cultured marble top is drilled for a single hole lav faucet and the Grafik by Kalia in chrome would be a perfect complimentary collection for both the faucet and the basic pressure balanced Kalia shower system. Kalia is also a Canadian company, offers a life time warranty and all products are made using solid brass construction for a durable, well made and well priced option.

For the shower, I suggest the 2 piece Allia tub/shower combo by MAAX. This duo unit makes it easier to give your two pups a bath than if it was just a shower unit, has ample shelving for supplies and also allows you to put up a shower curtain to keep your costs down by not having to purchase a glass door which you would need for the shower unit. An upgraded option would be for a custom tiled shower and glass door which would be a stunning option that we can discuss and design but obviously at a higher price point than this unit.

The Allia tub shower not only offers a state-of-the-art design, it comes with 3 integrated corner shelves for your convenience. This tub shower comes with a 3 inch Above-the-Floor Rough feature which allows you to pipe directly under the bathtub without having to relocate the existing drain. Perfect for any remodel project. maax.com

Toilets come in many shapes and sizes so considerations when purchasing are shape, style, bowl height, the efficiency and the flush action. The 2 piece Vieira by Contrac is a very popular choice with it's sleek design and clean lines. Well designed for comfort and cleaning, it offers an elongated, comfort height bowl and includes a soft close seat for $591 and it has an a nice linear look that blends well with other elements in the room.

I think these pieces create a warm, inviting space, keeping it light but with visual interest in the flooring tile and fabulous industrial style vanity that's both functional and fabulous in design. The shower/tub is a great budget friendly option and again, you can add style, design and colour in with a shower curtain or you can increase your budget and we add in a totally custom shower unit complete with tile work and a glass shower door.

Whatever you budget is, we would be happy to work with you and help you create a functional and fun space for you to enjoy for years to come.

Thanks again for reaching out and stay well during these unprecedented times.