Affordable bathroom remodel takes searching for deals

Published: Thursday, January 10, 2013, 12:01 a.m.

The guest bathroom was too big and the master bath too small. There was no bathroom on the bottom level of the house, leaving anyone entering with muddy feet from the yard with a long, carpeted trek to the powder room.

The Lake Stevens couple decided to overhaul both bathrooms and add a third. And here's the kicker: They wanted the rooms to be beautiful and one-of-a-kind while still keeping the budget in check.

The result is -- there's no other way to describe it -- cool. Take the new bathroom downstairs. The door is opaque glass embellished with a red-leafed maple tree design, a $75 find on Craigslist.

Inside, the walls are painted a color called "Iguana" (it's perky, not dark), the shower is shaped like a half-circle and the floor is stained concrete with a drain for easy cleaning. It's a functional room that still manages to be fun and funky.

The project designer, Kelly DuByne of Distinctive Interior Designs, provided some tips on how to accomplish your own bathroom remodel without breaking the bank. DuByne worked closely with Darcy Mertz Design on the project.

Use remnant pieces for flooring and countertops. Flooring and countertop companies generally order these materials in large amounts, and they are often willing to get rid of the extra from various projects at a reduced price.

Even high-end products can sometimes be found for a song. DuByne suggests calling businesses that sell these products and asking.

Reuse the same mirror but frame with wood or trim pieces for an updated look. And here's another idea: In this project, DuByne used second-hand mirrors with personality.

Use prebuilt cabinets and change up the look with some fresh paint. In the downstairs bathroom, DuByne used an inexpensive cabinet from a big box store for the sink. You wouldn't even recognize it with the fresh coat of Berry Chili Beans paint -- sorta reddish pink. That allowed the homeowner to splurge on custom cabinets for the two upstairs bathrooms.

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Affordable bathroom remodel takes searching for deals