Refreshing your bathroom for summer doesn’t have to mean a complete renovation and a major budget. There are a few inexpensive tiling ideas that can have a big effect and deliver that bathroom transformation you’re hoping for in any bathroom renovation.

Small Changes, Big Impact: Accent Walls and Backsplashes

You can make a huge difference in the overall feeling of your bathroom by strategically placing tile. Perhaps you only want to tile an accent wall behind the sink or simply tile the backsplash. Since you’re tiling a smaller space, you can typically afford to splurge on more visually interesting or colorful materials than you might otherwise consider for a larger room without spending an arm and a leg. For example, in a neutral bathroom, a colorful mosaic tile used as a backsplash is just enough to bring out some character, and because it’s a small area, even pricier choices become more affordable.

Playful With Design: Easy Patterns, Cool Results

So, you might think that for a contemporary and stylish tiled bathroom, some complicated geometric patterns and fancy designs are in order. However, this isn’t the case at all. Even simple, affordable square or rectangular surfacing can look fabulous when laid in interesting patterns. Rather than an obvious grid, consider laying the tiles in a staggered brick pattern, a vertical stack, or even on a diagonal. These small changes in how you set the tiles can create visual interest and lend an added touch of individuality to your bathroom without spending any additional money on the materials. Plain white subway tiles, which can be quite inexpensive, seem surprisingly modern and chic when hung vertically instead of horizontally.

Mixing Materials: Combine Tile Styles

One more trick for saving cash while still creating a stylish bathroom is to use a mixture of different types of tiles. You could get cheaper and larger tiles for most of the bathroom floor or wall surfaces, and then stick in a smaller amount of more expensive or decorative tiles in focal points, such as inside the shower niche or on a transition strip. This is a great way to add interest and richness without investing in tiling the entire room with an expensive material.

Salvage and Repurpose: Reusing Old Tiles

Before you run to the tile store, ask yourself if you have any existing tiles that can be repurposed or salvaged. If you’re just trying to revamp a small area, you could even have some leftover tiles from a past project lying around in your garage. Keep your eye out for bargain or reclaimed tiles at salvage yards or on online marketplaces. These choices can be very purse-friendly but still give your bathroom an original feel.

Identify Key Spots: Where Tile Is Most Needed

If you don’t have a lot of money, it absolutely makes sense to tile a space that’s going to make the most visual and physical impact. For most bathrooms, the center points are the shower or tub surround and the area around the toilet and sink. These zones are most vulnerable to water damage, so tile also serves a practical purpose in these areas.

Consulting with a professional contractor can give you some great ideas. For success with your next bathroom remodeling and tiling project, reach out to Nordine Remodeling in Bloomington, IL.