If you’re planning a bathroom refit, the principle of high/low bathroom design might just revolutionise your life! The idea behind high/low design is to combine some costly, designer elements with more basic, economy ones to create a room that looks elegant and stylish while sticking to a modest budget. This approach is widely used, and is the most sensible way to stick within a limited budget. However, many people somehow miss the mark. The key to getting it right is in where and how you choose to allocate the budget that you have. Here, we’ll give you our expert tips in planning the perfect high/low bathroom design.
What Is High/Low Design?
High/low design is an interior design strategy that combines premium, investment pieces with more affordable alternatives to create a cohesive, stylish space. Rather than splashing out on every single element, you strategically choose where to invest your money for maximum impact.
This approach works particularly well because our eyes naturally focus on certain elements in a room. When these focal points look expensive and well made, the entire space feels more luxurious, even if you’ve saved money on less noticeable details.
High/Low Principles for Bathroom Design
Bathrooms present unique opportunities for high/low design because they contain distinct zones and elements that vary dramatically in visual impact. Unlike other rooms where furniture can be moved around, bathroom fixtures are permanent features, making your investment decisions even more critical.
The wet environment also means every material choice matters for durability. This is where high/low design becomes particularly clever. You can invest in super sturdy materials for the most exposed areas whilst choosing more budget friendly options for protected surfaces.
Where to Invest: The “High” Elements
Statement Bathtub or Shower
Your bathtub or shower enclosure should be your primary investment. These pieces of furniture occupy central space and come in for daily use, making quality essential for both aesthetics and longevity.
A freestanding bathtub instantly elevates any bathroom, becoming a sculptural focal point. Similarly, a beautifully designed shower with integrated features and excellent water pressure creates a luxurious daily experience that cheaper alternatives simply cannot match.
Designer Tiles in Key Areas
Rather than tiling your entire bathroom with expensive materials, choose one area for a dramatic statement. Consider a feature wall behind your vanity, a beautiful backsplash, or stunning floor tiles that run throughout the space.
Natural stone, intricate mosaics, or large-format designer tiles in these focal areas create maximum impact. The rest of your surfaces can use simpler, more affordable materials that complement rather than compete with your statement tiles.
Quality Taps and Hardware
Taps, shower heads, and cabinet handles are touched daily, making quality essential for both function and longevity. These smaller elements also offer excellent opportunities to introduce luxury materials like brushed brass or matte black finishes.
High quality hardware feels substantial in your hands and maintains its finish over years of use. Cheaper alternatives often feel flimsy and can quickly look worn, undermining your entire design effort. This bronze hardware is a perfect example of excellent quality.
Where to Save: The “Low” Elements
Wall Paint Instead of Full Tiling
Paint offers incredible value for creating colour and atmosphere in your bathroom. Modern bathroom paints are specifically formulated to withstand humidity and moisture, making them a practical choice for areas away from direct water exposure.
Choose paint for walls that won’t be splashed regularly, such as those opposite your shower or around your toilet area. This approach can save hundreds of pounds whilst still allowing you to introduce colour and personality into your space.
Standard Vanity Units with Upgraded Hardware
Instead of investing in a bespoke vanity, choose a standard unit and upgrade the hardware. Replacing basic handles with designer alternatives and adding a beautiful worktop can create a custom look at a fraction of the cost.
This approach works particularly well if you can find a vanity in the right proportions for your space. The upgraded details will make it appear far more expensive than it actually was.
Affordable Lighting with an Edge
Good lighting is crucial, but the fixtures themselves don’t always need to be expensive. Simple, well placed light fittings paired with quality LED bulbs can create beautiful illumination without the premium price tag.
Work out where your lighting will have the most impact. Lit recessed shelving is a striking feature which creates depth to the whole room. It’s intentional and provides a wonderful focus without a hefty price tag.
Common High/Low Mistakes to Avoid
The most frequent error is choosing too many competing focal points. If everything tries to make a statement, nothing succeeds. Select one or two elements for the “high” treatment and let the rest support these features.
Another common mistake is compromising on installation quality to save money. Choose quality for any part of waterproofing, since this will prevent future maintenance issues. Similarly, even the most beautiful tiles will look poor if badly fitted, whilst excellent trades work can make affordable materials appear more expensive.
Designers who Perfect the Balance
The secret to successful high/low bathroom design lies in maintaining visual harmony whilst making smart financial choices. Your investment pieces should feel connected through colour, style, or material, creating a cohesive narrative throughout the space. Working with experienced bathroom designers can really simplify a high/low design process.
At Stone & Chrome, we regularly guide clients through these decisions, helping them allocate their budgets for maximum impact. We know which manufacturers offer the best value at different price points and can source materials that look expensive but fit within your budget.
Ready to start planning your perfect bathroom? Visit Stone & Chrome to discuss your high/low design strategy with our experienced team. We’ll help you make the smart choices that create the luxurious bathroom you dream of, whatever your budget.