Bathroom Transformation on a Budget: Sustainable DIY Upgrades from ReStore

A stellar bathroom design can turn a drab space into a fab space and improve your home's overall look. The color scheme, bath hardware, arrangement, and accessories all play a vital role in setting the tone for your bathroom and the rest of your home.

Believe it or not, you can give your bathroom a makeover without a gut renovation or spending a fortune. 

• Pro tip: You can find many materials for projects listed here by thrifting, and Twin Cities Habitat for Humanity ReStore home improvement outlets are a great place to start!

Top Budget-Friendly Bathroom Upgrade Ideas

1. Start With a Spot of Paint

No matter the size of your bathroom, the right color scheme can open up the space and help create the illusion of a bright, well-lit room. From stark white to dark and daring black or navy, there’s no such thing as a color that won't work in a bathroom. It all depends on your preferences.

That said, a bright color scheme of white or neutral beige can be used to make a small space feel bigger. You can also experiment with placement, textures, and techniques. On that note, consider painting your bathroom ceiling a non-white color for contrast. It creates a personal yet unique feeling, giving your space the hint of luxury it deserves.

• Pro tip: Painting a ceiling can be a dangerous endeavor. Get a steady ladder and make sure it’s tall enough. You should never stretch from the ladder. The whole process should be as comfortable as possible.

2. Incorporate Fresh Accents

Traditional accents give your bathroom a certain distinguished presence. They have an old-world feel that adds a hint of luxury to your space. And the best part? They are a cost-friendly way to give your bathroom a cosmetic upgrade.

Think of upgrading faucets, mirrors, toilet paper holders, shower curtain rings, or even a set of hardware for hanging towels. Small elements can elevate your bathroom, especially when paired with dark bathroom walls for a moodier space.

3. Refresh Your Faucets and Shower Heads

A quick change of hardware can give your bathroom a fresh new look. But sometimes, it's the functionality that needs an upgrade. Rain-style shower heads can provide a gentler shower experience as the water pressure is minimized, while handheld shower heads are more practical, especially if you have a limited range of motion. If budget allows, you can splurge on a shower head that will make your bathroom experience feel like the ones you'd have at a five-star hotel.

Swap out your shower and bathtub faucets, too, for a more cohesive design. For a bold statement, you can opt for on-trend matte black finishes.

4. Upgrade Your Storage Space

Extra storage is always a practical detail for a bathroom. Open shelving can make the bathroom feel more spacious while giving you the extra storage space you need to store your linens, hair accessories, and more.

Introduce extra space by leaning a wooden ladder against the wall to store your towels, or opt for an étagère for a more luxurious feel. These options work great as design elements because they add an extra layer of dimension to your space, and you don't have to drill into your walls.

5. Bring the Outdoors In

Turn your space into an oasis by incorporating some much-needed greenery into your bathroom. Plants that thrive in humid, damp conditions will do well in your bathroom. Some examples include bamboo, devil's ivy, aloe vera, and dracaena.

Air plants are a great option, too, because they absorb moisture from the air, soaking up the humidity from your bathroom

Shop Smart and Secondhand

Choosing secondhand items saves money and reduces landfill waste and demand for newly manufactured goods. Look for new or slightly used:

• Cabinets
• Mirrors
• Light fixtures
• Sinks
• Tile 

Evaluating Fixture Quality

Whether buying new or secondhand, carefully inspect bathroom fixtures to ensure they are in good working condition and will last. This helps save you from costly repairs or replacements down the line.

To assess fixtures:

• Check for surface wear and damage
• Test drawers, doors, and faucet handles for smooth operation
• Avoid plumbing fixtures with visible corrosion, cracks, or leaks
• If possible, confirm all moving parts function properly and seals are intact

Water conservation is essential for a bathroom makeover. Older fixtures often use more water than necessary, so upgrading to water-efficient options can reduce both your environmental impact and your utility bills. When shopping for secondhand fixtures, keep an eye out for models that offer water-saving features to maximize efficiency.

Eco-Friendly Fixture Swaps

Upgrade your space while conserving water by installing:

• Low-flow faucets that reduce water flow without sacrificing pressure
• Dual-flush or high-efficiency toilets that use less water per flush
• WaterSense-labeled shower heads, designed to maximize water efficiency and comfort

Simple Add-ons for Efficiency

Even if you’re not ready to replace fixtures, small and inexpensive additions can improve water efficiency:

• Faucet aerators that mix air with water to reduce flow
• Toilet tank banks or fill cycle diverters that reduce water used per flush
• Retrofitting old hardware with water-saving cartridges to optimize performance

When evaluating secondhand fixtures, check their condition and compatibility with your plumbing. Look for product labels or markings indicating water-saving features, and consider consulting with a professional if you’re unsure.

Save While You Upgrade

Giving any space in your home a makeover can be an expensive endeavor. By frequenting your local thrift or second-hand home improvement stores, like ReStore, you can give your bathroom a whole new look on a budget.

Save even more by signing up for Hot Deals emails and be the first to find out about special sales and offers! New merchandise arrives daily, so there are always lots of cabinets, furniture, hardware, lighting fixtures, doors, and windows to choose from.

With a little creativity, smart shopping, and some DIY spirit, you can transform your bathroom into a beautiful, functional space—without breaking the bank.