Secrets to a Stunning Modern Cottage Master Bathroom Remodel

The secrets to achieving a stunning modern cottage master bathroom remodel revealed.

May 22, 2024

Transforming your master bathroom into a stunning modern cottage retreat is easier than you think.

The modern cottage style beautifully merges cozy, rustic elements with sleek, modern touches, creating a space that is both inviting and sophisticated.

Welcome to week 8 of the One Room Challenge, it’s reveal day!

As a reminder you can easily navigate through each week of this master bathroom renovation by clicking on the links below.

Week 1 | Week 2 | Week 3  | Week 4  | Week 5  | Week 6 | Week 7 | Week 8 you’re here

Today we’ll share the secrets to a modern cottage master bathroom remodel.

Whether you’re planning on a large remodel like ours, or just want to infuse a bit of cottage charm to your bathroom, we’ll guide you through each step.

Let’s jump in, we’re confident you’ll find ideas you’ll want to incorporate into your master bathroom remodel.

The Sponsors

Before we share the reveal of our master bathroom remodel we’d like to thank our One Room Challenge sponsors.

A special thanks to Amerock for the beautiful cabinet hardware, towel bar, tissue holder and hooks that really give this bathroom a high-end look.

And to Dovoh laser level, that made installing our tile accurately, a breeze.

What is Modern Cottage Style

Modern cottage style is a design approach that combines the cozy, charming elements of traditional cottage decor with the clean lines and simplicity of modern design.

This style emphasizes comfort and warmth, often featuring natural materials like wood and stone, a neutral color palette, and a mix of vintage and modern elements.

Key characteristics include shiplap, beadboard, exposed beams, and classic fixtures, all balanced with sleek, minimalist touches to create a space that feels both timeless and fresh.

The result is an inviting, homely atmosphere that exudes elegance and understated sophistication, making it perfect for a master bathroom remodel.

The best thing about modern cottage style is that it’s a design style you can truly make your own.

Plan Your Remodel

Let’s first take a look at what our master bathroom looked like when we purchased the home 8 years ago and the mini makeover we did 4 years ago.

With a poor and layout and worn and dated fixtures it was in desperate need of a renovation.

Planning your modern cottage master bathroom remodel is the first step to creating the master bathroom of your dreams.

Start by assessing your current bathroom layout and identifying what works and what doesn’t.

In week 1 of the One Room Challenge we shared our vision and plans to make this master bathroom function better and bring in that modern cottage vibe.

Establish a clear budget and timeline, keeping in mind potential unexpected costs and delays.

Creating a detailed mood board or inspiration board can help you visualize the final look and keep your design cohesive.

Gather ideas from magazines, Pinterest, and showrooms, focusing on how to integrate modern cottage elements like natural materials and vintage-inspired fixtures.

Consider the functionality and flow of the space, ensuring that your design not only looks beautiful, but also meets your practical needs.

Proper planning will help you stay organized and make informed decisions throughout the remodel process, resulting in a stunning master bathroom.

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Design Tips for a Modern Cottage Bathroom

Color Palette

Choosing the color palette for your modern cottage master bathroom is a key step in creating the ambiance you want.

Opt for a soothing, neutral palette that expresses the essence of cottage charm and modern elegance.

Soft whites and creamy beiges serve as excellent base colors, offering a timeless and airy feel.

Accentuate these neutrals with a subtle pop of color and a touch of warmth.

Incorporating natural elements, like wooden vanities or stone countertops, can further enhance the organic, serene atmosphere.

For a bolder look, consider integrating darker shades like navy or charcoal in small doses, perhaps through accessories or feature walls, to create contrast and depth.

And if you’re like me, you’ll want to add a little drama with a bold color like black.

In fact, the inspiration for the color palette in my bathroom all began with the drapery fabric with the bold black background.

While browsing online, I came across it and it was love at first sight.

This balanced, peaceful color palette will evoke a sense of tranquility and sophistication in your master bathroom.

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Natural Elements

Incorporating natural elements like wood and stone is essential for achieving the authentic charm and elegance of a modern cottage master bathroom.

These materials bring warmth, texture, and a sense of tranquility to the space, creating a seamless blend of rustic and modern aesthetics.

Consider using reclaimed wood for vanities, shelving, or ceiling beams to add a touch of history and character.

In our case, we added our French Oak luxury vinyl plank flooring, which added warmth and charm of wood to our bathroom remodel and it’s 100% waterproof.

Stone surfaces, such as marble or quartz countertops and slate or pebble flooring, provide durability and a timeless appeal.

Accents like wooden-framed mirrors, wicker baskets, and natural fiber rugs can further enhance the organic feel.

By integrating these natural elements, you create a bathroom that not only looks beautiful but also feels like a serene, inviting retreat.

Timeless Finishes

Incorporating timeless finishes, such as penny, subway, hexagon or marble tile can elevate the elegance and sophistication of your modern cottage master bathroom.

I believe marble’s classic beauty and luxurious appeal make it a perfect choice for achieving a high-end look that remains stylish through the years.

A basketweave pattern adds visual interest and a touch of intricate craftsmanship, seamlessly blending traditional charm with a modern flair.

This pattern works beautifully on floors, shower walls, niches, or backsplashes, providing a stunning focal point without overwhelming the space.

Carrara marble is another finish that’s perfect for countertops, floors, or accent walls to create a luxurious, timeless look.

Adding beadboard paneling to walls or shiplap to the ceiling can introduce a cottage charm while maintaining a sophisticated edge.

It’s especially effective in white or pastel shades.

These timeless finishes not only enhance the appeal but also add a sense of enduring quality and refinement to your bathroom remodel.

Fixtures and Fitting

Choosing the right fixtures and fittings is essential for achieving the perfect modern cottage master bathroom.

Opt for vintage-inspired fixtures with a contemporary twist, such as champagne gold or bronze, brushed nickel or matte black faucets, showerheads, and towel bars.

These finishes offer a timeless appeal while seamlessly integrating with modern design elements.

For the hardware in my bathroom I chose Amerock’s Winsome cabinet pulls in golden champagne.

The color and pattern to me is reminiscent of a vintage brass pulls.

And on the other hand, I chose more modern hardware for the towel bar, tissue holder and hooks, again in that same beautiful golden champagne finish.

Consider classic shapes for sinks and bathtubs, like a freestanding tub with a vintage feel, which evoke a sense of nostalgia and charm.

Pair these with sleek, modern fittings to maintain a balance between old and new.

For lighting, select fixtures that provide both functionality and style, such as elegant sconces, two-toned vanity lights or a statement chandelier.

Incorporating these thoughtfully chosen fixtures and fittings ensures that your bathroom not only looks cohesive and stylish but also remains practical and enduringly beautiful.

Lighting

Layered lighting is essential in any room, but specifically in a bathroom to achieve both functionality and ambiance.

Start with ambient lighting as the base layer, typically provided by overhead fixtures like recessed lights, to ensure the entire space is well-lit.

Next, incorporate task lighting around key areas such as the vanity, using wall-mounted sconces, vanity lights or LED mirror lights to provide focused illumination for activities like shaving or applying makeup.

Accent lighting, the final layer, adds depth and highlights architectural features or decor elements, in our bathroom we added the beautiful chandelier and installed a dimmer switch.

The soft accent lighting is perfect when I need to soak and relax in the bathtub.

By combining these different layers, you create a versatile and inviting atmosphere that can be easily adjusted to suit various moods and needs, ensuring your bathroom is both practical and serene.

Welcome to Our Site

If you’re new here, welcome! We’re so glad you’re here.

Let us introduce ourselves, we’re Michelle and Steph, a mom and daughter team who love to DIY and decorate our homes.

Not only are we passionate about making our homes warm, comfortable and unique, but it’s our mission to help you create that same feeling in your own home.

You’ll find ideas for repurposing, creating, decorating and making your home truly yours, while always mindful of a tight budget.

Undoubtedly we love finding ways to make your home look high-end on a small budget.

Plus you’ll also find a recipe or two as we share our family favorites with you.

We’d love it if you’d join our community of doers so you won’t miss any inspiration for your home.

We love new friends.

Master Shower Ideas

Designing a master shower for a bathroom involves blending luxury, functionality, and timeless style.

Consider installing a spacious walk-in shower if you have the space.

While our shower isn’t super large, it’s perfect for us and with a frameless glass door it creates an open, airy feel.

Incorporate natural materials like subway tiles or marble tile, along with an accent tile in a classic basketweave pattern for a touch of elegance.

High on my wishlist for my shower is a large shower niche to hold all of our necessities, along with a stool for shaving my legs.

Enhance the shower experience with high-end features such as a rain showerhead, handheld shower wand, and built-in seating convenience.

By combining these ideas, you can create a master shower that is both aesthetically pleasing and highly functional, embodying the serene, sophisticated essence of a modern cottage bathroom.

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Small Master Bath Solutions

Maximizing space in a small master bathroom requires clever design solutions that blend style and practicality.

Start by choosing compact yet functional fixtures, such as a pedestal sink or a wall-mounted vanity, to free up floor space and create an open feel.

For a truly luxurious touch, include multiple showerheads or body jets for a complete, invigorating shower experience.

Utilize vertical space with tall, floating or recessed shelves to keep essentials organized without crowding the room.

Opt for a walk-in shower with clear glass doors instead of a bulky bathtub to maintain a sense of openness.

Light, neutral colors on walls and tiles can make the space feel larger and brighter, while strategically placed mirrors can enhance the perception of depth.

Creating an accent wall with dark tile can add a sense of depth to the room making it feel larger.

Incorporate multifunctional pieces, like a mirrored medicine cabinet, to further optimize space.

These thoughtful design strategies ensure your small master bathroom is efficient, stylish, and comfortable.

Luxury Touches and Decor

Adding luxury touches and decor to your modern cottage master bathroom can elevate the space from functional to indulgent.

Start with high-end fixtures, such as a freestanding tub or a rain showerhead, to introduce a sense of opulence.

Heated floors and towel racks provide comfort and a spa-like experience.

Incorporate elegant materials like marble or quartz countertops and richly textured textiles, such as plush towels and a soft bath mat.

For decor, choose timeless accessories like vintage mirrors, chic lighting fixtures, and decorative elements such as candles or fresh flowers to add warmth and personality.

Statement pieces, like a chandelier or a piece of artwork, can serve as focal points that draw the eye and add character.

And I must share a little secret about some of the art in this bathroom…

A few pieces are FREE downloads of public domain vintage art, included that beautiful piece over the freestanding tub.

In this post, I also share how you can make it look like and original piece of art.

By integrating these luxury touches, you create a serene and sophisticated retreat that offers both beauty and relaxation.

DIY Tips and Cost-Saving Strategies

Beginning a DIY remodel for your master bathroom can be both rewarding and cost-effective with the right strategies.

Start by tackling simpler projects yourself, such as painting walls, installing new fixtures, or updating cabinet hardware, which can significantly reduce labor costs.

Shopping for materials during sales or at discount stores, and considering second-hand or reclaimed items, can also help you stay within budget without compromising on quality or style.

With a little online research you may find fixtures for less like I did for my lighting and faucets.

Reusing and refinishing existing elements, like repainting cabinets or restoring a vintage vanity, can give your bathroom a fresh look without the expense of new pieces.

While my vanity is new, I purchased it through Home Depot and it includes the quartz countertop and sink, a real bargain!

If you’re in the market for a new vanity, check out our post How To Confidently Choose Bathroom Vanities Save vs. Splurge.

In addition focus on high-impact, low-cost updates, like changing out faucets, lighting, or adding new accessories.

Shop your own house for art and accessories.

I included a reproduction art piece I purchased in Amsterdam and mounted it in a vintage frame I already had.

Also I included a painting of a little cottage my sister painted a few years ago.

Another great resource for art is the National Gallery of Art, there you’ll find free downloads of original art pieces.

Incorporate DIY items like our accent table to store bath necessities and a vintage yard sale chair.

Proper planning and research, along with a willingness to get hands-on, will enable you to achieve a stunning remodel while keeping costs down.

Is a Master Bath Remodel Worth It?

I believe a master bath remodel is worth the investment due to several key benefits.

First, it significantly enhances the comfort and functionality of one of the most frequently used spaces in your home.

If you remember week1 of the One Room Challenge we shared the dysfunctional layout of our bathroom.

While I love the new and beautiful finishes in my bathroom with a little or a lot of tweaking in our case the functionality of our bathroom is night and day!

Upgrading fixtures, improving layout, and adding modern amenities can greatly improve your daily routine and overall quality of life.

Second, a well-executed master bath remodel can substantially increase your home’s resale value.

Potential buyers often prioritize updated bathrooms, making your property more attractive in the market.

Third, a remodel allows you to address any underlying issues, such as plumbing problems or outdated electrical systems, ensuring your bathroom is safe and up to current standards.

Finally, a remodel provides an opportunity to create a personalized, luxurious retreat tailored to your tastes and needs, turning your master bath into a serene escape within your home.

And that’s what I have now, a bathroom that reflects my personal taste!

Considering these advantages, a master bath remodel can be a wise and rewarding investment.

What is the Most Expensive Part of a Bathroom Remodel?

The most expensive part of a bathroom remodel is typically the labor costs associated with plumbing and electrical work.

These tasks require skilled professionals to ensure the job is done correctly and up to code, which can be costly.

In addition to labor, high-end fixtures and finishes can significantly drive up the cost.

For example, custom cabinetry, premium countertops (like marble or quartz), and luxury fittings (such as high-end faucets, showerheads, and lighting fixtures) can be quite expensive.

Tile work, especially if you choose intricate designs or high-quality materials, also contributes to the high cost.

The combination of labor and materials in these areas often accounts for the largest portion of a bathroom remodel budget.

To keep our cost down, a family member did our rough-in plumbing for us, we just purchased the supplies.

And we also traded work for the electrical work.

What Adds Value to a Master Bathroom?

Adding value to a master bathroom involves incorporating features and updates that enhance both functionality and aesthetic appeal.

Here are several key elements that can significantly boost the value of your master bathroom:

• updating the shower and tub
• double vanity with plenty of storage
• premium quartz countertops
• neutral color palette

Incorporating these updates not only makes your master bathroom more enjoyable to use but also significantly enhances its market value, making it a worthwhile investment for the future.

However, it turns out that luxury updates, such as a jetted tub or a steam shower have a lower return on your investment.

How Much Is a Master Bathroom remodel?

The amount you should spend on a master bathroom remodel depends on several factors, including the size of the bathroom, the extent of the remodel, your geographic location, and your overall budget.

Generally, a master bathroom remodel can range from $10,000 to $50,000 or more. Here’s a breakdown to help you determine how much you might spend:

Basic Remodel ($10,000 – $15,000)

• Replacing fixtures like sinks, faucets, and toilets.
• Updating lighting and hardware.
• Installing new flooring and a fresh coat of paint.
• Adding some new tile work in the shower or tub area.
• This level of remodel usually involves minor changes and keeps most of the existing layout.

Mid-Range Remodel ($15,000 – $30,000)

• Replacing all fixtures and fittings, including a new vanity, shower, and tub.
• Upgrading to higher-quality materials like stone countertops and ceramic or porcelain tiles.
• Installing new cabinetry and additional storage solutions.
• Adding modern lighting and plumbing fixtures.
• Possible reconfiguration of the layout for better functionality.

High-End Remodel ($30,000 – $50,000+)

• Complete overhaul with luxury materials such as marble or quartz countertops, high-end tile work, and custom cabinetry.
• Installing a spacious walk-in shower with multiple showerheads and a freestanding bathtub.
• Incorporating smart technology, such as programmable showers, smart mirrors, and heated floors.
• Custom lighting design, including chandeliers or high-end sconces.
• Significant layout changes that might involve moving plumbing and electrical systems.

When budgeting for your remodel, consider the following tips:

• Set a Realistic Budget: Determine what you can afford and plan accordingly. It’s advisable to allocate an additional 10-20% of your budget for unexpected expenses.
• Prioritize Needs vs. Wants: Focus on essential updates first, and then add luxury items if your budget allows.
• Research Costs: Get quotes from multiple contractors and compare material costs. This will help you get a clearer picture of the potential expenses.
• Consider Return on Investment: Will your investment significantly increase your home’s value? It’s essential to ensure the costs align with the overall value of your home and the housing market in your area.

By setting a clear budget and prioritizing your needs and desires, you can effectively manage the costs of your master bathroom remodel and achieve a beautiful, functional space.

How Much Our Master Bathroom Renovation Cost

Our master bathroom renovation cost a total of $9,183.28, thanks to a combination of DIY efforts, bartering for professional services, and savvy shopping for high-end lookalike finishes.

By taking on the majority of the work ourselves, we saved significantly on labor costs, which can be one of the most expensive aspects of a bathroom remodel.

Here’s a breakdown of how we managed our budget:

• vanity with a quartz countertop including sinks for $1,424
• 3 light fixtures $582.55, compared to the regular price of $1,174.55
• flooring $632.40
• window $327.01
• 4 faucet fixtures $1,086.09
• toilet $334
• paint and supplies $147.70
• plumbing supplies $675.16
• electrical supplies $ 282.91
• shower base, tile, backboard and supplies $1,826.76
• lumber, drywall, shiplap, moulding and supplies $1,128.03
• trailer rental $100.00
• Curtains, mirrors, towels and accessories $636.67

By carefully planning our renovation, doing much of the work ourselves, finding cost-effective alternatives for high-end finishes and comparison shopping, we were able to achieve a luxurious look on a budget.

Our master bathroom now boasts a high-end look with elegant finishes, all while staying within our budget.

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Final Thoughts

Our master bathroom renovation was a labor of love that resulted in a stunning transformation, all while staying within our budget.

By taking on much of the work ourselves, bartering for professional services, and making smart choices with materials and finishes, we achieved the high-end look we desired without breaking the bank.

This project not only enhanced the beauty and functionality of our home but also demonstrated that with careful planning and creativity, luxury can be affordable.

If you’re inspired by our journey and looking for more design tips and ideas, be sure to explore our blog for additional insights and inspiration.

Subscribe to our weekly newsletter and follow us on social media for the latest updates and expert advice on home renovations and interior design.

Your dream bathroom is within reach, and we’re here to help you every step of the way!

Don’t forget to check out the many other room transformations taking place on the One Room Challenge blog this season.

I believe you’ll be inspired with countless design styles and creative ideas.

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This blog’s content is for entertainment purposes only and is not professional advice. By reading this blog and attempting to recreate a project, you assume all responsibility for any injuries or damages incurred. Read my full disclaimer here.

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