If you want to achieve a high end look in your bathroom without investing in a costly remodel, these tips for updating a bathroom on a budget are for you.

Choose a Color Palette Choosing a color scheme for your bathroom will help give it a more professionally designed look. This is not to say that everything in the room has to be the same color, but sticking with a color palette of two to three main colors as well as a finish color will help you create better visual harmony. Keep your color scheme in mind when selecting paint colors, rugs, wall décor and other accessories.

Matching the finish on metal items will streamline the look of your bathroom. Select a uniform finish for all of the metal fixtures, such as bronze or brushed nickel, and incorporate the same finish into bathroom sink faucets, shower fixtures, light fixtures and cabinet handles.

Revamp what you can’t Replace Replacing everything in a bathroom is not feasible on a tight budget, so try to allocate your funds to the updates that will have greatest impact. Maybe the cabinet finish is worn, or the countertop color is straight out of the seventies. Alleviating the biggest eyesore in the room can result in a dramatic improvement in its overall look.

Countertops and bathtubs can be refinished for a lower cost than buying replacements, and cabinets can be repainted or stained. You can replace a light fixture inexpensively, or update an existing one with metal paint for less (be sure to read manufacturer recommendations). Even flooring can be relatively inexpensive to replace in a small area such as a bathroom. If replacing flooring is not an option, consider adding a rug that is in keeping with your color scheme to take attention away from the floor itself. The possibilities are endless for refurbishing important parts of your bathroom without replacing the big ticket items.

Create a Focal Point Just as you can creatively divert attention from the parts of the bathroom that are subpar, you can guide the eye to visually appealing parts of the room by creating a focal point. A focal point such as a distinctive bathroom faucet, a beautiful work of art or a standout vanity mirror is the perfect touch to inject unique style into the room and distract from any imperfections.

There are plenty of ways to update your bathroom on a budget. Check back often for more tips and ideas for turning your bathroom into a spa-like retreat!