McCamy Construction

Ask Ashley: Bathroom Reno Tips from McCamy’s Designer

Wednesday, March 31st, 2021

Renovating an outdated bathroom is a great way to upgrade and add value to your home, but it can be a costly and overwhelming project to take on. This month we’re discussing all things bathroom renovation with McCamy’s interior designer, Ashley Jones. She’s letting us in on her process and sharing some great tips for creating a timeless look without blowing your budget.

Our latest bathroom renovation began when these Sequoyah homeowners discovered water damage in their main bathroom. They had previously worked with McCamy to renovate a guest bath and refresh some other areas in their home, so we teamed up again to give them an updated look in a space the whole family could enjoy. “They were hoping for a bigger shower and a more open, modern bathroom, with simple finishes to create a relaxed space,” Ashley explained.

When taking on a new project, Ashley starts by getting to know the homeowners’ personal style, and with her trained eye, it doesn’t take her very long. “Typically I ask them to show me some pictures from Instagram or Pinterest of spaces they like and looks they hope to achieve. I can usually pick up on their design style and preferences in just a few pictures, even if the spaces all seem very different.” Once a vision for the space is established, Ashley likes to begin the selection process at Ferguson, our industry partners for plumbing and lighting. These homeowners went with a classic look for the plumbing fixtures and added a fun, gold light fixture above the tub to bring in the on-trend finish. Ashley loves to encourage mixing metals for a more individualized space, which can also help keep you on budget.  

“Some of the bigger pieces like plumbing can be your most expensive investment and the most costly to replace, so this is always a space I look to keep it budget-friendly. Chrome and satin nickel are classic finishes that go with anything, and they are the least expensive finish options to choose from.  The newer trends like brushed gold and black are more expensive options, so I suggest bringing those in with the hardware and lighting. If trends change or you change your style, these are usually the least expensive items to switch out.  I always say to keep your bones classic and add your pop and style with the clothing.”

Next, Ashley moves on to tile. She explained that these homeowners loved the look of marble for the shower–a huge trend in tile, but not always the most practical or cost effective. Luckily, there are some great faux marble options that give the same look without the upkeep and high price tag.  “I like to keep the main floor and field tiles on the showers more simple in a ceramic or porcelain tile.  To get the most for your money and design, I use a real marble mosaic in the accent area, like the picture frame in this shower, the back of a niche, or a stripe around the shower.”

The main features of the space (cabinetry, countertops, tile and plumbing fixtures) help steer the rest of the selections. Paint colors are selected and are often matched to existing trim and doors during a renovation project. Mirrors, shower glass and hardware seem to come secondary to the main selections, but are still very important to the overall design.

One final tip from Ashley is a small change that can make a big difference. “Adding extra recessed style lighting brightens the space to make it feel more open and spacious. That shows up in this bathroom really well, we didn’t change the overall footprint of the bathroom, but it looks so much bigger and more open now.”

If you’re feeling inspired to take on a renovation of your own, we would love to hear from you! Fill out this form or give us a call at 865-247-7068 to schedule a consultation. You can find more project inspiration on our Instagram or Facebook page. From home renovation to building a custom home, McCamy has the experience and expertise to match your lifestyle and vision. We take into account the way your life looks, feels, and functions to envision the smartest solutions to customize or renovate your home.

Tags: Bathroom renovation, bathroom trends, Interior design