Babes on a Budget: Inside Sarah Cheetham’s Bathroom Reno

When it comes to creating a beautiful home on a budget, Sarah Cheetham (@shedesigns_nz) proves that great design doesn’t have to come with a hefty price tag. As part of her Babes on a Budget series, Sarah shares her journey of transforming her bathroom into a space that feels thoughtful, elevated, and completely her own, all while keeping costs firmly in check.

Meet Sarah (@shedesigns_nz)

Sarah has spent over a decade working in architectural design, specialising in interiors. With a love for older homes and the character they bring, she’s always been drawn to spaces with a story to tell.

At the beginning of last year, Sarah became a single mum, a life change that sparked a new chapter. Determined to create a home for herself and her babies, she took on the challenge of a full DIY renovation.

“I wanted a home I could really make my own, something I could put my stamp on and be proud of,” she shares. “It’s been really special creating something that feels completely ‘us’.”

Village Gloss Cloud and Village Gloss Walnut

A Bathroom Reno on a Budget

With an entire house to renovate, Sarah knew early on that the bathroom budget needed to stay tight. But rather than compromising on style, she focused on smart design decisions that would make a big impact.

One of the biggest cost-saving moves was avoiding a full reline of the bathroom. Instead, Sarah only installed GIB Aqualine in the shower area, keeping the rest of the existing structure intact. To make this feel intentional, she added a dado rail trim around the room, creating a clean, considered finish.

“Good design and budget-friendly can absolutely live in the same sentence,” she says.

Where She Splurged (and Saved) on her Budget Bathroom Reno

Like many renovators, Sarah was mindful of every dollar. She chose tiles on special, colour-matched more affordable paints to Resene shades, and completed most of the work herself.

The one trade she brought in? A plumber. “That’s one of those things you just don’t mess around with,” she explains.

Her one true “splurge” was tiling.

Instead of opting for a more affordable acrylic shower, Sarah chose to incorporate tiles not only in the shower but also behind the bath and vanity. This decision completely elevated the space, giving it a custom, high-end feel.

The Tiles That Made the Space

Tiles were always going to be a key feature. Sourced through Layered Design, Sarah fell in love with the Tile Space Village range in gloss finishes.

“I’d originally been obsessing over a dark purple and pink combo,” she says. “But as soon as I saw the Village range, I fell in love with the baby blue and brown pairing.”

The combination of Village Gloss Cloud and Village Gloss Walnut creates a soft yet striking palette, bringing personality and warmth into the bathroom.

Village Gloss Cloud and Village Gloss Walnut

The Real Cost of a Bathroom Renovation

While budget renos online can sometimes seem unrealistically cheap, Sarah is refreshingly honest about the true cost of doing things properly.

“A standard bathroom using all trades can easily sit over $30k,” she says. “So bringing this one in at around $10k still felt like a huge win.”

Here’s a snapshot of her bathroom spend:

• Tiles: $1,137.50
• Grout: $141.64
• Tile adhesive: $242
• Bathroom fixtures: $3,535.64
• Plumbing: $5,314.60
• Plus additional materials and tools

A smart mix of DIY effort, careful sourcing, and strategic spending made it all possible.

Finding Inspiration

Sarah draws inspiration from everywhere, but Pinterest plays a big role in sparking ideas, especially when it comes to tile layouts and combinations.

Interestingly, her colour choices often come from fashion.

“Trends show up in fashion a lot faster before they filter into interiors,” she explains. “I find myself drawn to colour combos I’ve seen there first, then bringing that into my spaces.”

Village Gloss Cloud and Village Gloss Walnut

What’s Next?

Sarah isn’t slowing down anytime soon. Next on her list are the powder room and laundry, two spaces she believes deserve just as much attention.

“I feel like those spaces are often overlooked, but they really shouldn’t be boring.”

Sarah’s Top Tips for Budget Renovators

For anyone planning a bathroom reno on a budget, Sarah’s advice is simple but powerful:

• Shop around to find the best price
• Make sure all elements work together for a cohesive look
• Don’t be afraid to use budget-friendly products creatively

“Good design isn’t about how much you spend, it’s about how you put it all together.”

Follow @shedesigns_nz on Instagram to follow more of her Babes on a Budget reno series!