@Gillian166 wrote:
the bathroom I would gut and re-do the whole thing. people might tolerate a quirky kitchen but less so a quirky bathroom, and you'll never be able to get it looking clean and hygienic. Use large tiles, go for white, don't do anything quirky or trendy, and put some personality into the space with decor. Unless I'm wrong and doing a mexican/spanish tile thing is on trend and what people love. I don't know your region enough to make that call.
I've used a Spanish patterned tile on the floor and a cubby in one of my bathrooms, with a plain tile on the walls (sorry, no photos of that on the listings yet) and people ADORE it. I mean they really go nuts for it. They were not pricey at all, but look expensive.
@Jim1912 While I think that @Gillian166 's advice on the bathroom is totally sound (large, white tiles are the safest choice and probably the cheapest and easiest too and that anything too trendy will date quickly), I would be tempted to go a different route. I would go for a contemporary take on the deco look throughout the property and make this a selling point. You mentioned the hardwood floors and archways, so it sounds like you have nice features elsewhere in the house. Anyway, if you are going to the effort of gutting the bathroom and starting from scratch, you might has well make it look beautiful. And beautiful can be done on a budget!
My thoughts are keep it classic by going for black and white rather than colour (more white than black if the space is small/doesn't have much natural light) with brass hardware, which will give it a luxe feel.
Here are some higher end examples from luxury hotels, just for inspiration!
But you could definitely simplify this look and pare it back quite a bit, perhaps with plain walls and a patterned floor (which is better at hiding wear and tear).
I only go to bathroom showrooms for inspiration but buy everything online where it is much cheaper. I don't know about LA, but here there are lots of online tile retailers with great prices (I have used Walls and Floors and Porcelain Superstore, but there are many others). You can get samples for free or cheap to double check it's what you want.
Likewise, there are several bathroom retailers that sell sanitary ware, showers, taps etc. for well below the full retail price. If you want a vanity rather than a pedestal sink, remember you can always buy an inexpensive one and paint it a different colour (just pick a durable, water resistant paint) and change the handles.
I have found Wayfair to be a great source for inexpensive but chic looking lighting. Deco style wall lights would help to pull the look together. If you can't find a deco style mirror you like on your budget, try shopping for vintage. I got a brass one (1920s or 30s) for around £15 on Ebay.
Then again, this might just all seem like too much effort in the time you have. I am never one to go the simple route though and one thing I know I am good at is finding a bargain!