We take a look at the design dos and don’t to create a bathroom that looks stylish and functions brilliantly for years to come. 

DO

Take time to plan your new-look bathroom. Trips to local showrooms will provide inspiration. Create a mood board, pulling pictures from magazines and brochures. Measure your bathroom and make a note of exact locations of the existing water and waste pipes and electrical outlets. On graph paper, make a to-scale drawing, showing windows, door and sanitaryware. Take it with you when you go bathroom shopping. A bathroom specialist should be able to help you design your new-look space. Try to find a company that can show you 3D images of what the bathroom could look like.

DON’T

Don’t forget to set a budget at the start of the project.  To avoid getting in over your head, think carefully about what you can afford at the very beginning and do your best to stick to it. A realistic budget will help with decision-making. Get written estimates for all materials and labour, then add 20 per cent to cover unexpected costs. Don’t buy products that you’ve only seen online. Visit a local showroom and ask for samples to take home, for example tiles.

DO

Do seek expert advice from a qualified plumber or bathroom fitter as this could shape your bathroom redesign. Moving water supply lines and drainage can significantly increase costs. It may be better to keep the existing bathroom layout. Similarly, there’s no point choosing  power shower with body jets if your water system can’t handle it. Power showers which require a pump are designed to work with gravity-fed systems. If you have a water tank in your loft that feeds a hot water cylinder in an airing tank you’re likely to have one of these. Meanwhile, a combi (combination) boiler or pressurised water system, is suited to mixer, digital or electric showers which can still deliver plenty of hot water.

DON’T

Don’t cram too much into your bathroom. Keep the design simple with space to move around. Is there room for a separate shower and bath? If not, it may be better to combine the two with a shower over the bath. A p-shaped bath is a great option with more space at one end to stretch out whether having a soak in the tub or a quick shower. There’s a major trend towards shower-only bathrooms. A walk-in shower room gives easy access to young and old. But think carefully before ditching your bath, especially if it’s the only one in the property, as it might reduce its value.

DO

Do hire qualified professionals for plumbing and electrical work. They will be more up-to-date on building regulations and do work to a high standard. A bathroom fitter may be excellent at tiling and installing cabinets but leave the water pipes in your airing cupboard looking like spaghetti junction. If your power shower or pump isn’t properly installed and breaks down, the supplier may refuse to replace it for free. Remember to register guarantees for all fixtures and fittings or they may not be valid. Similarly, if your bathroom revamp requires rewiring, hire a qualified electrician.

DON’T

Don’t forget the floor. It is sometimes described as the fifth wall – not just a functional afterthought but a chance to pack in extra design detail to help your bathroom come together. Bold, patterned tiles on the floor can inject colour and character into an all-white scheme. Alternatively, the same tiles on the floor and walls can make a small bathroom appear larger. Marble lookalikes made from porclain look great and come in a range of colours. Think luxury hotel-style bathrooms.

DO

Do ensure there is adequate ventilation. Avoid blocking your main ventilation source, such as as air brick vent or window. Moisture leads to mould and mildew which will soon spoil your lovely new bathroom. A bathroom fan is the best defence. Consider upgrading your ventilation, especially if you’re installing a powerful new shower and the room’s likely to get a lot more steamy. Remember to use an anti-mould paint on your ceiling and walls.

DON’T

Don’t choose the cheapest fixtures and fittings. It’s possible to buy a bathroom suite for as little as £200 but it’s not likely to last long. Items, such as sinks, showers and toilets, need to be able to withstand daily wear and tear. Whenever possible choose quality materials for a high-end look. Mid-range products are are often a good bet.  Ask your plumber or bathroom fitter for advice. They’ll know which bathroom suppliers have the best quality products at a reasonable price and those that look great but are best avoided, for example because it’s impossible to get replacement parts.  

DON’T

Don’t skimp on storage. Even if you’ve purged your bathroom of dusty bottles, rusty razors and threadbare towels in a bid to de- clutter, you’ll still need storage space to create some order, especially in a busy family bathroom. Wall-mounted cabinets work well to hide away lotions and potions.  Under-sink storage can be very useful for tidying away toiletries in cabinets, drawers or shelves. Choose matching units in colours that work well with your counter top and tiles, for a co-ordinated look.

DO

Plan your lighting from the start. A bathroom needs different layers of illumination from bright for putting on make-up and shaving to dim when relaxing in the tub. Position over specific areas, such as mirrors, with softer ambient lighting to create an inviting space. LED spotlights are great for task-orientated lighting because they’re more direct and focused. Meanwhile, LED strip lighting, for example over a mirror, can look stylish.

DON’T

Don’t forget to consider underfloor heating. The small space will keep the cost down and few things can be more luxurious than stepping out of a shower onto a warm tiled floor. Heated towel rails can make all the difference between a damp, cold towel and a toasty, warm one waiting for you after your daily ablutions.