| The first step is to plan the design - as with kitchens, | | | | have a curtain or blind with 'blackout' lining unless you |
| your local supplier will run off a computer-generated | | | | want neighbours or passers-by watching the silhouette |
| plan based on the room's dimensions and your | | | | of you bathing, washing or worse. |
| particular requirements. | | | | When it comes to decoration, remember to use - or |
| If you're sticking with the same layout, measure your | | | | specify, if someone else is doing the work - grout that |
| bathroom suite carefully before you go shopping for a | | | | is resistant to steam and water. Similarly, choose paint |
| replacement so that you know the new items will fit. | | | | and wallpaper that will stand up to heat and steam - |
| Re-plumbing and re-wiring will push the cost up so stick | | | | look in the ever-expanding 'kitchen and bathroom' |
| with the existing service points if possible - although | | | | ranges. |
| this may be unavoidable if you want to change the | | | | Pale colours brighten a small bathroom, especially one |
| position of the bathroom suite. | | | | with no natural daylight but it's fun to experiment with |
| First decide on the right place for the bath and/or | | | | colour. And a large mirror across one wall, especially |
| shower. If your loo is in your bathroom, decide where | | | | the wall opposite the window, will help make a small |
| this will go and then position the washbasin. | | | | bathroom look and feel much bigger and lighter. |
| Once the fittings are planned you can work out how | | | | Floor coverings, too, come in all types of material and |
| to use the remaining space which, in modern | | | | colour - but avoid carpet which is impractical and |
| bathrooms, may be quite limited. Some kind of storage, | | | | unhygienic in a bathroom. Vinyl, cork tiles or lino are |
| either cupboards or shelves - preferably both - is | | | | good choices - warm underfoot and easy to clean. |
| required for toiletries, cleaning products, toilet rolls and | | | | However, if the surface you choose is shiny always |
| children's bath toys. If your bathroom is spacious you | | | | use a non-slip washable rug for extra safety. |
| may also keep clean towels and your linen basket in | | | | If you're installing a shower - either as a separate |
| there. | | | | feature or above the bath - investigate the different |
| Choosing the bath and basin can be a time-consuming | | | | types before deciding which to choose. If you have |
| task. Even if you're not opting for something like a | | | | high water pressure you could opt for a thermo |
| jaccuzzi or indoor hot tub, baths come in all shapes | | | | shower which is connected direct to your heating |
| and sizes - standard oblong, rolltop, corner, curved, | | | | system and keeps the water temperature even. |
| wider at one end than the other - and colours. Unless | | | | An electric shower system heats the water itself and |
| you desperately yearn for a particular colour it's best | | | | is mostly used above the bath. Power showers will |
| to stick with white. It's clean-looking, inoffensive and will | | | | give you the ultimate shower experience, even if you |
| go with any colour you decide to use for paint and | | | | have low water pressure. |
| furnishings. | | | | Look for a non-slip surface in both bath and shower. |
| Taps, too, come in a bewildering array of styles - | | | | Check with your plumber that the drainage can take |
| choose a design that will complement your bathroom. | | | | the amount of water your shower is producing - an |
| Before making your final decision on the bathroom | | | | overflowing shower tray can cause serious problems. |
| suite it is helpful to check your plans with your plumber | | | | Above all, the main thing to remember when |
| to see if there are any potential snags with the | | | | redesigning your bathroom is - choose a design that |
| designs you have picked. | | | | works for your lifestyle. |
| Even if your window has frosted glass make sure you | | | | |