Where do I begin designing my dream scheme? Where should I place my tub? How do I maximise storage? Planning your new space takes time and thought – from prioritising function to nailing the aesthetics.

So, if you are thinking about renovating your bathroom and have similar concerns, we’ve asked the industry experts to help tackle five of our readers’ design dilemmas…

1. There are so many choices in bathroom design, where do I begin?

“It may feel like a daunting task with so many options to choose from but asking the right questions and working with a specialist bathroom designer will help to work out which products are right for you,” says Kerri Asker, senior designer with Ripples Winchester.

“When you start your bathroom project, the first thing to consider is always the available space within the room – can you fit in both a bath and a separate shower, or do you need more of a hybrid solution? Often on the top of clients’ wishlists, walk-in showers will require a specific footprint area similar to a bath. If this is not possible, a shower enclosure or a shower over the bath may be the best option.”

“The next thing to consider is the style of your new bathroom. I usually work with a client to see if there is a running theme in their inspirational images. I advise deciding on one element of the bathroom, which is entirely non-negotiable. Deciding on one element of the bathroom can help to guide the rest,” explains Kerri.

“Another critical consideration is storage. Family bathrooms usually need to maximise this, from under-basin storage to mirror cabinets above and storage niches by showers and baths.”

“Brassware is also essential to think about. You may have a particular style or colour in mind, but ongoing maintenance will also be required if you opt for a unique finish,” she says.

“Overall, considerations around plumbing, electrics and room layout are best handled by a professional. If you are anything like me, you will have a lot of images on your Pinterest board or magazine collection, encompassing a number of different styles. A good designer can work with you to narrow down your choices, incorporating your inspiration into one cohesive scheme. This will give you more time to focus on the fun parts of your project.”

2. How can I maximise storage?

“Your bathroom needs to be designed so that it’s easy to keep tidy, functional for all the family, with good organisation of products and accessories. A cluttered bathroom makes products difficult to find and doesn’t help adults unwind and relax at the end of the day,” says Martin Carroll, managing director at Duravit UK.

“Storage needs to provide not only practical solutions but aesthetic ones, too. For example, a vanity unit can hide unsightly pipework, which immediately presents a less cluttered look and works well in both small and large bathrooms.”

“Vanity units with inserts or zoned sections are extremely practical for storing and organising toiletries neatly. Soft-close drawers ensure that bottles and other items won’t fall over if the drawer is closed too hard. And look out for clever and unusual storage solutions – for example, some of our taller units have narrow shelves within the doors; these are the ideal places to keep smaller items, such as bottles and jars, that could get lost in a cabinet,” adds Martin.

“Wall-hung products will also keep the floor clear and can create the illusion of more space. Elegant floor-standing vanity units in muted colours and light-reflective surfaces can help make a small area feel bigger and less cluttered, while mirror cabinets with their own lights provide additional storage space as well as mood lighting and glare-free illumination.”

3. Where is the best place to install my freestanding bath?

“A freestanding bath naturally commands attention when someone walks into the room, offering a focal point that instantly draws your eye in and leaves a lasting impression. So, if you’re lucky enough to have a large space to work with, centring the bath in the middle of it is a great option, as it is sure to give plenty of wow factor,” explains Barrie Cutchie, design director at BC Designs.

“However, depending on the size and shape of your bathroom, there may only be one sensible location for your tub. Look at the windows in the room. Often, this is an awkward place to fit washbasins or WCs. Could it go here? Or, if you have an alcove, corner, or feature wall, carefully positioning your freestanding bath here can set the space off beautifully.”

4. What do I need to know about bathroom cladding?

“First and foremost, you need to prioritise the durability of the material. Use sturdy options, such as panels with a robust core and protective layers, like aluminium, to withstand daily wear and tear and exposure to moisture. Secondly, pay attention to the cladding’s overall look. Thousands of designs are available in various patterns and colours that can complement your bathroom decor,” advises Amanda Mills, marketing manager at Kinedo UK.

“Choosing materials that are easy to clean and maintain will enhance their durability and preserve their aesthetic appeal over time. Installation is also key. Compared to real stone, lightweight panels are easier for installers to handle and fit. Plus, the ability to cut them to size on-site with standard plumbing tools ensures seamless installation. Lastly, it’s essential to consider the overall value proposition of the cladding. This means balancing cost-effectiveness, environmental sustainability and energy efficiency, to ensure a worthwhile investment.”

5. How can I make my bathroom feel more like a spa?

“A quick way to uplift plain white tiles without the expense of ripping them off the wall, re-plastering, boarding and re-tiling, is to consider wet-system wallpaper,” says Louise Ashdown, head of design at West One Bathrooms.

“It only takes one feature wall, say along a bath wall, within a shower enclosure or behind a basin and it can really add a wow factor to the bathroom. You can choose a soft, tonal colour palette for a calm, serene spa feel, or choose a mural design to give it extra detail. For a lower-cost upgrade, consider painting the non-tiled walls and ceiling in a calming chalk tone or, for a striking look, maybe a green tone, which is easy to live with.”

“Lighting can also help change the ambience – swap out harsh, cool-white light bulbs for warmer, friendlier warm white. Mirrors create the illusion of space and help reflect the light, so consider adding an unusual mirror above the basin area or a larger feature mirror above the bath,” she says.

“Add accessories: even if you have chrome taps you can add accessories in different metals. A towel bar up high on the wall, at the end of the bath, can house fluffy towels ready for use. Small details like a shower basket or loo-roll holder in a contrasting metal can warm up the scheme. Wood also warms up a space, creating a cosy and homely feel. Consider wooden bath racks for a freestanding bath, small wooden stools for towels and toiletries, or a wooden ladder rail leant against the wall to hold towels.

“Greenery always upgrades a space and even the smallest bathroom can squeeze in some plants. Consider plants in quirky pots or macramé holders hanging from the ceiling, at different heights. Or build a slim shelf up high above the bath area, wall to wall, and fill it with trailing plants.”

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