Updating or completely revamping a bathroom needn't be expensive -there are plenty of retailers offering a wealth of products to suit every taste and budget.
Before starting any major work always consider the importance of planning. Layout is crucial. Placing the bath, toilet, hand basin or shower in the wrong place could lead to problems that may be expensive to remedy.
Making accurate notes of the room's dimensions and drawing a layout of the room will help you make the most of the available space.
When you've worked out the layout it may be tempting to rush into the nearest showroom and pick a new bathroom suite on looks alone, but consider first what you want out of the bathroom.
For example, if you never use the bath it may be best to splash out on a large shower cubicle.
Also think about the people who will be using the room - do you have children or will the room be used by older people who may need helpful additions, such as hand rails, to use the facilities?
Whether you plump for a plain white colour scheme or opt for something more bright, the bathroom can be styled to make it both practical and relaxing.
Think carefully about wall coverings.
Bathroom walls must be resistant to water, damp conditions and dirt. They should also be easy to clean.
Tiles are a practical way of covering bathroom walls as they are hardwearing and easy to clean.
Manufacturers have ensured that we no longer have to pick plain white - mosaic, mirror, multi-coloured and even glass tiles are all available.
Paint is another way to achieve a new look and with an almost endless array of colours available the choice is limited only to your imagination. Flooring is another crucial factor.
Floor tiles come in a variety of finishes and are usually easy to maintain, clean and even replace if spoilt. And if you don't like your toes getting chilly why not think about getting a carpet. Specially-designed bathroom carpets have been on the market for years and are designed to be extra durable.
Another important factor to remember is storage.
Whether you want to display items like toiletries or hide them away you'll need to shop around and invest in storage units or shelves.
Open shelving is a cheap and convenient way to store items you use every day and it's also an attractive way of displaying pretty items like coloured glass bottles.
Concealed storage solutions, such as cabinets, are handy for items which don't get used all the time, or for products you don't want displayed to visitors. Medicine cabinets should always be hung well out of the reach of youngsters and locked for safety.
Baskets are also useful for storing items like make-up and are great for making the bathroom prettier and less clinical.
Airing cupboards are handy for keeping towels fresh, but a chest box can do the job just as well.
Good lighting is crucial in the bathroom. The room should be well lit as you need to be able to see yourself properly when applying make-up or shaving. The best way to light the bathroom during daylight hours is by allowing natural light to flood through the window.
Use a blind or netting for privacy or choose frosted glass that allows natural light in but keeps your dignity intact.
Once you've finished with the suite, walls and floor comes the fun part - accessorising.
This is when you can really let your imagination run riot. Long gone are the days of outside toilets and tin baths, today's bathrooms reflect the tastes and styles of their owners.
Essential items like soap dishes and toothbrush holders come in a variety of designs - from contemporary chrome to classic china - so shop around.
When styling the room work out what overall effect you desire - do you want the bathroom to have a clean, practical finish or would you prefer a more indulgent style?
Prints, candles and plants will all add to the overall feel of the room.
Whatever your tastes plan ahead and shop around to ensure your bathroom makeover causes a splash.
Top tips
1. Before any major work plan the layout of the room and make sure measurements are accurate.
2. Find out where electricity and water points are. Re-wiring and re-plumbing takes time and money.
3. Decide if you want a separate shower cubicle or whether an over-the-bath shower will do. A separate shower cubicle will take up more space, but allows two people to use the bathroom at the same time.
4. If your bathroom lacks a window consider fitting an extractor fan - bathrooms get damp and without proper ventilation mould can easily set in.
5. If children use the bathroom consider safety - a child could easily slip on a wet floor, while medicine cabinets should be locked and placed well out of reach.
6. Make sure you have plenty of storage for items like toiletries and towels, also think about where to store bathtime toys if you have children.
7. If your bathroom is small, keep things uncluttered and simple - this will make the room appear bigger.
8. Make sure paint, and carpets are designed for bathroom use - they should be resistant to damp conditions and easy to clean.
9. Fresh, bright colours can lighten the bathroom, this is useful if the room lacks natural lights.
10. Choosing the right taps, radiator and towel rail is important for your overall bathroom design; take care in your choice or you risk spoiling the style of your room.
Before starting any major work always consider the importance of planning. Layout is crucial. Placing the bath, toilet, hand basin or shower in the wrong place could lead to problems that may be expensive to remedy.
Making accurate notes of the room's dimensions and drawing a layout of the room will help you make the most of the available space.
When you've worked out the layout it may be tempting to rush into the nearest showroom and pick a new bathroom suite on looks alone, but consider first what you want out of the bathroom.
For example, if you never use the bath it may be best to splash out on a large shower cubicle.
Also think about the people who will be using the room - do you have children or will the room be used by older people who may need helpful additions, such as hand rails, to use the facilities?
Whether you plump for a plain white colour scheme or opt for something more bright, the bathroom can be styled to make it both practical and relaxing.
Think carefully about wall coverings.
Bathroom walls must be resistant to water, damp conditions and dirt. They should also be easy to clean.
Tiles are a practical way of covering bathroom walls as they are hardwearing and easy to clean.
Manufacturers have ensured that we no longer have to pick plain white - mosaic, mirror, multi-coloured and even glass tiles are all available.
Paint is another way to achieve a new look and with an almost endless array of colours available the choice is limited only to your imagination. Flooring is another crucial factor.
Floor tiles come in a variety of finishes and are usually easy to maintain, clean and even replace if spoilt. And if you don't like your toes getting chilly why not think about getting a carpet. Specially-designed bathroom carpets have been on the market for years and are designed to be extra durable.
Another important factor to remember is storage.
Whether you want to display items like toiletries or hide them away you'll need to shop around and invest in storage units or shelves.
Open shelving is a cheap and convenient way to store items you use every day and it's also an attractive way of displaying pretty items like coloured glass bottles.
Concealed storage solutions, such as cabinets, are handy for items which don't get used all the time, or for products you don't want displayed to visitors. Medicine cabinets should always be hung well out of the reach of youngsters and locked for safety.
Baskets are also useful for storing items like make-up and are great for making the bathroom prettier and less clinical.
Airing cupboards are handy for keeping towels fresh, but a chest box can do the job just as well.
Good lighting is crucial in the bathroom. The room should be well lit as you need to be able to see yourself properly when applying make-up or shaving. The best way to light the bathroom during daylight hours is by allowing natural light to flood through the window.
Use a blind or netting for privacy or choose frosted glass that allows natural light in but keeps your dignity intact.
Once you've finished with the suite, walls and floor comes the fun part - accessorising.
This is when you can really let your imagination run riot. Long gone are the days of outside toilets and tin baths, today's bathrooms reflect the tastes and styles of their owners.
Essential items like soap dishes and toothbrush holders come in a variety of designs - from contemporary chrome to classic china - so shop around.
When styling the room work out what overall effect you desire - do you want the bathroom to have a clean, practical finish or would you prefer a more indulgent style?
Prints, candles and plants will all add to the overall feel of the room.
Whatever your tastes plan ahead and shop around to ensure your bathroom makeover causes a splash.
Top tips
1. Before any major work plan the layout of the room and make sure measurements are accurate.
2. Find out where electricity and water points are. Re-wiring and re-plumbing takes time and money.
3. Decide if you want a separate shower cubicle or whether an over-the-bath shower will do. A separate shower cubicle will take up more space, but allows two people to use the bathroom at the same time.
4. If your bathroom lacks a window consider fitting an extractor fan - bathrooms get damp and without proper ventilation mould can easily set in.
5. If children use the bathroom consider safety - a child could easily slip on a wet floor, while medicine cabinets should be locked and placed well out of reach.
6. Make sure you have plenty of storage for items like toiletries and towels, also think about where to store bathtime toys if you have children.
7. If your bathroom is small, keep things uncluttered and simple - this will make the room appear bigger.
8. Make sure paint, and carpets are designed for bathroom use - they should be resistant to damp conditions and easy to clean.
9. Fresh, bright colours can lighten the bathroom, this is useful if the room lacks natural lights.
10. Choosing the right taps, radiator and towel rail is important for your overall bathroom design; take care in your choice or you risk spoiling the style of your room.