Planning a new bathroom can be one of the most rewarding home upgrades you can undertake.
One of the hardest-working rooms in the house, the perfect bathroom should ideally balance both practicality and style.
Alice Ciereszko is a bathroom designer at Lansdown Kitchens & Bathrooms in Cheltenham – a luxury design service and showroom with over 30 years of industry experience.
Alice firstly advises that homeowners should 'start with a clear vision'.
'Do you want a spa-style retreat, a family-friendly hub or a sleek, bold space? Every person is different, so the starting point will be different too.'
For many, visualising the space is the biggest challenge. Alice explains that simple tools can help transform ideas into a plan.
She said: 'Some people find it useful to draw up the room, then cut out scaled boxes to represent each product and move them around to see what fits.
'It also helps you understand distances between features. Others prefer creating a mood board, noting colours, textures and layouts they love.
'Limiting yourself to four to six reference images helps avoid overwhelm and keeps the design consistent. Designers have intuition, but we can’t read minds – the more information you give us, the better.'
Before talking budgets or finishes, decide which elements you must have in your bathroom; that is, your 'non-negotiables'. These will anchor the layout and guide your spending.
Common non-negotiables include a wall-mounted tap or basin mixer; a rainfall shower head; a secondary hand shower or shower on a rail; a bath (whether freestanding or fitted); underfloor heating; and recessed shelving or built-in storage.
Being clear about these priorities helps
prevent costly redesigns later and ensures you get the features that truly
matter to you.
Alice also emphasises the importance of spending strategically. 'I always recommend investing in good brassware. It does the most work in the room and gets used every day, so it’s worth choosing quality.'
'Other areas where it can pay to invest include waterproofing, lighting and installation. And savings can often be made on accessories, mirrors or even tiles, depending on the design.'
Once the essentials are defined, assess your space and consider existing plumbing. Alice explained: 'A good layout is the backbone of a successful bathroom.
'Prioritise the placement of the toilet, shower, bath and basin, making sure there’s enough circulation space. And think about storage early – recessed shelving, vanity units and mirrored cabinets keep clutter at bay while enhancing the overall look.'
Look for fixtures and fittings that can withstand humidity and daily wear. Prioritise items that are ergonomic, easy to clean and non-slip.
Lighting also plays a key role – the right combination of task and ambient light can elevate the entire space from functional to spa-like.
Alice highlights the importance of hiring trusted professionals, too. 'Agree on a schedule, confirm responsibilities at each stage and ensure all products are on site before work starts.
'Clear communication and honesty between everyone involved – designer, installer and client – is vital, especially when things don’t go exactly to plan.'
Bathroom installations typically take two to three weeks, depending on the scope. Alice advises that homeowners often underestimate both the time and the value of a skilled fitter. 'A great installer may cost more than expected, but the finished result will be remarkable.'
For help planning your dream bathroom, call Lansdown Kitchens & Bathrooms on 01242 243642 or visit lansdownkb.co.uk.
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