Think about layout first - how much space do you have to play with and what are the priorities? If you’re going for a bath, ensure it faces into the room and under the window if possible to make the most of the light and give the best view.

If possible, place the toilet hidden from sight, behind the door when you enter the room. Much nicer to see the bath or vanity at first sight.

Choose your hero piece first and build your layout and design around that. Whether it’s a showstopper of a freestanding bathtub, a gorgeous vanity, or beautifully tiled shower.

Ensure you have plenty of storage to hide away clutter. Consider wall mounted storage to make best use of the space if required. Deep drawers in vanities are the best way to access all those bottles, rather than shelves.

Think outside the box with your vanity. I have repurposed drinks cabinets and the like in the past to get the exact look I needed, as I often find vanities can be a bit ‘safe’ on the design front.

Consider niches in the walls in the shower enclosure and next to the bath in which to pop your bottles. These are built by creating a stud wall a few centimetres into the room, so you will need to ensure you have space first. They can be lit and give the space that added luxury feel.

Tiles are best for the floor. They look and feel more quality and come in the most beautiful designs and textures - there are literally thousands to choose from. Be aware of the upkeep if you go for ceramic rather than porcelain - you will need to have them sealed regularly. You may choose to install underfloor heating to keep the chill off tiles during the winter, but a well positioned and pretty looking rug should be enough to keep bare feet warm if you don’t want the extra expense.

Think about your hardware. Make sure it matches - you don’t want a combination of shiny and matt finishes so keep it consistent. From the taps to the toilet flush plate, down to the toilet roll holder. All these details are so important.

Consider your lighting. Rather than a bright overhead light above the bath, dimmable ambient lighting around the bottom of the tub will be more relaxing.

Don’t forget to add blinds to the windows. This will soften a space which otherwise tends to be full of hard surfaces, and gives an opportunity for added pattern, texture and colour if needed.

Designing a new bathroom? Here’s all you need to know.