If you have carpets or curtains installed, then there is a higher risk of them becoming damaged if they are regularly exposed to water.  Carpets easily absorb water, which will lead to them becoming mouldy.  If you can afford to, consider opting for a different type of floor such as tiles or linoleum flooring, as these will be easier to keep free of damp and mould.  You may also wish to consider replacing your curtains with blinds, as these are more suitable for bathrooms and will be easier to keep clean.

A regular cleanout of your bathroom accessories and products will also help to keep your bathroom at its best.  Any old soap, make-up, shavers or medicines should be removed as this will not only help to keep your bathroom tidy but will also create a healthier environment.  If you require extra space for your products, consider installing a small bathroom cabinet or vanity unit.  There are many designs available that will offer plenty of storage space as well as style to your bathroom.

There was a time when the laundry basket dominated many bathrooms, and filthy garments were regularly strewn across the floor.  Today there is bathroom furniture available which features an integrated laundry basket, and some pieces even have separate compartments for light and dark clothes.

Sinks in modern bathrooms are regularly incorporated into vanity units which have drawers and feature a large amount of storage space, integrated lighting, and a marble surround. 

We no longer see exposed plumbing or pipe work in the modern bathroom, either.  Today, it is hidden behind the walls or contained in cleverly designed bathroom furniture.  Furniture that is water-resistant and wipes clean now fills our bathrooms, hiding our toiletries, pipes, and toilet rolls. 

How did we ever cope in the bathroom before?

When designing a small bathroom, planning is crucial to make the most use of the space. Time should be taken deciding how the bathroom suite and other items are to be fitted into the available space to ensure that the layout does not mean having to compromise on style.

One of the most important decisions is whether to install a bath or a shower. For relaxation a bath is a priority, but for those who prefer an invigorating shower dispensing with the bath in favour of a larger shower or a wet room may be more attractive. However, it is important to remember that whilst on the continent it is not uncommon to find bathrooms without a bath, in the UK many people still expect to see a bath in a bathroom and not having one could create problems if the homeowner intends to sell in the near future.

Glass is a wonderful material to use to give the impression of more space and light, whether in the use of wall-mounted shelves, splashbacks or shower enclosures and screens.  Storage comes into its own in a small bathroom, so it is a wise idea to invest in a wall-hung bathroom cabinet or similar bathroom furniture to maximise floor space.  White or light-coloured walls and bathroom suites are always best if you want the room to seem larger, while dark-coloured walls may have the opposite effect.  If there is only room in your house for a shower, consider installing an open plan wet room shower, without superfluous bathroom furniture or bulky additions such as shower trays.  Clever use of storage, colour, and mirrors are invaluable when making a tiny bath or shower room deceptively spacious.

To remove the old grout, use a specialist grout saw (also called a grout raker) along the grooves, taking care not to scratch the tiles. The strong carbide tip will grind off the material. For the finer areas, use a Stanley knife or a chisel to dig away at the grout. Wipe away and vacuum any debris, as any loose pieces that remain will interfere with the application of the new grout.

The grout should be mixed according to the instructions on the packet. If you are only re-grouting a section of your bathroom, try to use a colour that matches the original. Dampen, but do not soak, the joints slightly with a sponge. Then, using a grout spreader, press the grout all over the edges of the tiling. Be firm so that that all the space in the joints is filled. Remove the excess grout from the tiles and wipe the surface with a sponge. Run a specialist grout shaper along the joints to ensure they are filled and to smooth the grout. If you use your fingers you are unlikely to get a uniform final result. To prevent water damage and mildew use, spray on a grout sealant after the grout has dried.

Of course if a homeowner is building a new home or adding an extension he or she has the option of creating a beautiful bathroom to suit his or her needs and tastes. For those who are remodelling an existing bathroom, it all depends on how much space there is, the budget available and how much inconvenience a homeowner is prepared to tolerate.

Regardless of whether it is a new bathroom or an existing bathroom that is being planned there are four stages to the planning:

•    Measure up and note the positions of the existing fittings, doors and windows.
•    Work out a plan of where the new fittings should be installed.
•    Decide on the structural work that will need to be carried out, if any.
•    Decide on any changes that will need to be made to services, i.e. water, drains, electricity.

If a homeowner is making major changes to a bathroom the local authority will need to be consulted about regulations and rules that apply to bathrooms and toilets. External ventilation is required for a bathroom and any room with a toilet must be separated by a door from a room that is used for the preparation of food. If the only bathroom leads off a bedroom there must be another access door.

When fixing the rods or battens to the wall, you might consider screwing them as this gives better support for the tiles.  You should also screw the battens at regular intervals.

Applying Adhesive

The adhesive may be supplied dry, in a packet that needs to be made up.  If so, you should calculate the amount required by following the manufacturer’s guidance notes.

Once the adhesive has been mixed to the correct consistency, use a special tile trowel to apply it.  You can purchase these from any good DIY store.  The teeth on the trowel are designed to create ridges in the adhesive, which help the tiles grip more effectively.

Start tiling at the point where the vertical and horizontal battens intersect.  When applying the adhesive, ensure that you do not skimp and that the layer is of a constant thickness.

Only cover a small area at a time as this keeps tiling manageable.  As a suggestion, cover an area about two or three tiles square or long.  Finally, press each tile firmly onto the adhesive.

Cabinets are available in a variety of different designs. If you have a small bathroom and require a cabinet that has plenty to offer without taking up too much space, then a mirrored cabinet is a great choice. Mirrored cabinets provide you with a mirror and extra storage space all in one and the many designs available means that you can seek out something that adds style to your bathroom without taking up too much room. Mirrored corner bathroom cabinets are a particularly ideal choice for those who need something that fits their small bathroom perfectly and provides plenty of style and storage space.

Bathroom cabinets can not only be used for storing bathroom products but also medicine. There are a wide variety of medicine cabinets available that provide just enough space for you to store all your important medicine products. For those looking for something stylish that offers plenty of features, there are medicine cabinets that offer locks and magnetised doors, enabling you to keep your medicine secure.

For extra style and elegance, you may wish to opt for bathroom cabinets that provide lighting. Some cabinets come with small spotlights installed above the mirrored doors, leaving your bathroom looking modern and sophisticated whilst providing you with plenty of convenience.

In addition to a selection of shower heads, you can also choose from a variety of shower accessories to help complete your ideal look. You can find a variety of items such as shower valves, bars, shower pumps and shower panels to help you improve this area of your bathroom. There are shower kits available which come in a variety of stylish designs to help you complete your look.

If you are looking for a stylish design that adds plenty of elegance to your bathroom, then a shower enclosure is a great choice. Shower enclosures come in a variety of designs and are available with chrome safety glass and stylish sliding doors, enabling you to improve the look of your bathroom or shower room.

If you wish to create an extra spacious shower area that offers plenty of luxury and convenience, then a walk-in shower is a great choice. Walk-in showers enable you to create plenty of space in your bathroom or shower room and are the perfect choice for those who need a shower that offers easy access. Walk-in showers come with a wide range of accessories to suit all requirements, including half-height doors, safety glass, privacy glass and stylish fold up seats.

Older homes can have quirky layouts and space may be an issue.  One thing to consider is wall-units, which eliminate the need for bulky dressers, wardrobes and sets of drawers.  By moving your storage onto the walls you gain valuable floor-space, which you can then use to install a master suite. 

If you have the space, a popular idea for master suites is to include a separate basin for him and her to eliminate marital competition in the bathroom while preparing for work in the mornings.  If you have a hectic lifestyle, his and her shower cubicles or a shower built for two creates great functionality.  A separate room for the toilet would also make the bathroom an inviting place for dual occupants. 

Be sure to choose your bathroom suite fixtures wisely, with purpose in mind.  Above all else, it should be functional.  There is little point in installing an expensive bath if you are never going to use it and little reason to have a shower if you prefer luxurious baths.  While installing a master suite will add value to your home, build it with your own personal preferences in mind, because if you find it useful others will too.