Splash out on beautiful bathroom

Fancy making a bigger impact? Gabrielle Fagan explains how bathrooms became exciting.

The bathroom might be the most private room in the house but it's under the spotlight. These days we want this room to multi-task as both a retreat to soothe our spirits, and somewhere practical to splash around in, so we're ever more demanding of its decor. There are limitless possibilities for kitting out this room, whether it's emulating the vintage style of yesteryear or being bang up to date and creating the ultimate contemporary spa room.

"While the sophisticated functionality of modern design is the most popular look, some people find it a little too minimal and feel it lacks warmth, decoration and expression," says Sally Cutchie, design consultant at Colourwash Bathrooms. "Consequently, the mixing of styles is a strong, developing trend. It allows people to get the best of both worlds by pairing streamlined contemporary sanitaryware with a dramatic or romantic feature such as a free-standing bath. It's all about freedom of expression."

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While showers had a surge in popularity, nothing beats an indulgent soak in the tub – and a property is worth less without at least one bathroom with a bath. Luckily, making a stylish splash needn't cost a fortune, as companies vie with each other to attract homeowners who are opting to improve rather than move.

There are easy ways to freshen up the room too, from replacing taps and regrouting tiles to fitting a mirror spanning the length of a bath to make the room appear larger, and replacing a shabby shower curtain. Get ideas from top-of-the-range bathroom showrooms, be inspired by holiday hotels and take photos of bathrooms you admire to help you copy the style. Enlist the advice of a professional designer, or experienced builder, before you outlay on fittings and furniture. Don't be afraid to negotiate package deals and discounts from bathroom companies, and ask about ex-display or cancelled order items, sold for reduced prices.

Set a budget and stick to it, and don't forget to factor in flooring, lighting, tiles and redecoration – and allow for hidden expenses, such as pumps and thermostats.

If you are strapped for cash, opt for a simple bathroom with classic white sanitaryware and plain tiles – that way it will never date. Be inspired by the style of times past and reflect today's cutting-edge bathroom style to conjure a vintage and modern look such as Colourwash Bathrooms's free-standing roll-top Cleo bath, 3,190, paired with a contemporary vessel-style basin which sits proud of a unit, 134 each.

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Get the same look for less with a claw-foot roll-top vintage-look Amyris bath, 809.55, and Chloe vessel basin, 59.99, both from from Focus (DIY).

"Bathrooms have evolved from being just a functional room in a home, to a sanctuary to escape from everyday life," says Craig Hadley, bathroom buyer for Focus (DIY). "Currently, the trend is to emulate lavish hotel bathrooms within the comfort of your own home."

Distinctive designs are a trademark of Villeroy & Boch, and it doesn't disappoint with the soft, curved lines emulating the shape of beach pebbles for the Stone collection. Washbasin, from 579, vanity unit, from 1,054. Team with an Aveo Bath Tub, from 3,986.75.

Don't ruin the wellbeing benefit of creating a home spa by stressing about the price. Frontline Bathrooms range is purse-friendly with a free-standing IXOS double-ended bath, 995, and a Losan washbasin, 410.

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"We've seen a significant increase in demand for luxury bathing – partly because so many people are choosing to improve rather than move," says Heena Patel, product manager for Wickes Bathrooms. "Baths nowadays are viewed more as a piece of furniture and there's a strong trend for making a statement with eye-catching free-standing baths in clean line contemporary shapes."

Fired Earth's white, sleek Jura bath, 2,995, is a design classic and can look stunning contrasted with Andalucia tiles in Hacienda deep blue, 2.75 each. Wickes's oval white Organic Bath is bang on trend with a less hefty price tag of 1,579. Fully tiling walls and floors is a practical approach but can be costly. Cut corners by simply tiling a wall nearest the bath or sink, or use decorative tiles as a feature for a splashback or a bath panel. "As minimalism's shown signs of waning, coloured tiles have increased in popularity as a way to add depth and contrast for bathrooms," says David Portales Mananos, for the Association of Ceramic Tile Manufacturers of Spain.

"Injections of bold colour create a bold statement, while subtle splashes of vibrant colour on a splashback, tile border or feature panel will work well combined with a neutral palette."

Stone-effect tiles, he points out, are a budget way to introduce an element of natural luxury and contrast well with white sanitaryware. Paris Ceramics hand-distressed Pierre du Mont tiles, 164.50 a square metre, replicate the look of antique reclaimed stone. Spanish tile company, Tau's excellent selection includes vibrant green Chebbi tiles, 63 a square metre; while B&Q and Topps Tiles also have design standard, affordable ranges.

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Alternatively, take the plunge with an ocean wave water-resistant mural, 159 from Digetex Home.

Clutter is the enemy of serenity and relaxation – two essential ingredients for a home spa – so adequate storage is vital.

Free-standing units are fashionable and easy to add to a bathroom. Boost storage capacity further with extra baskets and boxes. Marks & Spencer's handsome range of oak veneer free-standing units, includes a clever Tallboy, with four open shelves and cupboard, 299.

Get the luxury of storage and a double washbasin – a boon for a family bathroom – with Ikea's compact Norrviken basins, paired with a Godmorgon washstand, all for 309.

Add thick fluffy towels and well-designed accessories such as soap dispensers and the job is done.

YP MAG 28/8/10