Whatever style you’re looking to achieve, Rebecca Foster summarises the key considerations when planning this zone of the house

Rebecca Foster

Priced from £1,892, The Albion Bath Co’s compact Neptune Advance tub adds an eye-catching focal point. Measuring from 1,505mm long, this model is ideal for areas where space is limited

Once thought of as a purely practical space, the bathroom is now viewed by many homeowners as a place of personal oasis and relaxation. The trend for achieving the opulence of hotels and spas is increasing, and many self-builders and renovators are allocating bigger budgets for this area of the house as a result.

The first design step is to consider how the room will be used by the dwelling’s occupants. “By day we need a functional zone, but at night we want to be able to retreat and relax,” says Kate Griffiths from Kohler. Whether you’re creating your own bathroom from scratch or updating an existing suite, there’s many practical factors to bear in mind before splashing out on that freestanding tub you’ve had your eye on, for instance. Flooring, heating, lighting and ventilation all need to be factored into plans from the early design stages – here’s what to bear in mind.

In this bathroom, built-in nooks have been incorporated as a clever storage device. The sanitaryware and Aria Quadrant shower enclosure were supplied by Bathroom Takeaway

Flooring

Practicality is the main consideration when it comes to specifying a floor covering for this zone. It’s essential to select a water-resistant surface that won’t become slippery when wet. Low-maintenance, stain-proof and easy to clean, porcelain tiles are a top choice.