What was once a purely functional space, the bathroom has now become a place to relax, unwind and gather your thoughts and to some, the ultimate sanctuary.
With the correct mix of design and planning, negotiating with space, implementing and managing a budget as well as a good sprinkling of creativity, you will be able to create the oasis of peace and relaxation that you have been longing for.
So where do you start?
Firstly consider for what purpose the room will be used for i.e. is it a family bathroom and must therefore cater for all members of the household ranging from young to the more mature; or an Ensuite bathroom which can be more personal and stylised for those who share their bedroom with it.
This will enable you to determine what style, look and feel your bathroom will take.
Then, like all successful DIY projects you need to plan. Start by making a scale floor plan on a piece of squared/graph paper. This will provide a realistic view of the amount of space you have to work with. As most bathrooms tend to be designed around the main fixtures such as the bath, sink, toilet and shower, plot these key elements onto your plan first.
Clearly mark on the plan where the plumbing and electrical points are located. You may wish to consult a registered and experienced, plumber and electrician regarding these issues.
Once you have the basics clearly mapped out then you can begin to formulate your ideas.