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Bathrooms

Tips and guidance on bathroom renovations, design ideas, budgeting and professional installation.

Bathrooms

Bathroom Redesigns On A Budget

Refresh your bathroom without overspending by keeping costs down with simple tiles, better lighting, clever storage and a few stylish accessories.

It’s a fact that bathrooms can sell houses. However, bathroom transformations can also be eye-wateringly expensive. If you don’t have a huge budget, but you do have a creative eye and a little time to invest, there are some things that you can do which will transform your bathroom. Last week, we focused on keeping what you can, upcycling items and copying styles that you love to turn your bathroom from a pit of despair to a relaxing sanctuary. This week we look at other tips and secrets of bathroom designers and interior specialists, to make your bathroom look a million dollars, without the price tag.

Go simple – and accessorise

Those beautiful Grecian tiles that you have fallen in love with might look great, but they will probably blow your budget in a second. Whether you are after a Mediterranean, Art deco or Victorian vibe, don’t splash out on costly tiles, which will take time and money to fit; go simple and accessorise. A stained glass light shade and mirror will add the perfect Art deco splash to your bathroom; a mosaic framed mirror and cerulean blue accessories will bring the Med into your home; candelabras and free standing towel rails will add a splash of Victorian chic. The best bit? Changing your look is easy – just switch towels and accessories and your bathroom will be transformed (again).

See yourself in a new light

You probably look at yourself in your bathroom mirror more than any mirror in your home. And yet, bathroom lighting is usually overlooked. Changing your lighting – adding spots around a mirror, or upgrading your lampshade can lighten up the room (literally) and add wow factor. This is your chance to make a bold statement – coloured filament bulbs, gold filigree or stunning stained glass will make your bathroom look loved.

Simple storage

One of the best ways to make your bathroom look clean and stylish is to undertake a complete de-clutter. Throw away toiletries and products that are almost empty or which you never use. Invest in storage solutions – if everything has a place and can be neatly tucked away, it will instantly make your bathroom feel less chaotic and cluttered. This will add a sense of peace and space, and your eye will be drawn to finishing touches – a nice mirror, matching towels or feature light, instead of 10 years’ worth of half-used make-up, shampoo and melted soaps.

At Trust A Trader, we are committed to helping our customers to find reliable local traders that they know they can trust, because they have been rated by customers and vetted by us. If you want your bathroom or home refurbishment to go without a hitch, take a look at our online directory for nearby plumbers and bathroom fitters that you can rely on.

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Looking for more bathrooms advice?

Find clear, practical answers to common bathrooms questions, helping homeowners understand everyday issues, know what checks they can carry out safely, and when it is best to contact a qualified professional.

  • Do I need a plumber or a bathroom fitter to install a new bathroom?

    For a simple swap - same bath, toilet, or basin in the same spot - a plumber can usually handle it. For a full renovation with layout changes, tiling, and proper waterproofing, a bathroom fitter is the better choice. Many larger jobs need both, or a fitter who subcontracts the plumbing. Be upfront about what you want when you're getting quotes - it makes a difference.

  • What are the most popular bathroom design trends right now?

    Walk-in showers with frameless glass are still the most popular choice - they look great and make the space feel bigger. Wall-hung toilets and basins are increasingly common for the clean look and easier cleaning underneath. Brushed brass and matte black are the tap finishes people are going for right now, largely replacing chrome. Warmer tones - stone, clay, warm whites - have pushed out the all-grey bathroom of the last decade. And underfloor heating and digital showers are increasingly being planned in from the start rather than added as an afterthought.

  • What is the difference between a wet room and a shower room?

    A shower room has a shower enclosure - the shower is contained within its own space. A wet room is different: the whole floor is waterproofed and slopes to a drain, with no enclosure at all. Wet rooms look clean and minimal and work really well for people with limited mobility. The catch is they need far more thorough waterproofing during installation - any gaps and you'll get water getting into the structure. Using a professional is an absolute must!

  • Do bathroom renovations require Building Regulations approval?

    A like-for-like replacement generally doesn't. But if you're moving a soil pipe, adding new electrical circuits, or making structural changes, it might. The one constant: any electrical work in a bathroom has to comply with Part P, regardless of how small the job is. If you're unsure, your installer or local building control team can tell you what's needed before you commit.

  • How long does it take to fit a new bathroom?

    A full installation in an average bathroom typically takes five to ten working days, depending on how complex the layout is and how much tiling's involved. A straight swap with no layout changes can often be done in two to three days. Plan for some disruption either way, and make sure you've got access to another bathroom while the work's on.

  • Can I install a walk-in shower myself or do I need a professional?

    The enclosure and screen? Potentially DIY-able if you're confident. But the plumbing and electrical side - no. Electrical work in bathrooms falls under Part P regulations with strict rules around anything near water. Waterproofing is also something people tend to underestimate - get it wrong and you're looking at expensive water damage down the line. For a full walk-in shower installation, get a professional in.

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