Maximising bathroom space

If you're yearning for that luxury bathroom but are feeling frustrated by a serious lack of room, don't despair - here's how to make the most of your space

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When your bathroom's not exactly awash with space, it's important to make every inch count, which is where good design can make all the difference. More than ever before, the bathroom is not just a necessity in the home - it often also serves as a sanctuary. It has become a room we're increasingly stamping our personalities on, as we make bolder choices when it comes to colours and finishes.

Of course, functionality is the number one priority and, with this in mind, when you're planning a remodel it's important to ask yourself a few basic questions: who will be using the room? Is it an en suite or a family bathroom that needs to take into account the needs of small children? Importantly, how much storage will you need for towels, toiletries and other bathroom essentials?

After you have answered the above, you can begin planning your transformation, and you can make this process a whole lot easier by transferring your ideas onto graph paper. After measuring the room's internal dimensions, draw a scaled plan of the room using a 10:1 ratio, taking into account features such as sloping ceilings and awkward corners. Once you have your floorplan plotted, you can start planning that dream bathroom.

DECIDE ON THE BASICS

Efficient use of space is vital, so decide what the essential items will be. Is it shower only or is there room for a bath, too? The latter can prove invaluable if there are children in the household; you could make the most of your space by investing in a shower bath - there's a whole host of stylish designs out there.