Breadcrumbs ![Pro Tips To Nail Your Bathroom Design](https://media.sheerluxe.com/mb50c3zBHMnzhkwzkL3yzPLxSMc=/800x0/smart/https%3A%2F%2Fsheerluxe.com%2Fsites%2Fsheerluxe%2Ffiles%2Farticles%2F2026%2F08%2Fsl-site-assets-270826-thumbhero-bathroom-where-to-save-where-to-spend.jpg) ![Pro Tips To Nail Your Bathroom Design](https://media.sheerluxe.com/cuELJ5gM698J0CjxDfSPYc0GD1w=/400x0/smart/https%3A%2F%2Fsheerluxe.com%2Fsites%2Fsheerluxe%2Ffiles%2Farticles%2F2026%2F08%2Fsl-site-assets-270826-thumbhero-bathroom-where-to-save-where-to-spend.jpg) Images: Rebecca Hughes Interiors, Astrid Templier [Interior Design](/home/interior-design) / 27 August 2026 # Pro Tips To Nail Your Bathroom Design Designing a bathroom is notoriously difficult – the risk of making an expensive mistake can be enough to put you off. To put you on the right track, we asked interior designer Rebecca Hughes for her top tips. From where to save and where to splurge to successfully lighting the space and whether it’s worth embracing the latest trends, this is what she gave us… ByGeorgina Blaskey / [ Save To My Favourites ](/user/login?destination=/markdownify/node/53857) Images: Rebecca Hughes Interiors, Astrid Templier All products on this page have been selected by our editorial team, however we may make commission on some products. [ ![](https://media.sheerluxe.com/wGsbkpfKyEUQmAGqvqb9mKW6Izs=/800x0/smart/https%3A%2F%2Fsheerluxe.com%2Fsites%2Fsheerluxe%2Ffiles%2Farticles%2F2026%2F08%2Fsl-270826-bathroom-designrebecca-hughes-interiors-photography-by-astrid-templier-1.jpg) ](https://rebeccahughesinteriors.com/) Rebecca Hughes Interiors, Astrid Templier ## What To Invest In **Investing in experienced tradespeople will always give you a better long-term result than spending your entire budget on premium products.** In particular, hire an excellent tiler. Beautiful grout lines, perfectly mitred edges, and meticulous attention to detail will elevate the entire space, so this is one trade I would never advise compromising on. **Invest in the elements you'll interact with every day.** Opt for solid brassware and unlacquered nickel fittings over cheaper chrome alternatives – they'll age beautifully and stand the test of time. Taps, shower controls and handles need to feel solid and perform well, but well-made brassware also tends to have a more durable finish. Tiles would come next. However, rather than covering every surface in expensive stone, I often recommend using a beautiful feature tile where it will have the most impact, and balancing it with simpler, more affordable tiles elsewhere. Good design is about composition, not simply choosing the most expensive materials. **Underfloor heating is another worthwhile investment** – particularly in London where the colder months can make bathrooms feel especially chilly. It provides an even, radiant warmth that eliminates cold spots and makes the room feel more luxurious. [ ![](https://media.sheerluxe.com/kUFpYpJu5a2FXSA5i8CQPfrnFfs=/800x0/smart/https%3A%2F%2Fsheerluxe.com%2Fsites%2Fsheerluxe%2Ffiles%2Farticles%2F2026%2F08%2Fsl-270826-bathroom-designrebecca-hughes-interiors-photography-by-astrid-templier-7jpg.jpg) ](https://rebeccahughesinteriors.com/) Rebecca Hughes Interiors, Astrid Templier ## Where To Save **Vanity units don't always need to be bespoke** – there are fantastic off-the-shelf and antique options available. [Neptune](https://www.neptune.com/collections/washstands), for example, offers beautiful vanities, while a classic pedestal basin paired with a tailored fabric skirt can create an elegant, custom look for a fraction of the cost. There’s also a great opportunity here to introduce pattern and texture through affordable fabrics. Similarly, choosing a ceramic or porcelain tile splashback instead of solid marble is a smart way to reduce costs while still achieving a timeless, high-end aesthetic. **You can often achieve a high-end lighting look without spending a fortune.** A pair of charming wall sconces, a vintage lampshade or decorative light sourced from an antiques market or online marketplace can bring far more personality than an expensive designer fitting. Pair them with good-quality, warm LED bulbs and thoughtful placement, and the whole room will feel softer, more atmospheric and considered. **Cabinetry is another area where I'd look to save.** There are so many beautifully designed vanity units and storage pieces available at accessible price points today (or second-hand). With the right hardware and styling, they can look just as elegant as bespoke joinery. **Porcelain has come a long way and can often convincingly mimic natural stone or marble at a fraction of the cost.** It offers the added benefit of being lower maintenance. Paint is another brilliant budget-friendly tool – you don’t have to choose an expensive designer brand. Colour-drenching walls, ceilings and woodwork in a rich, earthy tone can make a bathroom feel far more expensive than relying on costly finishes alone. [ ![](https://media.sheerluxe.com/gcoX0FUJDJSnHQcd5LEBb8KY-68=/800x0/smart/https%3A%2F%2Fsheerluxe.com%2Fsites%2Fsheerluxe%2Ffiles%2Farticles%2F2026%2F08%2Fsl-270826-bathroom-designrebecca-hughes-interiors-photography-by-astrid-templier-12.jpg) ](https://rebeccahughesinteriors.com/) Rebecca Hughes Interiors, Astrid Templier ## Overrated Bathroom Features **Countertop basins are one of the most overrated features.** They take up valuable worktop space, can feel awkward to use for simple tasks like washing your face, and often look quite bulky within a scheme. I'm also not a fan of matt black sanitaryware. It tends to show watermarks and fingerprints very easily, making it difficult to keep looking pristine. I'd opt for a warm bronze finish, which feels more timeless and forgiving. **Rain showers are another feature that clients often associate with luxury, but they don't always deliver.** Without the right plumbing setup, sufficient water pressure and a separate handheld shower, they can be more frustrating than indulgent. ## Underrated Bathroom Features **The details that really elevate a bathroom are often the ones people don't immediately notice.** A well-positioned, low-noise extractor fan makes a huge difference to comfort and helps keep the room performing well over time. **I also prioritise symmetry wherever possible.** Whether it's a double vanity or creating balanced spaces for a bath and shower, thoughtful composition instantly makes a bathroom feel calmer, more luxurious and better considered. **Layered lighting is another element that transforms both the look and functionality of a space.** Decorative wall lights beside the vanity, overhead LEDs, discreet skirting lights activated by a motion sensor for nighttime use, and soft lighting within showers or niches all work together to create the right atmosphere throughout the day. **Access panels are something every bathroom needs, but they shouldn't compromise the design.** We like to conceal them by creating a niche above the WC with access to the cistern from the underside of the bottom shelf, or by incorporating hidden removable panels into bath panelling. These are the practical details, thoughtfully integrated, that make a bathroom look effortless while remaining easy to maintain. [ ![](https://media.sheerluxe.com/D2ydMqitjBziLjc295rFEukJKgk=/800x0/smart/https%3A%2F%2Fsheerluxe.com%2Fsites%2Fsheerluxe%2Ffiles%2Farticles%2F2026%2F08%2Fsl-270826-bathroom-designrebecca-hughes-interiors-photography-by-astrid-templier-5.jpg) ](https://rebeccahughesinteriors.com/) [ ![](https://media.sheerluxe.com/kZipXwb1t3KwW8Rs6yLzjVMbm8o=/800x0/smart/https%3A%2F%2Fsheerluxe.com%2Fsites%2Fsheerluxe%2Ffiles%2Farticles%2F2026%2F08%2Frebecca-hughes-interiors-photography-by-astrid-templier-2.jpg) ](https://rebeccahughesinteriors.com/) Rebecca Hughes Interiors, Astrid Templier ## Tips For Lighting & Decorative Touches **Rather than spending your entire budget on one statement ceiling light, I'd focus on creating layers of light.** Wall lights positioned either side of the mirror give the most flattering, practical light for everyday tasks, while a dimmable ceiling light provides gentle ambient illumination for the room as a whole. **You also don't need to spend a fortune on decorative fittings.** Some of my favourite wall sconces have been sourced from antiques markets and vintage shops. I'd always invest instead in good-quality warm LED bulbs with a high colour rendering index (CRI), as they make skin tones look natural and materials such as stone, timber and brass appear much richer. **I'd be more playful with the decorative layers.** Paint colours, wall lights, mirrors, artwork and textiles are all relatively easy to update, so they're the perfect place to inject personality. You can completely refresh the feel of a bathroom with a new shade on the walls, a vintage mirror, or a pair of charming sconces without having to undertake a full renovation. **I'm a big believer in mixing old and new.** Antique furniture repurposed as a vanity or reclaimed accessories bring a sense of character that never really dates because they weren't designed to follow a trend in the first place. ## Impactful Ways To Update But Not Renovate **Replacing tired taps, shower fittings or cabinet handles with quality brassware has an outsized impact.** They're the pieces you see and touch every day, so even a small investment here elevates the whole space. **A fresh coat of paint can also work wonders.** Colour-drenching the room in a rich, earthy or soft, serene tone makes a bathroom feel more enveloping and considered – and depending on the paint you choose, it can be one of the most cost-effective ways to transform the atmosphere. **Think beyond the fixed finishes.** A vintage mirror, framed artwork, linen blinds, beautiful towels, and monogrammed dressing gowns can make a bathroom feel like a thoughtfully designed room rather than a purely functional space. **Don't underestimate the power of decluttering.** Decanting everyday toiletries into simple refillable bottles, adding attractive storage baskets, and keeping surfaces clear instantly creates the calm, hotel-like feel that people often associate with luxury. [ ![](https://media.sheerluxe.com/4hutlTFHD3JpGez1f_MkCAlJu2Q=/800x0/smart/https%3A%2F%2Fsheerluxe.com%2Fsites%2Fsheerluxe%2Ffiles%2Farticles%2F2026%2F08%2Fsl-270826-bathroom-designportrait.jpg) ](https://rebeccahughesinteriors.com/) ## If I Had £10,000 To Spend On A Bathroom… **I'd focus on investing in the elements that have the biggest visual impact** while choosing well-made, reasonably priced pieces for everything else. If it’s the main bathroom, I'd start with the sanitaryware. I really like the Kingsley Collection from ABI Interiors – it's beautifully designed, feels far more luxurious than its price point suggests, and the brushed brass finish is a particular favourite. **I'd choose an off-the-shelf timber double vanity from** [**Parker & Howley**](https://parkerhowleynco.co.uk/)**.** The collaborations with [House Nine](https://parkerhowleynco.co.uk/product-category/bathroom/house-nine-collaboration/) and [Sophie Paterson](https://parkerhowleynco.co.uk/?s=sophie+paterson&post_type=product&dgwt_wcas=1) are especially well considered, offering timeless designs that feel bespoke without the bespoke price tag. **Rather than spending heavily on every finish, I'd invest in a striking marble worktop.** An Arabescato or Calacatta Oro marble, paired with an interestingly shaped splashback and a beautifully detailed nosing, creates a focal point and instantly elevates the room. **Again, lighting is worth prioritising.** I'd incorporate antique wall lights either side of the mirror to bring warmth, character and individuality to the space. Just bear in mind that vintage fittings may need to be converted by an electrician to achieve the appropriate IP rating for bathroom use. **One of my favourite ways to add personality is with a bespoke shower curtain.** We often make our own using a single panel of beautiful fabric, then hanging a clear waterproof shower curtain behind it on the shower side. It's a simple detail that softens the room and makes it feel far more considered than a standard off-the-shelf option. **For hard finishes, I'd choose tiles from Mandarin Stone**. I'm particularly drawn to the [Fitz Claret Chequerboard](https://www.mandarinstone.com/product/fitz-claret-honed-marble/?srsltid=AfmBOooPXIqsNg28sdzcBAuu68HUgyERxl4RyTyGjicOw8Ocv6T1KqmZ) at the moment – it's full of character while still feeling timeless. To add even more depth and texture, I'd finish the walls with [Bauwerk Paint,](https://www.bauwerkcolour.com/en-gb) whose beautiful limewash effect creates subtle movement and a wonderfully tactile finish. *Visit* [REBECCAHUGHESINTERIORS.COM](https://www.rebeccahughesinteriors.com/) [ Sign in to comment with your SheerLuxe profile ](/user/login?destination=)Or continue to comment as a Guest below [View the discussion thread.](http://sheerluxe-dev.disqus.com/) *more from* Home [View All Home](/home) ![12 Small Lifestyle Brands To Know ](https://media.sheerluxe.com/huskCk26PEQ5Fw8TAXcfAKaby8Y=/200x267/smart/https%3A%2F%2Fsheerluxe.com%2Fsites%2Fsheerluxe%2Ffiles%2Farticles%2F2026%2F07%2Fsl-gold-200726-site-assets-small-brands-hero-thumb.jpg) [Home](/gold/home)/ 20 July 2026 [## 12 Small Lifestyle Brands To Know ](/home/12-small-lifestyle-brands-to-know) ![What’s New In Interiors This 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