Bathrooms for the space age; There are so many options to make the most of your washroom.

JUST because the humble bathroom is one of the smallest rooms in the house doesn't mean it has to be untidy. If anything, it's where you'll notice the clutter more.

Filled with essentials such as toiletries and towels, it's not only in constant use but also a vital storage area for the whole family.

If you're not careful, it doesn't take much for it to turn into a jumbled mess.

But by giving your loo a makeover, you can reclaim space you didn't even know you had.

There are plenty of space-saving ideas out there to help transform your bathroom into a luxurious retreat. From clever tidy tips that help banish clutter to slim-line sinks and units, there's a solution to nearly every bathroom problem.

It's good to bear in mind that when it comes to bathrooms, professionals know best. So before you start any major project, it's wise to consult plumbers and bathroom stockists to guarantee success.

If a lack of storage is your main worry, you're probably not taking full advantage of all the wall space and door space available.

The wall directly above the toilet is an ideal space to fit shelves or install hotel-style racks to show off your towels.

Fitting towel rails over any radiator or to the back of the door will help keep towels handy but tidy, too.

Usually, the layout of the bathroom isn't a problem but, if you want to add style, a few designer tips will help you make the most of the space.

Extra mirrors, lights, bright walls and tiles, glass shelves and as much natural light as possible will help to create the illusion of a bigger room.

If you want more dramatic results, remodelling the entire space is the way to go.

For instance, if you have a long bath and you be better off a separate shower, would you be better off ripping out the bath and having a luxurious shower fitted instead? Or you could opt for a shower bath, where the bath is wider at one end.

Walter Toward, a director at bathroom specialists Wholesale Domestic, said: "We find people are making much more use of space - especially during the current climate.

"It's very popular to create downstairs toilets out of large clutter-filled storage cupboards using compact toilets and small wall-mounted basins.

"A lot of people also add ensuites to bedrooms, utilising wardrobes and cupboards whenever possible, using slim-line furniture and unique shower solutions."

Replacing old bulky bathroom units for modern, space-saving bathroom furniture is a great way to maximise space. It's a basic revamp which will help free up more room without you having to think about moving any major items like the bath or the sink.

Floating cupboards - ones that are suspended from the wall rather than sitting on the floor - are also a great way of creating the illusion of more floor space and are more hygienic, too. If you have a large sink with a cabinet underneath, think about replacing it with a smaller, wallhanging sink or one with a pedestal which will free up a lot of room underneath.

Walter added: "You can transform the main bathroom without having to move everything around.

"If customers can't fit a separate shower, I advise them to install a shower bath. The added width at one end means there's plenty of room to accommodate a showere giving the smallest room in the house all the benefits of a larger bathroom."

Sometimes, clever lighting can also help to create a cosy atmosphere in the bathroom. Spot lighting can work wonders where there is a lack of natural light and will help to give your bathroom a contemporary, cutting-edge feel.

With so many options available, there really is no excuse for living with a tired and cluttered bathroom that you can't enjoy.

So why not treat yourself to a little wellearned luxury in your loo? It's a decision that will help you get the most out of your home.

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BACK ON TAP: A simple white suite alone can transform your dated bathroom