Planning a bathroom can be rather daunting, but when you’ve got a bathroom planner, a bathroom specialist and a reputable manufacturer like Caroma , it's just as easy as taking a bath.

As one of the busiest rooms in the house, it does need some planning. It must be practical and relaxing, functional and comfortable. The ideal bathroom should create a space which indulges body and mind.

What to consider in your bathroom planner

Setting a budget: It is the first and important consideration when building or renovating. This should be clearly noted, as it is your guide when selecting bathroom products. Today there are a wide range of products to suit all budgets, but when it comes to choosing fixtures and fittings, like anything you buy, you get what you pay for. Caroma guarantees quality and performance with its products.

Spatial considerations: The key to a good bathroom design is how the space is used and the functionality of the facilities. Look at your current bathroom and see whether fixtures are squashed together and consider separating facilities. Maybe there is a space elsewhere for a small washroom or toilet? Create drawings of the bathroom and map out the facilities on a bathroom planner.

Also consider whether facilities meet your needs today and whether they still will in a few years’ time. Consider dividing a large bedroom to provide an ensuite, especially if you have a large family. A bathroom expert – qualified plumber or builder – will be able to advise on your options.

Practical constraints and requirements: You will need to look closely as the room stands. If you are renovating, you will need to consider the layout of existing water pipes, sewage outlets and ventilation. This will determine how much you can move fixtures. Get advice from bathroom specialist on local water and building regulations before making major plans. If you are able to move fixtures, try and keep them close to the original supplies, so as to minimise restructuring costs.

Additionally, wall and floor surfaces need to be deemed suitable for the steamy bathroom environment and adequate ventilation needs to be determined. Finally, take consideration for storage, taps, accessories and other finishings.

Look and Feel: A bathroom’s look and feel is just as important as planning, get it right before any work is started. Add all ideas to your bathroom planner – get inspired from websites, magazines, books and catalogues – it will help condense them to give a visual plan for how you want the room to look.

Once you’ve got a clear idea, start visiting local bathroom showrooms, home idea centres and concept centres, and look at sample displays for ideas. Visiting show homes on new housing developments will also help you in getting useful ideas. Take plenty of time before buying and take your planner with you everywhere.

Style and Colour: Renovation starts with the choice of style and colour scheme. The overall them of your home should drive that of the bathroom. White is the most popular colour choice for bathrooms, but bolder colours are inching their way in through paint and tiles. Start with a neutral base and add touches through accessories, fixtures and fittings.

Fixtures and Fittings: It might be difficult to know where to start with so many elements to choose. Research shows tiles tend to be the first product chosen, then the vanity unit, tapware, toilet, bath, shower, and accessories. Shop around for the best fixtures and fittings, note them all in your bathroom planner.