I'm thinking of re-doing my bathroom and wondered what are the latest trends in bathroom design. Can you help?

Bathrooms have become our favourite room in which to chill out and the emphasis is very much on creating a room that reflects your personality.

Wet rooms are becoming increasingly popular, as a luxury take on showering.

Freestanding baths continue to dominate as the must-have bathroom item and free-standing bathroom cabinetry is making a comeback too.

I want to bring the look of my bathroom up to date, but don't want to change the bathroom suite, which is white and functional but not particularly good looking. What can I do that will make a real difference to the feel of the room without costing lots of time or money?

Painting a room always gives it a new lease of life and, if you choose a strong colour, you can really change the character of your bathroom.

A simple but effective way to make your bathroom look better is to get rid of all the clutter, by putting it in baskets and colour co-ordinated jars.

If you have tiled panels behind the sink or bath, you might want to think about updating them. Striking tiles can really change how the room looks and can lift dull bathroom fittings.

Replacing the taps or shower fittings on sinks or the bath can update the look too.

I'd like to completely re-do my bathroom but don't know where to start. Can you help?

Planning a new bathroom is really exciting, but can also be a little daunting. You can, though, call in expert help. For example, Fired Earth has a bathroom design service, which allows you to go through options in your own home.

After an initial meeting you're invited into the showroom and are presented with a mood board, sample loans, estimates and scaled plan drawings. All of which adds up to peace of mind. 

How do I create a bathroom that's atmospheric and relaxing, but also bright enough for all the essential beauty maintenance?

Lighting makes all the difference in a bathroom, which is why it makes sense to have different lights for different jobs.

A fairly low watt light is lovely for when you want to relax in a long hot bath, and lights placed around a mirror tend to work well for make-up or shaving.

How can I create a sense of space in a small bathroom?

Choosing light coloured flooring and walls will make the room feel airier and therefore larger.

A freestanding bath also creates a spacious feeling and you have more options for where you position it.

A washstand with a cupboard and plenty of drawers is a good idea in a small space, as it means you can put away any clutter which is the number one offender in making a room seem smaller than it is.

For more information on bathroom planning, visit Fired Earth online.