Interiors expert reveals the five mistakes homeowners make when renovating their bathrooms – as Stacey Solomon unveils bright orange suite in £2million ‘Pickle Project’

It is one of the most-used spaces in our home where function often rules over form. 

But the rise of hotel-inspired luxury interiors has seen a growing number of homeowners undergo pricey bathroom renovations in a desperate bid to increase the value of their property.

This week, Stacey Solomon took to Instagram to share her ‘first upcycle’ renovation project at her £2million Essex Victorian mansion, dubbed ‘Pickle Project’. 

A far cry from the neutral modern look of her former £1.3million home, Pickle Cottage, the television star, 36, was seen creating an orange 1960s-style bathroom suite – featuring striped walls and even a bright orange toilet seat. 

It comes as new research by Mira Showers has uncovered that Britons would be willing to pay up to £4,300 for a full bathroom renovation, though they can often cost upwards of £5,000. 

However, experts have warned that there are several fatal errors homeowners often make when committing to a pricey bathroom renovation – from layout to light fixtures and wall colours. 

Matt Smith-Wood, Interior designer and finalist on the BBC’s Interior Design Masters, said: ‘The bathroom can have a transformative effect on wellbeing. It’s where you get set for the day, unwind before bed, and often just escape from day-to-day pressures.  Yet somehow, it can be the most overlooked when it comes to interior design.’

Read on to discover the ultimate mistakes homeowners make when renovating their bathroom space, and how to avoid causing detrimental damage to the value of your property…

1. Poor spatial planning choices

While it may be tempting to leave your bathroom layout the same out of ease, Matt explained that homeowners should carefully consider the overall layout of the room. 

For instance, a bathroom layout with a family in mind versus a single individual or partner will generate vastly different needs and design choices.

Matt warned that a ‘cramped’ or ‘impractical’ bathroom design can ‘make even the most beautiful bathroom feel unconsidered’. 

He added: ‘Clear space between fixtures like your shower enclosure, bath, sink, and toilet is essential so it feels comfortable and easy to move around in. 

‘If left as an afterthought, functionality becomes the design focus over aesthetics. Bathroom designers and plumbers can help you rethink the room.’

2. Overlooked lighting 

While light fixtures may be notoriously pricey, Matt emphasises that bathroom spaces with ‘harsh’ or ‘overly bright lighting’ can create an unwelcoming or ‘clinical’ feel for  guests and prospective buyers.

He said: ‘Mood lighting is often prioritised in other areas of the home, like the bedroom.

‘But the bathroom should feel like a calm, safe sanctuary, so aim for something warmer and more atmospheric. 

‘Soft lighting around the mirror is key. It should illuminate your face clearly without feeling jarring.’

Matt explained that the addition of ‘subtle, moodier lighting’ in the shower area, for instance, can elevate the space hugely, and create a ‘more spa-like experience, especially in the evening. 

‘The goal is to make the whole space feel cohesive and relaxing,’ he added. 

3. Being too cautious with texture

While bathrooms may be a practical space, Matt warns that creating a room with a soft and inviting feel can only truly be achieved if one prioritses its texture.

To achieve this, he advises investing in tiles, flooring or vanity units, alongside some ‘softer elements’ such as a chair with a cushion, or a cobblestone-style shower floor as this can have a ‘calming effect’. 

‘Texture is essential to create a bathroom that feels inviting rather than clinical or characterless,’ Matt said.

‘Texture helps ground the space and adds depth, making a bathroom feel more considered and intentional rather than utilitarian. 

‘This all helps engage the senses, which is vital in a space we regularly use every day.’

4. Neglecting smaller details  

According to Emily Robertson, a bathroom expert at Mira, several homeowners forget to consider the intimate details of the room as they get swept up in the complications of their renovation work.

She added that while some may consider the paint colour or the type of fitted shower, many fall short when it comes to ‘finishes and materials’ of fixtures in the room itself.

‘A lot of people don’t realise just how many finishes and materials bathroom fixtures like showers and shower trays come in,’ Emily said.

‘Most people assume that when they renovate their bathroom, even if they design an aesthetic space, they will still have to settle for plain fixtures, but that isn’t the case. 

‘From polished steel and chrome to matte and gloss finishes, there are options to create endless styles.’

5. Being unrealistic about the cost 

It’s seemingly no secret that a bathroom renovation comes with a rather hefty price tag. But Emily warns that several homeowners are naive to the reality of just how pricey redoing the space can truly be.

She explained:  ‘Bathroom renovation costs can vary considerably, but as a general rule, around £5,000 is enough for a relatively straightforward basic refresh, if you were to keep the existing layout and make considered choices around fixtures and finishes. 

‘If you’re looking for a full remodel, you’d want to set aside around £7,500-£15,000, depending on the design choices you’re wanting to make.’

As a form of ‘contingency’, Emily advised allowing an additional 10 to 15 per cent in your budget to account for ‘unexpected costs’.

And while it may be tempting to take the more affordable road, she added that investing in good quality staples such as the shower, plumbing, ventilation and electrical work can actually prove more cost-effective in the long run.

‘You can change your towels, accessories or even paint relatively easily, but correcting poor shower installation or replacing a badly chosen shower can be much more costly,’ she said.