One of the growing trends in bathroom design over recent years has been the installation of a Wet Room, and they are certainly becoming the norm in new home and apartment developments.

If you decide to add or retrofit one, it could help increase the value of your home to potential buyers who favour contemporary designs. However, if you only have one bath, think carefully before removing that or you could limit your resell market. Most Wet Rooms have level access showers. As well as making for easier cleaning, they’re ideal for anyone who is less mobile, which could increase your potential market when selling your home.

As your wet room won’t have a bath, if you do remove a bath, the space will immediately seem larger and give you great scope for including  your personal ‘must have’ design features such as ‘His’ and ‘Her’ basins or tiled niches for towel storage. An interior design company in Leicester or your nearest town will have plenty of ideas for you as well as advice on colour schemes.

One advantage of a wet room is that, being fully tiled, cleaning is so quick and easy. To make it easier still, why not ask your designer about using a wall-hung toilet and sink to keep the floor completely clear?

When it comes to the floor and wall coverings, tiles are the norm and you’ll find a wide choice of colours and designs to suit whatever mood or theme you decide to create.  Make sure you get advice choosing the correct (nonporous) type of tile. Choosing the wrong type, such as a porous limestone or marble, could land you with future bills for having tiles resealed. Always look for non-slip tiles designed for use in bathrooms. Another option for the floor – especially if your budget is tight – is to use low maintenance vinyl, though this will give a less contemporary look than tiles.

Some wet rooms have a screen between the shower unit and the rest of the room. In a larger space this may not be necessary, but in a smaller space it’s useful to prevent spray travelling and, for example, making your towels damp.

You’ll need expert advice on tanking (waterproofing) your room and a builder experienced in installing wet rooms in order to get the best result. For example, you’ll normally need to have a gradient created in the floor to allow water to drain away. Ask to see references and, if possible, visit some previous installations before making your choice.

Once you’ve got the basic design, choose your fittings carefully. Would a shower head which offers a massage spray pattern to wake you up in the morning, or a refreshing ‘rain shower’ option favoured by many spas suit you best?

Having made all the decisions and once installation work is finished, all you’ll need are some fresh new towels and toiletries to help you relax and enjoy using your new wet room.