It is a place in our homes where we might expect function to rule over form.

But bathrooms have been undergoing pricey renovations amid a rise of hotel-inspired luxury designs as homeowners try to increase the value of their property.

Stacey Solomon took to Instagram this week to share the first ‘upcycle’ project at her new £2million fixer-upper Victorian mansion in Essex – which she has affectionately dubbed ‘Pickle Project’.

The television star, 37, was seen creating an orange 1960s-style bathroom suite featuring striped walls and a bright orange toilet seat.

This design is a far cry from the neutral modern look of Pickle Cottage, her former £1.3million home which she moved out of last month.

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 warn that there are several fatal errors homeowners make when committing to a pricey bathroom renovation, from layout to light fixtures.

Interior designer Matt Smith-Wood, who was finalist on the BBC’s reality competition series 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 damaging the value of your property…

Stacey Solomon took to Instagram this week to share her first ‘upcycle’ project at her new £2million fixer-upper Victorian mansion in Essex 

The television star is creating an orange 1960s-style bathroom suite featuring striped walls and a bright orange toilet seat

Stacey has shown her followers the extensive bathroom renovations in her new home and described her orange suite as the ‘first upcycle at Pickle Project’

1. Poor spatial planning choices 

While it may be tempting to leave your bathroom layout as is, Matt explained that homeowners should carefully consider the overall arrangement 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.’

While it may be tempting to leave your bathroom layout as is, Matt explained that homeowners should carefully consider it (Pictured: Myleene Klass is her stylish bathroom)

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 by prioritising texture.

To achieve this, he advises homeowners to invest in tiles, flooring or vanity units, alongside ‘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

Experts say that homeowners can forget to consider details of a bathroom as they get swept up in complicated renovation work (Pictured: Influencer Sophie Habboo in her bathroom)

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 said 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 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 fixing up the space can 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 said 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.