Don’t renovate your bathroom until you’ve seen these 3 tips
Planning a bathroom renovation? Before you lift a finger or let your contractor through the door, make sure you’ve got these 3 crucial steps planned out. Skipping these can lead to last-minute compromises or decisions you’ll regret living with. Let’s save you that hassle — here are the essentials to get right before your bathroom remodel begins.
By the way, a big hello if you’re a new reader! I’m Fi, I’m an interior designer helping renovators create dream homes confidently and affordably. I cover mistakes to avoid, how to save money, and all the nitty gritty details that make your design perfect. It’s great to have you here!
If you prefer to watch the video, here it is. Otherwise scroll down and keep reading.
1. Plan your heating and ventilation early
One of the biggest mistakes people make is leaving heating and ventilation decisions until the last minute — or worse, leaving them to the contractor to decide (no one knows your design vision and layout better than you do) so get these sorted well in advance.
Bathrooms need proper airflow. Without it, moisture builds up fast, leading to mould, damp, and ruined finishes. So plan a powerful extractor fan, choose exactly where you want it fitted, and how it’ll be routed to your external wall.
Design tip:
Wall-mounted extractors can break up your tilework. Instead, opt for a ceiling-mounted extractor in white (on a white or pale ceiling) for a cleaner, more discreet look. It’ll blend into the background while still doing its job.
For heating, underfloor heating is the gold standard, I’ve always recommended it for clients. It frees up wall space, removes the need for bulky radiators, and adds a touch of luxury under your tootsies stepping out of the shower!
If underfloor isn’t an option, go for a heated towel rail, and make sure it’s dual fuel. That way you can use it independently of your central heating — perfect for drying towels in summer.
2. Avoid “Panini Tiles” at all costs
You might be looking at me funny, thinking “What the hell are panini tiles?!”
Well here’s a screenshot of a tile I ordered to show you. But I need to explain…
You know those tiny tile samples companies send you? The ones that barely show the pattern of the overall tile? They’re nearly impossible to visualise in your space and they’re the precurse to a panini tile error.
Here’s what to do: I use the small, free samples to narrow down my tile options, but once I’m down to one or two favourites, I buy a couple of full-size tiles. Yes, it might cost £25–30 in samples and shipping, but it’s saved entire projects from disaster.
That’s where the panini tile comes in… I once fell in love with a tiny tile sample. I ordered two full-size tiles to check the pattern variation — and when they arrived they had ugly dark stripes all over, like it was a misprint. That tile is now forever known as “the panini tile” and this is your sign to avoid it from happening to you.
So: buy a few actual tiles before placing your full order. Leave them in your bathroom for a few days. See how they handle moisture. Watch how they look in different light. Because honestly, this one step helps ensure your materials look great and hold up long-term.
3. Plan out your lighting
Bathroom lighting is often an afterthought — and it shows. You don’t need to go overboard, but adding one or two extra lighting layers will make your bathroom feel considered, luxurious, and genuinely nicer to live with.
Here’s the minimum I recommend:
A main ceiling light like spotlights or a pendant
A wall light or sconce beside your mirror
This lets you switch between bright task lighting (showering, cleaning) and softer ambient lighting (bedtime, relaxing). It’s easy on the eyes and creates a much more versatile space.
Wall lights are also a great design opportunity — affordable, timeless, and packed with personality.
If you want to go further:
Add LED strip lighting under your wall-hung vanity, inside shower niches, or beneath floating shelves. It adds a gorgeous glow across the space — and takes your bathroom from basic to boutique hotel.
If you're not sure how to map out your lighting and electricals, I have a downloadable template I use with all my renovation students in our renovation online course. It allows you to map out lighting placement and socket locations — so your contractor knows exactly what to do. I use it for all of my client projects that request lighting support.
Too stressed to design your bathroom?
The sheer time you spend trying to find the best tiles, the right colours, and the best quality sanitaryware, it's overwhelming. And still, there's a possibility of getting it wrong (I've been there!)
That’s why I launched my Done-for-You Bathroom Design Pack. It takes the stress out of choosing finishes. You access a professional design that you can create confidently, without interior design fees.
One of the highlights of the whole design pack, aside from the timeless design, colour schemes & visuals, is the entire shopping list with my detailed 'must do' installation notes to avoid design issues.
It's jam-packed with affordable supplies I've spent years trying to find – I've done all the thinking for you.
Inside the pack, you'll find:
Timeless, affordable tile options
Colour schemes and flooring pairings
Recommended vanities, sanitaryware, and styling ideas
Detailed design notes with product links and sizes
It’s available for both UK and US homes — and I’ve added a special discount if you grab it during launch weekend. Order it here.
Final Thoughts
I hope these 3 essential tips help you avoid common bathroom renovation regrets and feel more confident as you plan your space.
Let me know – which tip will you be using first?
Thanks so much for reading, and for being part of this amazing renovation community. We're all rooting for your dream home.
If you need more support, check out our website for courses, design packs, and free tools to guide you every step of the way.
