1.For inspiration on where to start with design, take time out in one of the leading bathroom showrooms. Alternatively, bring your bathroom measurements to your nearest Tubs & Tiles (www.tubsandtiles.ie) retailer where sales staff can enter them into their free 3D imaging service, Dreamspace. This gives a realistic picture of how everything will look and work in the room. You can build up the picture with images of your chosen sanitary ware, flooring, wall tiles and accessories – mixing and matching to get different looks. You'll then be given a colour print out of each look, together with a quote. The service is currently free of charge.

2. Power shower or electric shower? If it's an instant soak with no waiting for hot water, the electric shower is the 'always ready' option. But because it heats the water as it flows, the pressure is often weak. That's where the power shower has the advantage, but it requires a pump built into the shower and a good supply of water.

3. A walk-in shower without a conventional door looks good and is low maintenance, says Ross Reddin of Arcon (www.arcon.ie). Also, "most people now want the single, wide 'rainshower' head directly above, as opposed to the trend for several side jets and conventional telephone shower head".

4. Free-standing baths are very on trend. Original old cast-iron tubs, with claw feet, look great, especially as you can paint the exterior to match your décor – but remember, they are very heavy, so your floorboards have to be strong.

5. Thermostatic taps are a good idea as they regulate the temperature to protect against scalding.

6. Back specialists advise that you don't lean down to use the sink, so ignore the standard height of 815mm from the floor when installing one if necessary.

7. Urinals are losing their old 'public convenience' image and make sense in a predominantly male household. New designs for the domestic market are chic, as well as discreet. They find particular favour with eco-friendly types on account of using less water than conventional loos.

8. The only sockets allowed in the bathroom are those for saving. Don't install these near the bath or sink.

9. Underfloor heating is practical and a real luxury underfoot. One of the simplest methods to install is the devi-mat (www.devi.ie) – an electrical heating pad that can be placed easily underneath floor tiles and thermostatically controlled from outside the room.

10. It's worth spending money on a good quality extractor fan. Adam Cooke from Waterloo Bathrooms, who provide a full design service, says new designs are quiet as well as efficient. "The Icon fan works as a design feature in its own right."