'It's elegant and EASY TO UPDATE'

Trend-aware Elinor chose fabulous fittings that will go on looking great when she wants to ring the changes

- ANNABELLE GRUNDY

TOTAL £4,359 TURN OVER FOR MY SHOPPING LIST

The bathroom we'd inherited was incredibly old-fashioned,' says Elinor. 'I'd re-done it all some years ago, but my pale, pretty scheme was looking tatty and very out of step with the rest of the house. I'm a serial updater and it was definitely time for a change.

Although I wanted a completely fresh look, it was important to control our spending. We decided to hang on to the basin and existing layout to minimize plumbing alterations. The loo is next door, and we thought about knocking through, but this is the main bathroom, so it's actually useful having a separate loo. We'd have had to relocate the airing cupboard and hot water cylinder, too, which would have been an expensive job and I couldn't see much benefit in doing it, as the room is still a nice size.

Style system

My style is modern and timeless, and I like impact and a touch of glamour. I made sure the fixtures I chose, like the bath, taps, and tiles, were all neutral. That gives me scope to create a completely different look in time, just by changing the walls and accessories. Having a clear link from one room to the next is another driver for me, so although the bathroom isn't en suite, I knew I'd repeat the deep blue tones I've got in the adjoining bedroom.

Canny choices

Top of my wish-list was the black bath. Instead of a traditional, claw-foot style, I shopped around for a contemporary, affordable tub-type bath, to sit squarely on the floor. An over-the-bath shower was my only option. A fixed shower screen would have been tricky to match with the bath, but the curved shower rail and curtain made a great alternative.