Planning a New Bathroom for 2026?
- Ash Plumbing & Bathrooms
- Dec 16, 2025
- 3 min read
What to think about before you start
If a new bathroom is on your radar for 2026, now is the perfect time to start planning.
At Ash Plumbing & Bathrooms, we’re often booking projects several months in advance, and one thing we’ve learned is this: the more prepared our clients are, the smoother the whole process becomes - from design through to installation.
You don’t need everything figured out straight away, but having a clear idea of what you want (and what matters most to you) makes a huge difference. Here’s a simple checklist to help you plan ahead.
1. How do you want the bathroom to feel?
Before thinking about products or layouts, think about the overall look and feel.
Ask yourself:
Do you prefer calm and neutral, or bold and characterful?
Do you like natural textures such as wood and stone, or sleek modern finishes?
Is this a space to feel spa-like, practical, or a bit of both?
Collecting inspiration early - Pinterest, Instagram, showrooms - helps clarify your style and makes design decisions much easier later on.
2. Colours, textures & finishes
Bathrooms aren’t just about tiles anymore.
Think about:
Wall finishes (tiles, panels, feature walls)
Flooring textures and slip resistance
Matt vs gloss finishes
How everything will work together as a whole
Seeing materials in person is really important. Lighting, room size and natural light can all change how colours look, so visiting showrooms can help avoid surprises.
3. Layout & practical use
A well-designed bathroom isn’t just about looks - it needs to work for everyday life.
Consider:
Who will use the bathroom and how often
Storage needs (vanity units, recessed shelving, tall cupboards)
Shower vs bath (or both)
Door swings, towel rails and radiator placement
Even small changes to layout can massively improve flow and usability, especially in ensuites and smaller bathrooms. Our complimentary bathroom design service will help make this whole process seamless.
4. Future-proofing your bathroom
It’s worth thinking a little ahead.
Future-proofing might include:
Walk-in or low-profile showers
Wall-hung furniture for easier access
Non-slip flooring
Extra space around sanitaryware
Reinforced walls for future grab rails if needed
These considerations don’t mean compromising on style - they simply make the bathroom more adaptable long-term.
5. Set a realistic budget
Having a budget range in mind early on helps everyone.
We always recommend:
Visiting showrooms to understand real product costs
Factoring in installation, not just materials
Allowing a contingency for older properties
The more open you are about budget from the start, the easier it is to design a bathroom that meets both your expectations and your investment.
6. Timing & availability
Good bathroom installers are often booked months ahead - especially for full renovations.
If you’re aiming for a spring or summer installation in Shropshire, planning now gives you:
More design flexibility
Better product availability
Less pressure on decision-making
Early planning leads to calmer projects for everyone involved.
Final thoughts
You don’t need all the answers before you start - but a bit of preparation goes a long way.
When clients come to us with a clear idea of their style, priorities and budget, the process is smoother, quicker, and far more enjoyable.
If you’re thinking about a bathroom design renovation in Telford, Shrewsbury or the surrounding Shropshire area, planning ahead is the best first step.
