IT WASN'T long ago that the term "bathroom furniture" referred to a mirror or a bathroom cabinet above the basin.

But now we can furnish our bathrooms, en suites and even cloakrooms with smart storage units and amazing design accessories.

Recent surveys suggest that British bathrooms are among the smallest - the average size of a UK bathroom being only 1.7m by 2m. Fortunately, manufacturers are now producing designs specifically suited to limited space.

Corner and wall-hung units with reduced depth have ensured that bathroom furniture is accessible to all.

There are some clever ideas on the market, such as tapered baths, curvy shower baths and slimline back-to-the-wall loos.

There is a huge choice out there but there is also a wealth of practical planning advice from local bathroom designers and installers.

If you have a small bathroom there are a few tricks you can try.

As a first step it is worth looking to see if you can steal space from adjoining rooms. Losing just a metre from a second bedroom could make all the difference.

You could even knock through to an adjacent airing cupboard to make room for the end of the bath or a shower. Every millimetre counts.

In older properties, where upstairs bathrooms were once a luxury, it may be possible to reduce space in a guest room to make way for a new shower room.

You may also be able to use that space under the stairwell for a downstairs cloakroom.

Having the space is one thing, but making sure that you have all the appropriate services available is another.

If in doubt, call in a professional bathroom specialist who will be able to advise you about the practicalities.

To maximise the impression of space, use white or cream sanitary ware. Go for as many reflective surfaces as you can. Larger wall tiles also create an illusion of space as well as flat-skimmed plastered ceilings and recessed low-voltage lighting.

Keeping all that bathroom clutter away in cupboards also helps to make your bathroom feel bigger - plus make it easier to clean.

And on that subject, if you're having a new bathroom, consider having a water softener installed at the same time. Our hard water in Basingstoke can make cleaning a much harder job than it needs to be.

You can give your bathroom an instant update by adding colour with a pile of gorgeous towels. Dress your windows in style with a Roman blind made from sumptuous fabric.

For the ultimate in bathroom design why not have a combined steam and sauna shower installed, a sound system or even a plasma screen?

Small they may be, but our bathroom can be our little sanctuary; a place to unwind.

Lay back, relax and, for the perfect chill-out zone, add candles or tea lights at bathtime.

For details of a full House Doctor Service, contact the design team at Honeysuckle Interiors, Oakley, on 01256 780831 or visit the website honeysuckleinteriors.co.uk