When staying in a nice hotel, one of the first things that everyone checks out straight away is what the bathroom is like.

Depending on the type of hotel and length of your stay, a hotel bathroom can range from a tiny, windowless box to a stylish and spotless modern space. Hotel bathrooms at the top end of the market do provide a good template for designing or renovating a smaller bathroom space or en-suite and getting the look doesn’t need to cost the earth. With a bit of inspiration, it is possible to achieve a minimal look that still feels like a comfortable part of your home.

First of all, think about the layout of the room in your house. Hotel bathrooms often manage to fit a lot into a small space but you may need to compromise depending on the bathroom suite you choose. You may have room for a bath but not a separate shower enclosure so you will have to combine the bath and shower and think about whether you have room for a shower screen.

Alternatively, you could ditch the bath all together and install a spacious shower on its own. A separate shower enclosure or wet room is luxurious but may suit an en-suite rather than a family bathroom as children prefer to have a bath. Instead of a total wet room, the same effect can be gained from choosing a low-rise shower tray for your enclosure and opting for shower doors or a shower screen with clear glass rather than frosted or pattered as it gives the illusion of an open space.

The sink basin is one of the most important items in a bathroom suite and is often a feature piece in upmarket hotels. Rather than a traditional pedestal basin, considersomething more stylised. Surface top basins come in a range of materials including ceramic, marble and glass and in different shapes like bowls or trays. Duel basins would be the ultimate in five star luxury if you have the room.

Choosing quality fixtures and fittings can make a big difference to your room. Choose contemporary taps and make a feature out of your shower head with a modern rainforest style or spa shower. Hotels almost always have heated towel rails and there are lots of stylish and functional designs to choose from, whatever the size of the room. Towel rails have the added bonus of drying out the space and keeping it warm in winter.

Finally think about the décor. Hotel bathrooms are often decorated in warm and relaxing colours like soft browns and creams and crisp whites. Tiling effects are a great way to create an ambiance with a slick, luxurious feel and mosaic tiles and borders can make an impressive feature while still keeping the contemporary look.

With these basic tips you can recreate and enjoy five star luxury in any bathroom space within your home.