I remember years ago being in a similar predicament and someone gave me some mirror tiles - I glued them on the the wall and thought I was very clever. They actually did look much better in my eyes. Try not to spend too much - I think everyone's idea of a shower curtain will all the bathroom colours in it would probably be the best option. You'll laugh about it in years to come and you will love the improvements you make over time. Enjoy the moment, unless you're selling soon your ideas will change after living there, so change when you can afford it - who cares it's YOURS. Good luck, it's so rewarding and so much fun. P.S. now we have a small bathroom, wall to wall tiles, dark grey on the floor and white on all the walls with a large grey tile up each opposing wall, tall mirror over the handbasin which reflects the opposite wall then a full length bath with shower over it. It works perfectly and looks great.

I think being a very small bathroom we've decided to do all white matt wall colour and dark tiles for the floor. Let see how it turns out. We're going to add features such as lights and mirror with frames around it. I'll send before after photo.

I have done lots of pondering and lots of wandering. Wearing out shoe leather looking at tiles, hopping in baths, sitting on toilets. I think I have found my tiles. It's funny to think I started off wanting carrara (or a version/copy thereof), then went to black and white, and now these. The colour really does vary depending on the angle and light. These photos were taken with my ipad, so not true to colour. They are an ash tone and throw grey, off white or a bone colour depending on lighting and the angle. I think they say "classic and elegant like a little black dress, a string of pearls and diamond studs." I hope they don't actually say, "i've turned into my mother and I'm playing it safe." I figure I can go wild with towels. Question is should I lay them horizontally or vertically? The feature tile will go up the side of my wall on top of the bath and be directly opposite as you walk in the door. I wonder if i should use the floor tile or the festure tile on the side of the bath? I am thinking a black tap on the vanity (not necessarily this tap), but chrome elsewhere? The U.K. Has a version of the showerhead with a black rim, if I could be guaranteed it would fit and work the same here I would be tempted to buy it. Black or chrome accessories (towel rails, soap holder etc)? All suggestions, viewpoints etc welcome.

@oklouise thanks for measurement suggestions, good starting point with so many choices available. About the bath, we thought just a freestanding, or back to wall bath, would take less space compared to drop in bath. But it something worth considering with the suggested layout. Also, the bathroom entry door would be sliding cavity if that helps. @differentways thanks for a suggestion that we haven't really thought about. We have considered a smaller Japanese style deep bath, but obviously this would not be practical for kids. Just to make sure I understand your concept, you are suggesting a purpose built bath which will be about 2570mm (including the ledge), husband thinks this is very generous :). My husband and I can't find a photo of something similar, do you have a link? Are you suggesting the sides of the bath to be a lower height compared to standard bath? I like the idea of a ledge, would definitely make bathing kids easier. About the position of the ensuite, do you mean placing it outside the bedroom area so it can be accessed by others? We have discussed this, still part of ongoing discussion. If need to we just have to move the bedroom entrance door. I have attached a google earth view.