Planning & Designing Your Dream Bathroom

Upgrading a bathroom should feel exciting, not stressful. After helping thousands of Irish customers create beautiful, functional spaces, we've distilled the process into nine clear steps. Work through this checklist before you order a single tap and you'll avoid costly mistakes.

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9 Steps to a Stress-Free Bathroom Upgrade

From layout to delivery - your expert guide from PJ Matthews

Redesigning your bathroom should be exciting, not overwhelming. With nearly 40 years of experience and thousands of satisfied customers, PJ Matthews has created a proven 9-step checklist to help you plan with confidence and avoid costly mistakes.

Quick Summary

  • Confirm plumbing stage & accurate measurements
  • Map a layout with good flow
  • Plan storage from the start
  • Add tech & sustainable finishes
  • Lean on PJ Matthews for expert advice & nationwide delivery

1. Visualise & Prioritise

Is this a busy family bathroom or a calming spa-inspired retreat?Start by writing two lists:

  • Must-haves: e.g. walk-in shower, double vanity

  • Nice-to-haves: e.g. LED mirror, smart toilet

Sticking to clear priorities helps guide your design - and your budget.

2. Measure Accurately

Wait until after first-fix plumbing and tiling for final measurements:

  • Allow 100 cm in front of a bath and 70 cm in front of a toilet

  • Note radiator placement, sloped ceilings, and window heights - they impact layout and product selection

3. Confirm Your Plumbing Stage

If your plumbing is already installed, certain upgrades (like wall-hung toilets or freestanding baths) may not be feasible without rework.Tip: Bring photos or a simple layout sketch to our Limerick showroom - we'll check compatibility for you.

4. Understand Key Plumbing Requirements

  • Water pressure: Rainfall showerheads often require 1+ bar

  • Hot water tank size: Freestanding baths use a lot of hot water

  • Waste/feed layout: Wall-hung frames, wet-room formers, and concealed flush plates require precise positioning

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5. Get Inspired

Explore ideas on Pinterest or Instagram, then visit our showroom in Ballysimon, Limerick. We offer dozens of display combinations - see and feel tiles, brassware, ceramics, and vanities in person. We can customise everything to fit your space.

6. Map a Functional Layout

Use graph paper or free planning tools to test different layouts.For new builds, consider what you'll see first when the door opens.For renovations, mark existing plumbing to guide smart updates.

7. Plan Smart Storage Early

A stylish bathroom quickly becomes cluttered without proper storage.Choose:

  • Deep-drawer vanities for daily essentials
  • Mirrored cabinets for medicines
  • Floating shelves for décor and extra space

8. Add Texture, Tech & Eco Features

Create a space that's modern and future-ready:

  • Texture: Timber-look tiles, sculptural taps, brushed finishes
  • Technology: LED mirrors, Bluetooth speakers, mood lighting
  • Sustainability: A-rated taps, dual-flush plates, water-saving designs

9. Rely on the Experts

We'll double-check your plans, measurements, and product suitability.Once finalised, you'll receive a detailed quote with clear delivery timelines.

  • Nationwide ROI delivery
  • Click & Collect from Ballysimon, Limerick

Ready to get started?
Call in, browse online, or book a free consultation with a PJ Matthews expert today.
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