The current climate can feel a little gloomy to any homeowner but rather than dwelling on house prices, negative equity and limited funds, you can turn the situation on its head.

Refreshing your bathroom will not only put a smile on your face but it will also act as an investment. And making some green choices can help preserve the planet for future generations without breaking the bank.

Interior designer George Bond runs his design company in Jesmond, near Newcastle. He’s also the National Director for the Society of British Interior Design (SBID) and Fellow of the Royal Society of Arts, so knows a thing or two about creating a beautiful bathroom.

"I’d always recommend a good quality kitchen and bathroom, both will increase the value of your home," says George.

When it comes to bathrooms, you need to consider whether to replace your whole suite or simply freshen it up. "You can find good quality tiles for a fraction of the price if you take the time to shop around," says Nikola Marjanovic, who runs family business Margony Design & Build, which specialises in construction, property maintenance, extensions, loft conversions and refurbishment projects.

"There are sales and deals on every corner of the high street - and don’t be afraid to haggle." George Bond and Margony worked together to transform an average bathroom in need of some TLC.

After ripping out an old suite, some poorly grouted tiles and a lorry load of MDF, George selected mix and match items from three Bristan suites - something the average shopper wouldn’t necessarily think to do.

"I picked the ‘P shaped’ bath as it gives you more room in the shower area. The wall hanging sink offers an illusion of space, and the rest of the Bristan products complement the look, while adding in eco-friendly features."

Because there was no window, George incorporated a work of art. "I was keen to create something amazing in the bathroom," he says. "I asked Kirstie Ferguson, a mural artist, to create a window on the cupboard door; the result is breathtaking! There’s a lawn, flowers and clear blue skies - it looks amazing."

The lighting was also an important factor. George installed a Lutron Rania dimmer, renowned for its quality. It’s eco friendly too. Dimming a bulb’s light output reduces energy consumption and extends its life span, saving money on utility bills.

Other ways to up your green credentials in a bathroom include opting for organic tiles, looking at eco bathroom suites (Bristan’s Dune WC uses just 2.6 litres per flush - 70 per cent less than the average toilet) and choosing fair trade accessories.

"We flush a lot more water than we need to," continues Nikola, from Margony. "If you want to cut down, replace your toilet with a dual-flush model. And you should heat your water efficiently, too. If your boiler’s old, consider a new condensing variety, which are 98 per cent efficient.

Floor and wall insulation will also reduce the amount of energy needed to heat your bathroom and it’s worth fitting a heat exchanger too. "The emphasis is definitely on sourcing environmentally friendly and sustainable products," adds George

TOP TIPS

1. A fresh coat of paint works wonders in a bathroom where steam wears out décor more quickly.
2. Buyers are unlikely to pay more for eco features, but having a more energy efficient bathroom will save money on heating bills, which can make all the difference in a slow housing market
3. Ensure all grouting is done properly and avoid using white grout as dirt and limescale will be more visible
4. A walk-in shower or wet room add value to your property
5. If your bathroom is small, use mirrors to give an illusion of extra space