People looking to update their bathroom suites may be interested in an expert's suggestion of using the colour black to decorate the space.

Cheryl Gurner an interior designer who works in partnership with her husband Peter said the shade can have an "inherent mirror effect" and homeowners may wish to use it in tandem with actual looking glasses to create contrasting styles.

She described a washroom that exclusively uses the dark tone as a "designer['s] dream canvas", particularly if it incorporates marble and correct use of lighting.

Other aspects of the room could use different colours or surfaces to mix up the spectrum and Ms Gurner noted that taps with a chrome finish such as some of the Sanitan products sold by Better Bathrooms can reflect the deep hue.

However, if someone does not find that suitable, appliances with a gold or bronze look can give a "more warming contrast".

Finally, Ms Gurner asserted that people should accessorise the area using white towels and could "add a splash of scarlet" to the proceedings.