In these cash-strapped times when we're all trying to save a few pounds where possible, thoughts of redecoration can slip to the bottom of our to-do lists.

However, there's no need to put up with chipped tiles, worn out furnishings or leaky bathroom taps as with a little planning it's possible to spruce up your bathroom without breaking the bank.

In fact, according to interior designer and TV presenter Laurence Llewelyn-Bowen, people are moving away from bragging about how much money they've spent doing up their home and are showing a commitment to what he refers to as "design democracy".

"That's the difference between then and now - when property was all about selling, people loved the label that came with many noughts on it," he said.

"Now, people show themselves as being very democratic and clever by not being overwhelmed by how much something cost. It's a very British occupation, with a kind of anti-snobbery."

One of the quickest ways to brighten up an interior without too much financial strain is to dig out the paintbrushes and treat your bathroom to a fresh lick of paint.

Keep costs down by carrying out as much work as possible yourself, although when it comes to the tricky business of lighting and plumbing it's a good idea to call in the professionals, unless you're very confident in your DIY skills.

Even if you're on a very tight budget, it can really pay to focus on the small touches such as towel radiators and taps as these are cheap and easy to replace but can make a big difference to the overall feel of the room.

Finally, make sure you take the time to shop around a bit as materials vary in cost enormously depending on where you source them. However, don't be tempted to scrim on quality as this can end up costing you more in the long run.

"Again, this is one of the massive revolutions, that it's not about the money you spend," Laurence adds. "It's about how you put things together."