Bathroom beauty
European safety regulations are rightly rigorous, stating that bathroom fittings must be completely encased to avoid shorting and electric shocks, and double insulated with the bulb and all metal parts covered. Don't ever be tempted to use a conventional light fitting that's not intended for bathroom use. Light switches must be either outside the bathroom or fitted with a pull cord.
When the lighting in a bathroom is done well, it can look stunning; just think of all the materials that were made to be bathed in light - porcelain, glass, stainless steel and marble. Be careful, though - with all those reflective surfaces, it's easy to create a glare nightmare.
If you've inherited a dingy, depressing bathroom or want to update your old one, there are lots of things you can do with the wiring that's already there. Plan the lighting carefully if you're fitting a brand-new bathroom. If the new tiles have been laid over the cabling, for example, it will be very hard to change.