Hello Jackie, Well the thing about cornice or other details such as dado and or even skirting.. There's many ways to address this from complimentary lighter or darker to traditional white/creamier colours. It takes the ceiling into question too as this can also be complimentary to the walls i.e not white (if there's colour) and spatially too, you can create width and or height in how you address these details coupled with the wall treatments. A lot of people will paint the portion above cornice white or a "white" colour and the ceiling to compliment with the cornice a slightly brighter shade of said "white" colour.. It could be any shade of white to cream but you get the idea. With a modern build and you have no pic here, I would say why not leave it if it's not ghastly.. I do though love the two tone wall which has it's roots in period architecture (It can also be done for skirting where there is none) Now coming, as everything does back into current fashion.. Notice I don't say trend.. Can't stand the word and I believe rather than go with trend you should set it.. With what you like as opposed to what everyone else is doing.. So to perhaps inform you best.. Consider the palette you want to use, light and airy or darker and dramatic and take it from there.. I love to work the woodwork into the scheme but of course what you choose will be what works for you and the space.. : ))

I have a similar sized bathroom and moving the door to the other side made it feel much bigger. If you can't move it then what about a door that folds in the middle so takes up half the floor space. I also hate seeing the toilet as the first thing I see when I walk in, better behind the door. So if staying there can you have the bath along the other wall and the basin in the middle and the toilet in the corner behind the door. Firstly the pebble thing is a matter of what you like, I think they look fun to me and a little different. I have had over opinionated builders before and remind them it's not their house. It's helpful to have their feedback but remember they are often giving a 'taste' opinion which is their own. It's your house. The builders that did the rather dramatic revamp on my bathroom kept questioning my ideas (even down to colour red) but I had already ordered everything and I was quite clear so they went ahead. The only thing they didn't listen to me about is the only thing that is a (minor) problem in my bathroom. When finished, they admitted it looked amazing and asked for permission to feature is on their website. e.g. I knew when I chose huge black tiles they might need lots of cleaning but in the end they were worth every penny as the Italians know their design and they just rinse clean. So my point is, if you love it, are aware of the upkeep and it's worth it then go for it. The worse that can happen if you get tired of it at some time is to change it and it's not such a big space so wouldn't take much. (I still love mine after 8 years!).

Update -- my plumber finally returned. Not sure what he did while here, but he told me again it wasn't working -- then he did some work on a radiator which had a small leak. We were having a long discussion about options on pumps, new showers, taps etc and I read out the installation guide and he tried it again, and suddenly it worked. It is bizarre as I don't know how many times i tried it previously. My friend who works in construction ALSO called earlier today and tried it several times to no avail. It must have been extremely stiff or perhaps the plumber realised some airlock whilst fixing the radiator since I think water pressure is much stronger since he went. Thanks for everyones help -- i learned lots on plumbing and a valuable lesson to take out the installation manuals myself and not trust that trades men know everything!!! I feel like celebrating!!

I think the thing is, the only way of using up the least amount of room from the bedroom perspective is to have a shower room at the entrance, otherwise you have to have a hallway running further through. Like this:- It is a small shower room, and, as you say, not possible in that position. If you do it the other way then the bedroom just isn't big enough. I'd consult an estate agent to see what their views are on the value of two beds with luxury bath compared to three beds with downstairs bathroom. They often say, that the people that buy these houses accept that this is how they were built and are happy with the extra bedroom and live with the bathroom as is. If it's going to devalue it, then i think you'll have to live with it. On the up side, the room is quite large and I'd consider not giving all of it over to a bathroom, I has two windows, which is nice and I think you could have an extra bit of landing with a chair and more storage before you get to the bathroom. The only pipe you will struggle with is the shower outlet, as it's low down and should go under the floor. You could raise the tray, or amend the joists to accommodate / drill through them etc I think i would expect that a 2 bed with luxury bathroom would be the same as a 3 bed with less desirable accommodation. Also, if you have your bathroom upstairs, then you negate the need for one downstairs and can possibly improve on the downstairs facilities too, thus making improved access to the garden etc.............Seeing the whole house plan would be useful. What's the loft like?