How do I bathroom / kitchen / extension? etc.

but alas the aesthetics is of concern to my better half

You've got to find a balance.

We didn't have a rad in our sitting room, and there was an easy spot in the corner behind the sofa so chose a short ugly one you wouldn't see.

We wanted/needed to move the one in our dinning room to gain space, but didn't want a really ugly thing to be so visible. My one regret was not getting the next size up, as I think we could have got away with an extra panel. But even though it's not as good, I wouldn't change it - it makes the space look smarter and more considered.

Cost wise I'm not convinced. Yes high spec fancy alu colmn rads are more expensive, but our nice looking one was still<£200.

I guess what I'm saying is see if there are spots you can put in a standard practical rad. Then save the form over function ones for where you'll see a visual benefit.