Step inside this classic and comfortable bathroom
Four years after moving into this house, and promising they would create an extension to make way for a bigger bathroom, the owners finally embarked on their renovation project.
Four years after moving into this house, and promising they would create an extension to make way for a bigger bathroom, the owners finally embarked on their renovation project. 'The kitchen and bathroom were tiny,' they say, which is why they decided to make the most of the property's upper level by rearranging the layout. Combining the box room with the airing cupboard beside it meant they had room to create a big bathroom with space for a walk-in shower and separate bath. From that blank canvas, they could plan the design of the bathroom exactly as they wished.
1/6 Traditional claw-foot bath
'I wanted the roll-top bath to be a focal point beneath the window. From there, everything else just fell into position,' say the owners. 'We spent hours searching online and discovered that the price range for similar-looking baths was quite varied. In the end, we decided to visit showrooms to actually see the products and feel the quality; we found everything we needed in one shop for a fantastic price!'
2/6 Heated towel rail
The colour scheme was inspired by a visit to a tile shop, where the owners fell in love with a marble design. 'The variation in each tile was beautiful, ranging through all shades of grey to beige and hints of pink that gave a rich warm hue. I used the marble tones as a base,' says the owner. 'By using soft greys and natural elements of woodgrain and marble in the decor, it always feels warm and inviting in here.' A heated towel rail in a chrome finish, adds extra warmth to the space, and makes a neat space to store towels.
Towel rail
Towels
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3/6 Stone basin counter
'From the start I had a clear idea of the look I wanted - a luxurious hotel-style bathroom with a homely feel.' The marble counter, which houses an under-unit basin, fits this style exactly. Paired with the traditional chrome taps, it looks clean, luxurious and modern.
Taps
4/6 Classic vanity unit
'I wanted plenty of storage but I'm not a fan of shelves or wall cabinets. Instead, I spent ages hunting out a freestanding cupboard,' says the owner. Eventually a double basin unit caught her eye - it stretched the budget, but with ample space for towels and toiletries, she thinks a great investment. 'This was an indulgent piece, but it's worth every penny and keeps things neat and tidy,' she says. The unit matches the walls beautifully, blending into the space while making a feature of the marble worktop.
Cabinet
Similar mirror
5/6 Slate-clad walk-in shower
The entire space of the old airing cupboard was used for a walk-in shower. This was also the only area where the couple had to change their plans during the building work; the floor in the shower was supposed to be flush with the rest of the floor, but pipework issues meant this was not an option. 'Instead, we raised the floor and made it into a separate zone,' say the owners.
Marble tiles
Floor tiles
6/6 Bathroom before renovation
Apart from the problems with the shower, the project ran smoothly and it was the first room in the house to be completed. 'It became our haven,' say the owners. It's come a long way from the tiny blue and white space they began with, and the owners couldn't have been more happy when it was finished. 'We fell in love with it then, and are still thrilled with the result now.'
Heather Young has been Ideal Home’s Editor since late 2020, and Editor-In-Chief since 2023. She is an interiors journalist and editor who’s been working for some of the UK’s leading interiors magazines for over 20 years, both in-house and as a freelancer.
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