Swapping a bath for a walk-in shower was the key to success in this luxury en suite bathroom.
The owners of this five-bedroom Edwardian house in Surrey, found the property when they moved back to the UK from America 10 years ago. ‘It was a beautiful house, but some of the rooms felt a little dated. The en suite had a leaking shower and some very chunky-looking cabinetry, so we decided to completely refurbish it,’ say the couple.
Many American homes have separate loo cubicles built into their bathrooms and the couple had grown to like this way of living, so they redesigned the existing layout to accommodate this as well as swapping the bath for a big walk-in shower. ‘We both prefer a shower, and knew we would enjoy the space more without a bath. Plus there’s a big bath in the family bathroom already.’
The couple did a lot of research to get the layout and colour scheme right and chose a muted palette, but added interest with different textures, such as the black marble tiles and frosted glass door. They also invested in motion sensor lighting. ‘When you walk into the room the recessed lighting comes on automatically, so if one of us needs to visit the bathroom in the night we don’t wake the other.
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Modern walk-in shower enclosure
The couple finished the room with a pair of matching stools. ‘We thought they would be more visual than functional but we actually use them all the time – they make an ideal extra surface for a pile of big, fluffy bath towels.’
Raindance overhead shower
Sanctuary Bathrooms
Axor Citterio M thermostatic mixer
Sanctuary Bathrooms
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Luxury shower
The couple chose contrasting marble effect porcelain tiles to create a dramatic look for the walk-in shower, adding impact but without overpowering the scheme. A tall heated towel rail breaks up the dark background.
Noir St Laurent wall tiles
Sanctuary Bathrooms
Yucca radiator
RSF Bathrooms
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Separate loo area
Removing the bath has made the room feel much more spacious and the loo is now hidden behind a frosted glass privacy screen and door.
New Palace wall-hung loo and eat, Laufen range
Sanctuary Bathrooms
Walls painted in Stone Dark Cool Absolute matt emulsion
Little Greene
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Sleek window treatment
Smart grey Venetian blinds give the windows a streamlined finish. While the wasted space under the window is put to good use with a pair of sleek footstools for a spa-like feel.
Venetian blinds
Hillarys
For a similar stool, try
Shabby Store
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Wall-hung vanity unit
A wall-hung vanity unit hides all the clutter and the sleek glass double basin enhances the minimalist feel of the scheme.
Cremo Delciato matt wall tiles
Sanctuary Bathrooms
Liberty Collection mirror
Sanctuary Bathrooms
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Chic neutral colour scheme
Oversized floor-standing accessories are a great way of softening the impact of a large space and prevent the room from feeling cold and unwelcoming.
Wire lanterns
House of Fraser
Glass jars
The White Company
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Luxe his and hers basins
Sleek fittings and a bevelled edge mirror add to the chic hotel-inspired look.
Basin mixer
Sanctuary Bathrooms
Towel
Amara
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Modern finishing touches
The marble soap dish and tumbler co-ordinate with the cool, neutral colourscheme.
Marble accessories
Marks & Spencer
Vase
LSA International
