A garage playroom was completely transformed into vibrant yet calming ensuite bathroom
See how this couple create a dreamy retreat in their home


When Victoria and Max moved into their house 13 years ago, soon after their wedding, it had just been converted from a stable into a three-bedroom family home. After having their third child eight years later, they realised that they would have to move if they didn’t extend.
Making the kitchen larger to include an open-plan seating area meant that the original living room could be converted into a master bedroom, with the adjoining garage playroom becoming an en suite. Their aim was to create a good-sized bathroom in keeping with the aesthetic of the house but with a practical, modern finish, all within a budget of £10,000.
‘I wanted to include a bath, walk-in shower and separate washbasins,’ says Victoria. ‘I knew I wanted a green colour palette as it’s my “colour for calm” and the tiles were my starting point. I fell in love with two tile choices: a stripe configuration and a chequerboard. I simply couldn’t decide which one to use, so I used both!’
The chequerboard floor tile idea has been used throughout, including inside the shower, to help the space flow. Tiles in a stripe design work well with the tongue-and-groove panelling, and elongate the room.
'The tile designs have married well together – the checks anchor the space, and the stripes are stunning yet practical,’ Victoria adds.
The couple knew they wanted brushed living brassware taps and mixers so sourced those from Claybrook. ‘I loved the utility feel of the taps - they looked like pipework coming out of the walls,’ says Victoria. ‘I went on to choose a simple bath, large enough to bath all the children in at once.'
The reeded glass shower screen allows the light through, keeping the space open, and brings another texture into the space. It was also important to Victoria that they reused materials where possible, so she asked a local carpenter to modify a storage cupboard, which was originally in the kitchen.
Get the Ideal Home Newsletter
Sign up to our newsletter for style and decor inspiration, house makeovers, project advice and more.
‘Throughout the build, I repurposed different elements of the old house into the new renovations,’ she says. ‘One of the most challenging moments of the project was that the walk-in shower had to dip to allow for drainage. The tilers wanted to cut the tiles diagonally, but I insisted on keeping them whole, so that the pattern stayed consistent - and we got there in the end.'
'The vanity unit was a whole other story,' Victoria tells us. 'I wanted it to be classic looking with drawers, and to fit two washbasins in a limited space. I love how the rounded washbasins contrast with the lines of the tiles.’
The couple went for a bespoke vanity unit from Parker Howley & Co, which ticked all of their boxes. 'It could even be finished in the same paint colour I was using on the rest of the woodwork, Skimming Stone by Farrow & Ball,' Victoria adds. 'All the walls were painted in a soft white to allow the green tiles to shine in the space.’
Brass detailing brings in a luxury finish, while living brassware taps and mixers add an organic texture and utility feel. The long niche ensures toiletries are kept easily to hand. Fortunately, the project didn't require any exterior changes, as Victoria insisted on keeping the garage doors. 'This not only saved money, but it also allows easy access to the plumbing,’ she explains.
'Now the project is complete, the bathroom is like a sanctuary tucked away at the far end of the house,' Victoria tells us. 'Not only can we wash all the children in the bath at the same time, but I can enjoy relaxing alone time there too.’
Get the look
This shell bowl will add an instant touch of luxury to a bathroom scheme, and it's only priced at £14. A fraction of the price of designer look-a-likes.
Dilly is an established Interiors Editor with over 25 years’ experience as a stylist and writer. She contributes regularly to the UK’s leading interior magazines, travelling nationally to style readers’ homes and to creatively direct promotional photography for new builds, hotels and brands. Offering her consultancy skills to enable businesses to market themselves and for individuals to achieve their desired interior schemes to suit their style and budget. Find her on Instagram @dillyome or over at dillyorme.co.uk.
-
7 smart IKEA IVAR hacks that transform this blank canvas into a striking piece of furniture
This is how to elevate and transform the plain and simple IVAR cabinet to fit your home’s style
By Sara Hesikova
-
When to treat moss in a lawn to guarantee strong, green grass — just in time for summer
It's almost time to get started!
By Sophie King
-
The completely free hack storage hack professional organisers always use to organise drawers
It's so easy for drawers to turn into junk drawers - but this method tackles this by creating clear categories for your stuff
By Kezia Reynolds
-
The 3 bathroom colours going out of style in 2025 - plus, the stylish shades replacing them
It's time to make room for some new colour schemes this year
By Holly Cockburn
-
These towels in The White Company's mid-season sale are cheaper than Sainsbury's — upgrade yours before the sale ends
Fresh towels for spring - nothing is better
By Holly Cockburn
-
6 questions I wish I'd asked before starting my bathroom renovation - tips for minimising mistakes from an interiors pro
From double checking my budget to choosing more exciting taps these are my top tips to avoid costly mistakes when it comes to a bathroom reno
By Holly Walsh
-
Fluffy toilet seat covers are back! Toiletscaping is going viral but bathroom experts warn against this ‘unhygienic’ trend
Yep, people really are decorating their loos
By Kezia Reynolds
-
Jewel box bathrooms are the anti-neutral colour trend you'll want to know about in 2025
The more-is-more trend you'll want to jump head first into...
By Holly Cockburn
-
How do I turn my small bathroom into a spa? 10 ways to create a relaxing retreat in a tiny space
From aromatherapy to keeping clutter under control, the experts share their top tips
By Ellis Cochrane
-
How to make a bathroom smell like a spa – 8 ways to create your own at-home oasis
Get that spa vibe at home
By Ellis Cochrane
-
Wabi-sabi bathrooms – 10 ways to embrace this serene and 'imperfect' style
Where imperfection meets earthy elements – this is how to create a wabi-sabi bathroom in your home
By Sophie Warren-Smith