‘We wanted a bathroom with a luxe but laidback feel’
Once a baby's nursery, this light and airy bathroom now provides a serene space for the parents. Pared-back yet glamorous, with subtle Art Deco references, it's a masterclass in simple sophistication.
Who lives here
Maria Emerson and her husband Tom live with their young daughter in a Victorian house in Putney, south-west London.
Before
ME: 'The room adjoins our main bedroom and used to be our daughter's nursery, but now she's a little older she's happy in a larger room upstairs. Originally the doorway was on the other side of the room,' says Maria.
Tell us about your plans for this room...
ME: Our aim was to create a functional, modern space with a glamorous look. It was important to us that we add lots of warmth and texture, and we tried to give a nod to Art Deco style, and even had in mind the grandeur of ancient Greece. The wooden fluting makes it feel elegant while still being perfectly practical.
How did you get started?
ME: We enlisted the help of specialist design company Simply Bathrooms in Surrey for the planning. It offered a full design service and created 3D visual plans, so we knew what the layout would look like. Having renovated a bathroom in our previous home, this time we wanted extra specialist support!
Did you have to overcome any hurdles?
ME: Deciding on the best layout proved tricky. The room is a good size, but the position of the chimney breast limited our options. We wanted a large vanity unit, bath and walk-in shower, so had to be clever about maximising space. This meant moving the doorway and installing a sliding door – and we went for a smaller-than-full-size tub. The bath looks stylish without taking up much room, and we can enjoy the garden view while having a soak.
What were your must-haves?
ME: It was all about how the space made us feel. We wanted to ignore trends and come up with something unique and timeless that felt distinctly ours. For example, the terrazzo countertop basins are not an obvious choice, but they make the room feel more individual and eclectic.
Are you happy with the final result?
ME: Very much so. We're obsessed with the wooden panelling, which elevates the room, but the wall tiles are the real unsung heroes. We wanted something neutral that looked smart but not clinical, so were happy to find these ones from Ca' Pietra in a mix of white and warmer off-white tones. The textured surface looks handmade, but they're super-practical, easy-to-clean porcelain. We've got exactly the modern bathroom we wanted.
Sourcebook
Slipp bath, bcdesigns.co.uk.
Vos bath mixer tap, basin valves & spout, shower head & towel rails; all jtpuk.co.uk.
Gallery 10 shower screen, crosswater.co.uk.
Uni WC, saneux.com.
Docklands rectangular mirrors, originsliving.uk.
Terrazzo basin, vanity unit & fluted oak wall panelling; all simplybathroomsltd.co.uk.
Wall lights, pooky.com.
Metro wall tiles & Louvre floor tiles; both capietra.com.
Walls in Mizzle matt emulsion, farrow-ball.com
Costs
Bath £1,986
Bath tap £950
Shower £1,203
Basin taps £658
Towel rails £718
Shower screen £827
WC £788
Basins £500
Vanity unit £2,779
Lights £216
Tiles £2,000
Mirrors £350
Oak panelling £2,000
Paint £68
TOTAL £15,043
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