Project Description
Read on to find out how I transformed this drab 00's builder-grade bathroom into a fab calm blue bathroom.
Due for a Bathroom Makeover
After 15-20 years of use a bathroom is going to be showing it's age and be ready for a makeover. Especially when it's builder-grade standard like this project in Lindfield, Haywards Heath. Firstly, the layout wasn't working for this busy family as they wanted to be able to open the window without stepping in the bath. Secondly, they had rightly worked out that in a generous bathroom of this size, they could enjoy a larger shower enclosure and bath. So I set to work planning a bathroom that could tick all the items on their wishlist.
Bathroom Layout
Using all available floor space is essential in a bathroom. Noticing at my first visit that the bath was heavily boxed in at both ends, I knew we could increase the useable space at the end of the room. The original layout also made opening the window an effort as you had to step into the bath to do so. Busting out the boxing in and rotating the bath onto the side wall really opened up the space visually as well as providing the desired useability. We were able to significantly reduce the boxing in on the left side wall to just the required clearance for the soil pipe within it. This also helped to create a better-looking end result.
Large Vanity Set Up
For useability it's important to go as wide as you can with a vanity as it gives such a luxury feel to a bathroom. This 80cm wide option gives the family plenty of sink space - and 1.6 linear metres of drawer storage! That's plenty of space to store away all your everyday toiletries and the toothbrushes. The Lynton vanity from Heritage Bathrooms is a really lovely piece. It's so well made with smooth-running drawers and a lined inside - it perfectly suited the look this family wanted. To max out storage the matching tall cabinet was installed against a built out section of wall, which tucks it away nicely.
Choosing the dove grey colourway co-ordinates with the calm blue bathroom tiles and was picked up in the Benjamin Moore Wickham Gray wall colour.
Above the vanity I placed the HiB Alba mirror, which has a hidden charging socket on the side and a light. This softens the space and reflects the curves of the quadrant shower and the single-ended bath.
Bathroom Lighting Scheme
The family were keen to achieve a layered lighting scheme in their new bathroom. They wanted to be able to chose the combination of lighting that would suit the time of day and their mission. Consequently, we installed bright ceiling spotlights, a pair of Astro Salerno wall lights above the vanity and LED strips underneath the vanity and in the two wall niches. With the ability to combine these however they wish, the bathroom can be a bright, wake-up space or have a calm atmosphere, perfect for bathing.
Two Blue Tiles and Fun Touches
This client shared my enthusaism for the beautiful Ceramica Rondine tile - which has subtly graduated variations that create a lot of visual interest. We chose the blue version for the shower and tiled it vertically so it felt like you were under the ocean. Then we chose the blue/grey version to take the colour around the room laid horizontally. Including the new Kono range from Just Taps allowed me to add a fun touch for the children and give the room a modern touch. I love the way they had taken over the bath niche for their rubber duckies!
Luxury Floor
Benefitting from good proportions at 3.3 x 2.3m, this bathroom is large enough to really benefit from underfloor heating. This gives the room a luxurious feel underfoot and helps to counteract the splashes of two young boys! Kirt of Surefit Installations fitted an electric mat with a programmable timer to give the family flexibility on its use. I chose the Ca Pietra Franklin Porcelain Light tile to be laid in planks over the top. It has a lovely wood-effect and balanced the calm blue bathroom tiles used on the walls.
Are You Ready for a Transformation?
If you'd like to upgrade your bathroom, I'd love to discover what your wish list is and make it come true. With an expert installer able to take my design plan and turn it into your reality - you could be using your dream bathroom in no time. Click here to fill out the Contact form and I'll give you a call to talk about your new bathroom.
Client Review
Katherine worked hard to take my half-formed bathroom ideas and turn them into a workable plan, bringing in Kirt to do an excellent job with the fitting. All in all, a brilliant team creating a fabulous new family bathroom.