Project Description
This make-over of a small bathroom with bold botanical tiles, layered lighting and a clean, contemporary feel has transformed a flat in Horsham. Read on to find out how I introduced colour, pattern and smart organisation to update this compact bathroom with a beautiful design and expert installation.
Project Background
Originally this bathroom was tired and tatty and in need of a full renovation. Instead of moving home, this couple decided to improve their current flat and so I pulled out all the stops to design and install a fabulous new bathroom for them.
Design Choices - Tiles
They told me they like to spend time in the bath so I chose a bold botanical tile to give them something interesting to look at. The print on the matt finish has an almost 3D effect, which has had the added benefit of making the room feel larger. I paired this with the matt green floor tiles from the same range (Guido Eleganza from Waxman Ceramics) which look so smart, and a definite upgrade from the lino before.
Design Choices - Fixtures and Fittings
I wanted to simplify the shower and bath tap arrangement to increase the feeling of space in the room by reducing the visual clutter on the wall. Firstly, I chose a bath filler where the water comes out from the overflow. Then I paired this with the largest riser rail shower head I could find (as there wasn't space for an overhead rainfall outlet). A neat two way diverter on the wall controls both water outlets.
Design Choices - Furniture
For the vanity and toilet area my aim was to provide as much useful storage as possible. It's common with flats for the floors to be concrete which often means there's a lot of boxing in to conceal the pipes that run along the walls. I decided on the all-in-one combination unit so that the pipes could be hidden from view. The secondary benefit of this is that a useful worktop is created for keeping everyday items to hand.
I also chose a slim-line wall cabinet with a light and demister pad. This size of cabinet is about one bottle deep and gives you the storage benefit without protruding over the sink. This light can also be used as a relaxing, ambient light if you don't want to put on the newly installed spotlights.
Expert Fitting
Kirt from Surefit Installations did a fantastic job on this project. He suggested that the shower controls were moved to beyond the shower screen so that you don't get wet when turning on the shower and waiting for it to come up to temperature. This required some lovely new copper pipework - which is a benefit of a full strip out and refit - everything can be put exactly where you would like it.
My clients also chose to install underfloor heating for the ultimate luxury touch, which has the added benefit of helping to keep a small bathroom drier.
The finishing touches
Part of my bathroom design and project management service is keeping an eye on the progress of the installation. This ensures I am on hand to deliver the finishing touches to a room. In this case the knobs for the vanity which have a knurled finish to match the smart Florence tap. And our newest favourite bathroom product is the fantastic Benjamin Moore Bath & Spa paint, this time in a warm off-white to match the background of the tiles.
Client testimonial
"We're absolutely delighted with the results. Kirt is excellent at what he does - the workmanship is outstanding and he was a pleasure to have in the flat... In terms of design, you've exceeded the idea of taking a room from Drab to Fab. It was exactly what we hoped for and better than we could have imagined."
From Drab to Fab for a small bathroom with bold botanical tiles
See this project in the Before and After Gallery to appreciate this extreme make-over.
Are you ready?
To tackle your bathroom, en suite or cloakroom? If so please complete this short form to book your free initial meeting. I look forward to meeting you and talking about the rooms you would like to transform.
Credits
Installation by Surefit Installations
Supply by Drab to Fab Design and Cuckfield Bathrooms