BATHROOM
Eminently glamorous, this scheme is a flawless match for the adjoining bedroom
A glamorous scheme that sits beautifully with an adjoining bedroom.
CAN YOU DESCRIBE THE PROJECT?
This is the main bathroom in my apartment in South Kensington. The building is a Grade-ii-listed Gothic-style property and I carefully reinstated many of its original details, including the cornicing. My husband and my builder questioned my decision to assign half the main suite to a bathroom, as they felt the bedroom should be bigger, but I reasoned that we spend a great deal of time in the bathroom – dressing, pampering and splashing about with the children.
WHAT DID YOU SET OUT TO ACHIEVE?
I was keen to create a calming, sophisticated feel; a glamorous boudoir-style scheme where I could indulge in quiet me-time, as well as enjoy bath time with our young children. I wanted the space to feel like one huge room but with some privacy, so I designed a freestanding wall to sit between the bedroom and bathroom – we
can walk round either side of the bed to access the bathing area. To create a sense of continuity between the spaces, the wall is covered on both sides with a metallic linen; I used a glass splashback above the vanity unit to protect it from water.
CAN YOU TELL US ABOUT MARBLE IN THIS ROOM?
I love the classic, timeless look of Statuario marble and toyed with the idea of cladding the walls in it, but my experience is that going all out like that can make the space look rather cold. Instead, I opted for marble-backed display niches. The shower features striking bookmatched marble and the fitted bath provided another chance to introduce more, with the added detail of a lovely classic moulding to soften the look. I used the same moulding on the countertop of the vanity unit, which has bespoke basins made from Carrara marble.
HOW DID YOU ACHIEVE A SEAMLESS FEEL BETWEEN THE SPACES?
I decided to use elegant bedroom-style lighting in the bathroom to create a sense of flow between the two areas. I chose crystal wall sconces to flank the vanity unit, and a striking central ceiling pendant which, thanks to the tall ceiling, is at a suitable height to satisfy building regulations. The linen wall and fabric blinds add to the warm, inviting feel, as do the porcelain tiles, which have the texture of wood and appear to be parquet at first glance.
WHY DID YOU CHOOSE THIS PARTICULAR DRESSING TABLE?
I wanted a really lovely dressing table, so I left the sourcing of this piece until last. After searching for a while I spied it in Armani Casa on a working trip to the Design Centre, Chelsea Harbour, and thought it would be perfect for the space, despite the serious price tag.
The brass finish on the legs of the dressing table and stool add lovely warm accents and marry well with the chandelier. Above the dressing table is a large Art Deco-style mirror and I have used the same design above the fireplace and in the bedroom, again to achieve a sense of flow and to add to the bright feel of this suite.
DID YOU HAVE TO MAKE ANY COMPROMISES?
I was keen to have a gas fireplace in this room, but I was disappointed to discover that regulations have changed and they are now no longer permitted in bathrooms. I opted for a bio-ethanol one instead and had a beautiful white mantelpiece with gold internal panels designed for the surround. It’s not quite the same as a gas fire, but it does look fabulous.