DREAM BATHROOM David Collins Studio’s art deco-inspired scheme

WITH ITS CLEVER USE OF MATERIALS, THIS ARTFULLY EXECUTED SPACE IS CALMING AND EXCITING AT THE SAME TIME

DESIGNER Siobhan Kelly, associate director, David Collins Studio, 020 7835 5000, davidcollins.studio.

THE PROPERTY A five-bedroom, Grade Iilisted Victorian villa in west London.

DESIGN BRIEF This master bathroom was part of a complete home renovation that reflects the owners’ personalities and combines refined 20th-century antiques with bespoke pieces. Luxurious tonal palettes and complementing textures help the flow throughout; in particular, the owners wanted this to be a relaxing space, sympathetic to the age and stature of the house.

DIMENSIONS 4.7x 3.5m

LAYOUT

David Collins Studio worked closely with the owners to tailor the design to their needs. ‘We emphasised the symmetry of the room, with the bath and one vanity centred on the bay window,’ says Siobhan. The shower and WC are in more private cubicles either side of the vanity. ‘Placing the bath within the window allowed for natural light to flood the room, while mirrors opposite reflect the light around.’ A second vanity area near the entrance ensures ample space for two users.

SURFACES

Chosen for its timelessness and calming ambience, the green and cream toned marble reflects shades from the garden, bringing an enveloping sense of the outdoors in. ‘We used bookmatched marble,’ says Siobhan. ‘Like a trompe lõoeil, it makes the space appear larger and is a luxurious technique that elevates the marble to a work of art.’ Mother of pearl mosaics were added around the vanity areas for variation and to further enhance the delicate features of the natural stone.

VANITY AREAS

The his and hers vanity areas have concealed mirror cabinets that provide plenty of storage around the basins. ‘The off-the-floor design gives the monolithic stone basins a floating look, emphasising the sense of space and making a subtle statement that is both contemporary and seamless,’ says Siobhan. The elegant wall sconces were created by David Collins Studio, inspired by the work of art deco furniture designer Paul Dupré-lafon.

BRASSWARE

While Antonio Citterio’s collection for Axor is undeniably contemporary, its distinctive flat design was led by 1930s neoclassicism. ‘It works well with the property’s heritage architecture,’ says Siobhan. ‘The crisp chrome finish catches the light and adds sparkle to the muted palette.’ By contrast, the towel rail features classic crosshead valves and a nickel finish. ‘We like to layer details in our projects; each layer adds another dimension to the overall space.’

FINISHING TOUCHES

The blinds are another example of the level of thought put into this project. ‘We used white linen throughout the house to bring continuity when viewed from the outside,’ says Siobhan. Inside, the fresh white linen softens the heavy use of marble. ‘We chose bottom-up roller blinds to allow diffused light to fill the room and offer a view of the sky, while also ensuring privacy.’ &