SMOOTH CLASSIC

Rich colour enhances a traditional scheme

1 BOLD STYLE

The brief called for a luxurious bathroom that was striking yet timeless. The owners also requested twin basins and ample storage, while quality was the most important element for the fittings themselves. The overall style was chosen to complement the late-victorian character of the property.

Placing one mirror on top of another is a favourite feature of mine and adds a layer of interest. This trick is especially useful when going for a really wide expanse of mirror to bring in maximum light, as we did here. Sometimes I use a brass frame around the smaller mirror, but having decorative wall lights positioned over the mirror called for a more subtle approach.

3 STRONG PALETTE

When planning a monochrome look, consider the proportions of the room, as this type of colour scheme can become garish and loud if the scale of its elements is too large. However, in this generously sized space, the pattern on the floor tiles is relatively understated. The marble countertop also brings a timeless element, but again, we controlled the amount used to maintain a tranquil feel.

4 TIMELESS CHOICE

The quality of Drummonds’ bathroom fittings is incomparable. We went for brassware in classic shapes with a Nickel finish, which has a lovely aged charm without being too glitzy. The wide twin washstand was chosen to accentuate the room’s generous size, while the pedestal-style legs create a lightweight, floating feel. A stool fits underneath the countertop so that it can be used as a vanity.

5 VITAL DETAIL

The rug-like feature of the tiled floor creates a focal point with depth of pattern. We offset this with crisp white Arabescato marble from Miller Stone on the double vanity unit and within the shower area. The panelled woodwork and the side of the bath are painted a rich off-black with a hint of blue to ensure the beautiful fittings and the marble surfaces stand out.

GET THE LOOK

Wye freestanding bath, from £3,570;

Coll lever floor-standing bath and shower mixer, from £2.376; Double Lowther vanity with Arabescato marble, from £7,980; Coll lever deck-mounted three-hole basin mixers, from £1,170 each; Mull Classic shower controls, from £1,632; 300mm shower rose with Classic shower arm from ceiling, from £804; five-bar floor-mounted heated towel rail, from £2,742; Derwent double wall lights, from £654 each, all in Nickel, all Drummonds. Square Black Victorian floor tiles, £73.44sq m; Greek Key border tiles,

£5.95 each, all Original Style. London

Class Chelsea encaustic tiles, £75sq m, Mainzu. Cranleigh pendant light, £298, Abigail Ahern. Walls and woodwork painted in Railings estate eggshell, £64 for 2.5ltr, Farrow & Ball

Established in 1988 to source architectural antiques, Drummonds now manufactures its own classically inspired bathroom fittings and brassware, which are traditionally crafted using artisanal techniques. Róisín Lafferty set up Dublin-based Kingston Lafferty Design in 2010 and has built a reputation for experiential interiors, filled with texture and meaning. She was recently appointed president of the Institute of Designers in Ireland.