HOUSE BEAUTIFUL SAYS…
‘The lively tiles in the shower area define the space and are a contrast to the sleek grey and white elsewhere.’
What didn’t you like about the original bathroom?
It was quite big but had a strange layout. The shower cubicle was next to the window and was the first thing you saw when you walked in, and the loo was between the wall and the bath, which made it look as though it was floating in the middle of the room. We knew we could create something special but didn’t know where to start.
How did the new layout come about?
I drive past a kitchen and bathroom showroom on my way to work. Having admired its room sets through the window, I decided to nip in to have a look round and make an appointment. A designer came to our house and suggested moving the shower to the other end of the room to make better use of the space. We loved her ideas and went with almost everything she suggested.
Tell us about the decor
As it’s used by the whole family, the room had to be practical and clean. But I also wanted it to be relaxing with a warm, luxurious look and asked the designer for a scheme with a boutique hotel feel. I spotted the patterned tiles in the showroom and fell in love with them – and they inspired the rest of the scheme.
The position of the bath is a quirky touch...
Yes, and I love the bateau shape. It’s traditional without feeling fussy and ornate but it’s just too big to sit flush against the wall. The designer came up with the idea of placing it at an angle to create an interesting focal point and fill some of the central floor area. This left us with the predicament of what to put in the corner behind it, until we discovered the ladder shelving unit, which is perfect as it gives height as well as additional storage.
And the shower?
The recess beside the door was the obvious place for it. I didn’t want a huge glass screen that needed constant cleaning so instead there is a half-wall with glass above, which lets light into the shower.
Did everything run smoothly?
We were without a bathroom for about three weeks but luckily we have a downstairs loo and the fitters were amazing – they plumbed the bath in temporarily for us every evening.
What do you love most about the room?
Despite it being long and narrow, everything is in the right position now. And I’m glad we chose the patterned tiles – they bring a bit of extra interest to the shower area.
Contact Lindsey Durrant at Burlanes Interiors on 01732 605001; burlanes.com