Less is more Spaceenhancing storage and design in a bathroom
Sleek storage and clever design ideas have had a space-enhancing effect in this small bathroom.
Cecilia Persson, 46, and her husband, Paul Goodwin, 51, live in an Edwardian end of terrace in Hove, East Sussex. When it came
to updating their bathroom, the couple decided to replace the bath with a luxurious shower enclosure.
What was wrong with the bathroom?
It was last refurbished in 1999, so it was in need of an update. We have a guest shower room and we found that we were using that more often, simply because a shower is quicker and more convenient.
Did you have help from a designer?
Yes, we wanted to employ a local firm and The Brighton Bathroom Company stood out, as we liked the gallery of work shown on their website. When we visited the showroom, the head of design, Louise Home, was very impressive and on our wavelength from the start. We set a budget of £10,000, excluding the building costs.
What did you have in mind?
I wanted simple, clean lines for a relaxing effect. We decided to ditch the bath for a walk-in shower and include a ‘his and hers’ vanity unit. We also wanted the loo tucked out of sight.
Tell us about the new layout
Louise listened to our ideas and designed a layout that made it all come alive. She suggested building a wide stud wall to house the shower controls, a shelf recess and shelves, which are concealed behind a mirrored door. It also hides the loo from view.
What space-saving solutions are included?
The underfloor heating, which makes the tiles feel warm underfoot. Our old towel radiator was slotted in next to the shower enclosure,
which created space for the double vanity unit. We went for open shelving beneath the basins to make the room look bigger. There’s now plenty of storage in our bathroom.
Describe the colour scheme
We kept the painted walls neutral and chose green-honed slate tiles that wrap around the shower and stud wall. I wanted a statement floor and love the Dandelion design encaustic tiles.
How important was the lighting?
We gave a lot of thought to this element. In addition to the downlights in the ceiling, there are soft white LEDs under the basin cabinets, which are discreet and provide mood lighting. The slate tiles make the shower area dark, which is relaxing, but including LED lights within the alcoves illuminates the cubicle.
Is there anything you’d change?
I might consider a different material for the vanity countertop. We wanted something natural and chose wood, which adds warmth, but it needs to be oiled regularly to keep it looking good.
Did you learn anything from the process?
It’s worth employing a company that specialises in bathrooms to translate your ideas into a workable design. I admit that adding a stud wall to our tiny space would be the last thing we’d have considered. Designers come up with amazing solutions.
HOUSE BEAUTIFUL SAYS... ‘Creative use of space means a huge shower and plenty of hidden storage has been incorporated, and a feature floor adds a striking finishing touch’