‘A TRADITIONAL LOOK CAN STAND THE TEST OF TIME’ The luxurious ensuite one homeowner always dreamed of

When a substantial renovation freed up extra space, one homeowner chose to create the large and luxurious ensuite she’d always dreamed of

FINISHING TOUCHES The armoires’ distressed look is echoed in the mirror frame, while vintage-style wall lights add to the period style

SMART STORAGE Incorporating a towel rail into the basin stand was a good space-saving option

a bathroom, but it’s about making a house work for your individual needs – and this is what I wanted. With Flossie in the basement, we didn’t need two spare bedrooms so, even though an ensuite this size might seem a bit extravagant, for me it was a real treat. Reinstating the fireplace adds to the traditional look of the space and gave me the opportunity to place two antique linen cupboards in the alcoves either side, which are fantastic for storing towels and bedlinen. The size of the room meant I was able to place the bath in the centre, and it makes a striking focal point.

Was it a long process?

The whole renovation took just under two years – we rented an apartment in west London for 12 months while the bulk of the work was being done, though the basement still wasn’t finished when we moved back in three years ago. My bathroom probably took about four weeks in total, though the builders were working on other parts of the house during this time too. I worked closely with them and project managed the entire renovation. My builder was recommended to me by a client/friend who is a developer; I was on site regularly and, although there were times when I wondered if it would ever be finished, it all went relatively smoothly. The only hold-up was waiting for the shower tiles, which were imported from Italy.

Any compromises – or deal breakers?

I had wanted a double sink, but even though the room seemed large on paper, it just couldn’t accommodate such a luxury. It would have meant reducing the size of my shower, which I was unwilling to do, so I ended up opting for a single basin instead. I’m not keen on floor tiles as they can be cold underfoot, so I retained the period floorboards, which I painted white. Naturally, I had to use tiles for the walls of the shower, and I laid tiles on the shower floor rather than installing a shower tray. Initially, I thought about having marble tiles but as water can mark them, I opted for some beautiful ceramic Italian ones that I’d spotted on my Instagram feed. Elsewhere in the bathroom, however, I have tongue-and-groove wood panelling, which we painted in Farrow & Ball’s Great White.

What pleases you most?

I love the fact that I got exactly what I wanted, even though I was criticised for sacrificing a bedroom. A house has to fulfil your vision of home, otherwise it’s just a property development.