‘I’ve combined Hotel luxe & Comfort’
A new extension meant Clare, 39, could create her dream bathroom, making it perfect for her needs
When my husband Matthew and I bought this house, we knew that we’d build an extension eventually because the kitchen and bathroom were tiny,’ says Clare. ‘After four years, we finally started the work.
To make the most of the space upstairs, we decided to rearrange the layout, and this included moving the bathroom. There was a box room with an airing cupboard next to it and by combining the two, we’d be able to create a large bathroom with space for a shower and a separate bath.
As the space was a blank canvas, we were able to plan the design exactly the way we wanted. The alcove behind the door was the obvious place for a walk-in shower as it wouldn’t encroach on the rest of the room. I also wanted the roll-top bath to be a focal point beneath the window, and everything else just fell into position.
All in the detail
From the start, I had a clear idea of the look I wanted – a luxurious hotel-style bathroom with a homely feel. The colour scheme was inspired by a visit to Topps Tiles, where we fell in love with a marble design. The variation in each tile was beautiful, ranging through all shades of grey to beige and hints of pink that gave a rich, warm hue. We also like the timeless look of marble and it was more affordable than I imagined.
I’m quite confident when making colour choices and used the marble tones as a base. We chose a soft grey for the walls, which complemented the stone shower tiles, and timber-style flooring for a natural feel, which is warmed by underfloor heating.
When it came to the fittings, I spent hours searching online and discovered that the price range for similar-looking baths was quite varied. Instead, we decided to
‘by using soft greys and natural elements of woodgrain and marble in the decor,it always feels warm and inviting in here’
visit showrooms to actually see the products and feel the quality. I’d imagined trawling round shop after shop but on just one trip to Bathstore we found everything we needed and the prices were fantastic.
Storage solutions
I wanted plenty of storage but I’m not a fan of shelves or wall cabinets. Instead, I spent ages hunting for a freestanding cupboard. Eventually, a double basin unit from Utopia Bathrooms caught my eye. It stretched the budget, but there’s ample space for towels and toiletries, so it’s a great investment.
The only time we had to change our plans was when it came to the floor in the shower. It was supposed to be flush with the rest of the room, but pipework issues meant this would be tricky and expensive. Instead we raised the floor and made it into a separate zone. Apart from this, the rest of the work ran smoothly and it was the first room in our house to be completed, so it became our haven. I fell in love with it then and am still thrilled with the result now.’