A perfect fit

This bold bathroom proves that limited space need not be an obstacle when renovating.

I’ve always wanted a focal floor. The perfect tile is worth a small splurge!

– Marietha

In this house which, by the owners’ own admission, resembles a child’s drawing in its construction – it’s perfectly square and symmetrical – colourful furniture and exotic pets animate every corner.

It’s the perfect fit for Marietha and Keith Quixley, who relocated from Observatory to Plumstead in 2013 in search of a happy and tranquil space in which to raise their son Eddie (8). “Initial jobs included knocking down walls, pulling up carpets and fixing the kitchen,” says Marietha. “We only started with the bathroom in March last year.”

It was the tiny bathtub – requiring only 40L of water for a comfortable soak – that kick-started the renovation. Marietha discovered this treasure while browsing Gumtree; its previous home was an old guesthouse which has since closed. Keith made the journey from Plumstead to Jacobsbaai in his ancient Daihatsu Rocky that could barely reach 80km per hour to fetch it and now it sits comfortably in this small space.

As the bathroom is right next to a separate loo, the Quixleys opted to remove the toilet in the bathroom to create more space. Enlarging and shifting the single window and replacing the large bath and shower absorbed most of the construction costs.

The end result perfectly demonstrates that space and budget need not limit style – ingenuity and a bright palette are all the inspiration you need!

Paint colour Plascon Atlantic Ocean By Kyra Tarr Photographs Francois Oberholster Styling Marian van Wyk

WHO LIVES HERE?Marietha and Keith Quixley with their son Eddie (8)WHERE Plumstead, Cape TownSIZE 9m2 Marietha and Keith wanted a feature floor around which they could design their bathroom. These gorgeous Moroccanstyle tiles are repeated on the floor in the separate loo next door.Tiles from Quadrata Corner showers are an economic use of space, ideal for smaller bathrooms. While bargain-hunting in Salt River, Marietha and Keith came across this antique table and knew it would fit the space between their shower and bath perfectly; it adds a warm touch to the blue palette. >>

Marietha’s sister bought her these hooks as a gift. They are cleverly positioned under the floating shelves to create more hanging space in what would otherwise be an unutilised corner.

“I’d dreamt of a new bathroom for a long time because ours was in such a terrible state,” says Marietha.

Before