• BATHROOM IDEAS
Because you deserve a little spa-like luxury at home
pick pattern for floors
Beth Dadswell, founder of Imperfect Interiors, recommends restricting pattern to below eye level. ‘Patterned tiles add colour, energy and character to bathrooms but I suggest keeping the floor as the main feature,’ she says. Here, she has used a jute rug and soothing pink walls to mellow and blend the patterned tiles. ‘Choose between Moroccan, traditional or more modern tiles,’ says Beth.
try tonal geometrics
Geometric patterns will take your bathroom in a fresh direction. High-contrast 3D designs feel particularly dynamic on floor tiles. On vertical surfaces, it’s better to source geos in tonal hues that are less likely to unbalance your depth of field in the morning. Here, the burnt umber tiles tone beautifully with brass, while a traditional roll-top bath provides a classic twist that helps keep the contemporary tiles in check.
introduce Wallpaper
‘Wallpaper works really well in bathrooms,’ says interior designer Penny Morrison. ‘A large, light-filled bathroom can take bright, fun patterns and large-scale prints, while small, dark bathrooms are best suited to deep, moody designs.’ Protect your investment with a quick coat of Decorators Varnish (£19.37 for 1L, Polyvine) and sheet glass splashbacks.
Paint in dark green
Shamelessly dramatic but not as out-there as jet black, green is the smart way to go dark. And, with its nature-based connotations, this on-trend hue will feel right at home in the countryside. ‘Dark green is a strong colour story, perhaps due to a wider awareness of environmental issues but also because it has a depth and variety that works so well with other emerging shades like earthy browns and deep maroons,’ says CP Hart designer Annabel Williams. Leave the upper walls pale to keep the overall look uplifting.
try tiny tiles
When it comes to tile trends, exploring shapes can be just as rewarding as tracking down the latest fashion-forward colours. Hexagons and fish-scales are still strong but more recently, circular mosaics are gaining ground. ‘Penny tiles are small and sweet, and offer a modern twist on classic square mosaics, while retaining that luxe look,’ says Hamish Smith, creative director at Ca’pietra. ‘They look great popped in a recess near the bath or shower, but for maximum impact, go floor-to-ceiling with a fabulous feature wall.’
paint your Bath
Often a single pop of colour is all it takes to make a bland bathroom interesting, but if you’re feeling nervous, go for a surface that’s easy to refresh. ‘A paintable bath is an excellent opportunity to experiment with different colours without necessarily making a long-term commitment,’ says Barrie Cutchie, design director at BC Designs. ‘Make sure you choose an external eggshell paint for a hard-wearing finish that won’t be affected by condensation or splashes.’ For a burst of sunshine, try a Moroccan-inspired yellow.
Revive old patterns
Tune into the vintage trend and do your bit for the planet by sourcing salvaged tiles in delicate patterns. ‘Antique tiles are an ideal way to add interest, a little piece of history and unique design to your home,’ says Chris Gulson-brook, founder of Maitland & Poate. The beauty of reclaimed encaustic tiles is that you can choose how bold you want the colour to be. ‘The deeper we restore each tile, the more vibrant the coloured pigments are revealed. But we can just apply a gentle cleaning for a more subtle effect,’ says Chris.
add warmth with coloured metal
Follow the fashion crowd and use the peachy tones of polished copper to bring warmth and richness to the heart of your bathroom. Here, interior designer Ruth Milne has positioned an impressive copper bateau bath centre-stage to spread the glow. Monochrome floor tiles help ground the shiny copper. ‘I love how the delicate basketweave pattern of the floor is reflected on the surface of the copper,’ says Ruth.
Use pink as a neutral
Pink plays nicely with bold contrasting colours, but is equally happy amid other neutrals. In country bathrooms, dusky, vintage pinks feel particularly at home – try Farrow & Ball’s Setting Plaster or Pink Ground shades. Mix with fresh green accents, as Drummonds has done here, to keep a shared bathroom feeling fresh and gender neutral. ‘Botanical prints and leaf-inspired tiles pair beautifully with pale pink walls,’ says James Lentaigne, creative director at Drummonds.
bring nature inside
If you’re blessed with a garden that isn’t overlooked, leave your bathroom windows undressed and let the natural landscape form part of the interior decor. ‘We’re increasingly seeing people draw inspiration from nature and the outdoors to create a truly restful bathroom,’ says Ed Carey, managing director at Ashton & Bentley. ‘Natural textures, such as wood and slate, paired with a light, neutral colour palette will help to create a calm, refreshing environment, perfect for unwinding after a busy day,’ he says.
Look again at marble
Each year sees fresh tweaks on this longstanding linchpin of luxury bathrooms. We’re currently seeing creamier varieties of marble coming through, like this Calacatta Amber tile, which is threaded with gold and umber veining. ‘Its warm and elegant tones offer a softer alternative to the cool grey marbles that have been dominating in the past few years,’ says Louisa Morgan, marketing director at Mandarin Stone. ‘Give marble an extra modern twist by combining large tiles with slender ones in a herringbone format.’
BLUR THE lines
Faded shades mute the bold impact of modern patterns, making them altogether more liveable. ‘These handmade geometric tiles by Huguet Mallorca will resonate way beyond the current geometric trend. Their soft matte finish and subtle colours form the perfect background for contemporary matte black fittings,’ says Rachele Bowley, lead designer at Stuart Barr CDR. Choose floor tiles in natural stone tones and add a rustic wooden ladder to keep strong black brassware country-friendly.