3 THE CLASSIC BATHROOM

Swedish-born interior designer Martin Brudnizki splits his time between studios in London and New York. Specialising in restaurants, bars, hotels and private clubs, he has created iconic interiors around the world including at The Ivy, Sexy Fish and Annab

I’m a morning person and tend to rise at around 5.30am.

I always start with an espresso before going to the gym. Doing exercise in the morning helps me get into the right frame of mind for the rest of the day. Once back and showered, I’ll spend an hour answering emails before heading to my studio for around 8.30am.

I had to be quite savvy when designing my bathroom as it’s such a small space.

Storage was a key factor, and recessed shelves in the shower are perfect for holding bottles and accessories. I incorporated a freestanding double vanity unit, but with just one basin so there’s a huge expanse of marble for placing lotions and potions. It sits on a frame, which creates the illusion of space, then I have large baskets for towels to make use of the area underneath.

I love marble and incorporate it into every interior I design.

In my bathroom, I covered every inch in two tones of grey marble tiles. The walls and bath are clad in rectangles, whereas on the floor I created a break with a honeycomb pattern. I like how a simple material in an understated shade can have such a striking effect. It’s like being cocooned in a cave and feels very serene.

It was important for me to create a space that felt private and calming, and soft lighting and a minimal palette of materials helped to achieve this.

The bespoke pendant light fills the room with a warm glow, and wall lights either side of the mirror illuminate your reflection. This is the only space in my home that doesn’t have artwork or pops of colour, but the simplicity works.

I’ve been working on the Drummonds by And Objects (Martin’s product design studio, which he co-founded with long-term friend Nicholas Jeanes) collaboration for a number of years now.

We’ve been steadily adding to the bathroom collection that includes two bathtubs, a vanity unit, mirror, lighting and taps. Pieces take inspiration from the classical design style Drummonds is so well known for, but we’ve given them a uniquely And Objects twist by incorporating ergonomic lines and sleek metal finishes. The new ‘Bestwood’ collection of taps and mixers is quirky yet elegant, and was inspired by traditional joinery and plumbing.

I believe we’re spending more time in our bathrooms, so they need to function as additional living spaces.

This means including personal touches, such as seating and plants, that give a room life. Practical accessories such as baskets add personality without making a bathroom feel cluttered. I like to decant liquid soap into brass soap dispensers and display skincare on a brass tray. One thing a bathroom should always have is a mirror. Not just for obvious reasons, but because it’s a great way to increase light and create the illusion of a bigger space. My advice when designing a bathroom would be to ensure your layout makes sense from the start. Work out where each item should be and check that the space flows – an ill-thought-out bathroom doesn’t make for a relaxing experience. At this stage, also think about whether hooks are in the right place, so you can grab a towel comfortably when you get out of the shower. It’s the little things that make your daily life easier. mbds.com