Polished up well
Glossy marble lends an ethereal feel to this lofty en suite with fitted storage and luxury bathing
CAN YOU DESCRIBE THE PROJECT?
This is a guest en suite in a five-bedroom period property in London. Like many older homes, the number of bathrooms didn’t meet modern needs, so a top-storey bedroom was sacrificed to create space.
HOW DID YOU APPROACH THE BRIEF?
The clients wanted a freestanding bath and walk-in shower, with the end goal being a light and airy space imbued with timeless elegance. To this end, the choice of materials was key. Carrara marble with a polished finish brightens the walls, adding subtle pattern, while plain Thassos marble floor tiles serve to make the room feel bigger.
WHAT WERE YOUR HIGHS AND LOWS?
On the positive side, an original sash window brings in plenty of light and the 15.65sq m footprint gave us enough scope to create a comfortable layout. The only real challenge were the walls, as not one of them was straight. We worked it in our favour by using bespoke joinery to create a display feature in an awkward alcove, which has proved the perfect solution for showing off bathroom accessories such as scented candles and decorative objects.
CAN YOU TELL US ABOUT THE VANITY UNIT?
Savvy storage is essential for a clutter-free bathroom. We designed the vanity to incorporate both open and closed storage, so guests can easily lay their hands on fresh towels, but also have the option of hiding away toiletries. It’s painted in a warm, neutral shade to compliment the other finishes. The top is Corian, which provides an easy-clean, seamless design and a contrast to the marble.
IS IT A WET ROOM?
The bathroom has the open feel of a wet room, but we used a stud wall to contain the shower spray and installed a hidden shower tray, which is tiled over the top to create a neat finish. Useful storage at an accessible height is important in a shower, so we designed a recessed niche to keep clutter at bay.
WHAT IS THE KEY TO THE SCHEME’S SUCCESS?
Good lighting is essential to any successful bathroom. The lighting either side of and above the mirror prevents shadows on the face, which is both flattering and practical, while the bespoke shelving is also lit with warm LEDS that can be used independently of the main lighting. The room is also fitted with underfloor heating, which means the stone never feels cold.