DREAM BATHROOM

Luxurious materials create a sophisticated en suite

DESIGNER Thomas Griem, director, TG Studio, 020 7636 3838, tg-studio.co.uk.

THE PROPERTY A five-storey, four-bedroom Victorian terraced home in west London.

DESIGN BRIEF The owners wanted to include a steam room, freestanding bath, double basins and abundant storage in this perfectly square space. The look was focused on traditional lines with a light palette that feels warm and inviting.

DIMENSIONS 4x4m.

LAYOUT

The view into the bathroom informed the layout. ‘We positioned the bespoke vanity opposite the entrance to create an impressive feature when viewed from the bedroom,’ explains designer Thomas Griem. To the right is a freestanding bath, with a steam room on the left. A large window around the corner draws attention past the enclosed steam shower towards the light. ‘We always try to position the toilet as discreetly as possible. Here, it sits in line with the vanity, where it doesn’t obstruct the window, nor can it be seen from the bedroom.’

SURFACES

In the pursuit of luxury, marble remains a firm go-to. ‘We went for beautiful Branco Venatto, which has light veining including hues of pink, yellow and grey, similar to the stone we used in the owners’ Majorcan home,’ says Thomas. Although the amount of marble appears extensive at first glance, panelling painted in similarly off-white tones helps balance the space. ‘The marble was actually used quite sparingly, predominantly on the horizontal surfaces. All of the remaining walls feature traditionally moulded panels, which serve to soften the hard stone and introduce a historic ambience.’

FITTINGS

The freestanding bath was chosen for its combination of modern construction and traditional design. Made from a hi-tech resin and mineral composite, it doesn’t present any of the weight issues of cast iron – an important consideration in older homes, especially when using lots of stone. The material also offers insulating benefits, keeping the bath water hotter for longer.

Inspired by grand, turn-of-thecentury hotel design, the 2.4m-wide vanity unit is a striking piece. Adding a 15cm-tall mitred front to the top gives the illusion of a single, solid slab. ‘We chose modern undermounted basins and wallmounted taps to keep the slab clear from interruptions,’ explains Thomas. The metal frame and open shelving serve to lighten the vanity at floor level, while further emphasising the chunkiness of the top.

STYLING

Solid stone may be the dominant material, but the addition of elegant panelling and a softly shaped bath keeps any hint of coldness at bay.

‘This is also an incredibly practical bathroom, with great volumes of storage above and below the vanity and plenty of counter space,’ says Thomas. ‘Two people can comfortably share the room without feeling cramped.’