THE BATHROOM EXPERT

How our spaces should look and feel, according to designer Martin Brudnizki

Q How would you describe what a modern bathroom should be?

The bathroom has fast become more than just a room where we wash, but an extension of our living area, a place we can relax in and enjoy, evolving very much like the kitchen did years ago. As such, it’s important to consider how this room functions around your life – try placing the vanity unit, a comfortable armchair and a large bath in one area, while creating a more private space for the shower and loo.

Q How should a bathroom feel?

It’s the most private space in the home, so it needs to connect with the user, but then having too many personal belongings can seem odd in a bathroom. You need to feel comfortable, but also clean and protected. As well as seating, plants and artwork all contribute to creating a homely feel without over cluttering.

Q When creating a bathroom, what factors should you consider?

Maximise the view from the window. There’s nothing better than sitting in the tub and looking out across a vista. It’s important to design a space that is easy to maintain, as it’s used every day, and storage is vital – try to incorporate accessible yet concealed places for toiletries.

Q What’s your favourite bathroom material?

Marble is a must. It’s wonderfully serene while also having a monumental feel – use it for vanity units.

Q How would you work with marble in the bathroom?

People are turning to the past more and more, and when you look at Roman baths or Renaissance palazzos, the marble or terrazzo was always coloured and chunky. Modernise it by contrasting coloured stone with simple white walls.

Q What role does colour play in a stylish bathroom?

Colour can be nice, but the overarching theme must be light and fresh. It’s important to use pale tones and shades; I’m thinking Brimstone, Bleu Turc, Olympian Green, Lavender or Rose by Edward Bulmer. If full colour feels scary, then borders in an interesting tile create a good accent.

Q How do you deal with lighting in the bathroom?

It is extreme – either very bright so you can see your face properly in the morning, or low and moody for those candlelit baths. Avoid centred recessed downlights as they’re too harsh; use pendants or walls lights and ensure you have a dimmer in an easy-to-reach place.

Q Which are your most talked-about projects?

Probably spaces at Annabel’s club in London – in the ladies’ Powder Room we covered the ceiling in silk flowers. In The Mews House there we used floor-to-ceiling jungle-patterned mosaic, complete with a crocodile-shaped double basin in green onyx.

Q What’s your own bathroom like?

Actually very simple – white marble tiles with contrasting hexagon and subway-style shapes. I use Euromarble for natural stones, which has access to the best quarries in Europe, and Balineum for tiles.

Q What are your go-to bathroom brands?

Drummonds is a wonderful company, and great for modern versions of the classic British bathroom look. I’ve designed pieces for them and use them in all of my projects.

“I HAVE ALWAYS LOVED COLOURED MARBLES AND TERRAZZO, AND I’VE BEEN

SEEING A LOT MORE OF THEM LATELY”