HOUSE BEAUTIFUL SAYS...
‘A made-to-measure vanity unit fits the space exactly, giving a streamlined look and masses of storage, while soft
colours bring a sophisticated edge to the room.’
Why did you decide to create a bigger bathroom?
Our ensuite was small and an odd shape. Fortunately, there was a shower room right next to it so it seemed a worthwhile solution was to knock the two rooms into one. This would create the bright, spacious bathroom we were after.
Who helped visualise the new room?
I’m very lucky that my sister, Hilary White, is an interior designer and has fantastic spatial awareness. Since conservation area regulations meant the windows in the ensuite and old shower room couldn’t be moved, Hilary used this as a starting point and came up with an innovative scheme. The walk-in shower is in front of the smaller window, now partially obscured with etched glass, while the bath is under the larger one.
What were your priorities?
We wanted a generously proportioned space that would feel really restful – somewhere to unwind after a busy day as Graham and I both have very frantic working lives. It also needed to be practical, with a large bath, walk-in shower and plenty of storage space. Graham loves colour, while I prefer neutrals, so Hilary’s compromise of a chalky palette with blue accents really appealed to both of us. Her 3D plan was incredibly helpful, while her ability to source good quality products within our budget definitely saved us from making expensive mistakes.
Who did the work and how long did it take?
The bathroom took about four weeks as part of an overall nine-month house renovation, and our architect recommended the builders. The rooms were gutted, the wall removed and a steel beam inserted before the bathroom was replumbed, rewired for the LED lights, replastered and fitted out. I was nervous about having a wet room since I’d heard stories about leaks so, instead, I went for a flush-to-floor shower tray, which I feel is more practical but still stylish. Keen to have plenty of good storage, we came up with the design for the bespoke doublebasin vanity unit, which keeps everything neatly out of the way.
Being without a bathroom must have been difficult…
Thankfully, we were renting a property elsewhere at the time.
Is there anything you’d change?
Not a single thing! Hilary’s choice of colour and the detail pulls everything together beautifully. Her practical suggestions of choosing off-white grout rather than pure white for the shower area was very sensible. We now have a bathroom that’s bright, even on dull days. In the evenings when the lights are dimmed it becomes a relaxing, peaceful sanctuary.
Now that it’s all done, what’s your verdict?
I was keen to steer clear of a boutique hotel-style bathroom and feel that we’ve created an elegant, calm ensuite with an excellent configuration that works well for both of us.