Bathing beauties

Opt for sleek and streamlined or perfectly patterned for bathtime bliss

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SIMPLE RUSTIC

Less is definitely more in this pared-back loft bathroom. Reclaimed floorboards contrast with the smooth white finish of the tub and the pure white painted walls. All that’s needed to bring a cosy feel is a stack of fluffy towels.

GET THE LOOK

To retain a bit more floor space, go for a contemporary curved bath such as the Normandie, £1,400, Fired Earth. Look for an original reconditioned copper or brass tap on eBay – nothing new will compare with a genuinely aged product. Reclaimed floorboards aren’t always cheaper and do often require sanding and finishing but they add a unique character. Try Lassco for a wide selection.

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BATHROOM NOIR

Linear black tiles are the main feature of this bathroom, where the shower enclosure is the full footprint of a bath. The tiles look great against the crisp white walls and the warmer neutral stone on the floor and inset shelf. A towel in a neutral shade and the natural fibres of the wicker linen basket help to soften the look.

GET THE LOOK

Large-format tiles create a sense of space – Topps Tiles has a good selection. If you don’t want a total blackout, take a look at its Sandwaves Charcoal porcelain tiles, £50 a sq metre, and use white grout to create contrast lines. Matki has a wide range of beautiful, bespoke frameless enclosures, such as its luxurious and stylish Eauzone Plus collection.

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MOROCCAN DREAM

Rough, white-painted walls, hammam-style towels and a woven rush bathmat give a holiday feel.

GET THE LOOK

Go for a wall colour with a soft undertone, such as Fired Earth’s Bianco, £39.50 for 2.5L. Use Hammam towels to add zing – look at Bohemia’s Bondi range, £36.

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ABUNDANCE OF BLOOMS

Large-scale floral fabric brings wow factor to the windows, while the goldware is a luxe metallic touch.

GET THE LOOK

Seraphina Delft, £85 a metre, Designers Guild is a lovely floral. Try Carrera marble tiles, £17.17 each, Topps Tiles, to box in a bath. Shower hoop, from £600, Catchpole & Rye.

43

BIRD CALL

Teal and turquoise tones create a sense of calm, while wire stools add contemporary pattern.

GET THE LOOK

Vanessa Arbuthnott’s Bird Hop, £49.50 a metre, is ideal for blinds. Flooring is Neisha Crosland’s Parquet vinyl tiles, £42.95 a sq metre from Harvey Maria.

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REAL-LIFE RENOVATION

ORIGINAL FEATURES

‘Our property had been a doctor’s surgery for many years and was dilapidated when we bought it. It had many original features, but most rooms were in a state of disrepair. To help fund the restoration work, we sectioned off part of the house to sell as a flat, but have managed to retain the original character in most rooms, including the bathroom. It’s taken two years, but we’re delighted to have been able to breathe life back into the property and create a family home.’

Angus Cowie from Edinburgh was shortlisted in our most recent Renovation of the Year Awards