‘I OPTED FOR A BOHEMIAN VIBE WITH LOTS OF COLOUR AND DRAMA’ A two-storey extension has provided room for the luxurious bathroom one couple dreamed of
A two-storey extension provided space for the luxurious bathroom one couple dreamed of
Keeley Wilson, a hair and make-up artist, husband Alan McKenna, a screenwriter and actor, and their children, Archie 11 and Violet seven, live in a three-bedroom 1930s semi in south west London. A two-storey extension created space for a new bathroom
What was wrong with your existing bathroom?
It was on the other side of the house and had always felt cramped, with the bath and a large basin corner unit taking up a lot of space. When we decided to go ahead with the two-storey extension, I saw an opportunity to move the bathroom and create the space
I’d always wanted.
How did you decide where to move the bathroom to?
There was a logic to putting it at the front of the house, next to the main bedroom. We could have used the area for a guest space, but I loved the idea of having a big, luxurious bathroom. As part of the extension, we’d factored in a shower room downstairs, which the kids love, so I felt this was my chance to indulge.
Were you able to get the design you wanted?
Yes! I liked the idea of having two windows, one on each wall, but after that we were left with just a plastered space so it really was up to us. I opted to position the bath under the window and central, like a stage set, and there was an old cupboard I’d decided to have replumbed into a vanity unit. There was plenty of room for a large walk-in shower, but I wanted the bath to be the first thing you saw.
Was there a specific look you were going for?
We were after a bohemian vibe with lots of colour and drama that no one else would have, so not something you could just pick out of a catalogue and plonk in the room. I wanted a boutique hotel feel. What was on your wish list?
Apart from a rolltop statement bath, I was keen to have two basins, to cut down on the morning rush. Plus a large, powerful walk-in shower and a toilet that was flush against the wall, with no irritating gaps behind to clean.
Were there any bargain buys or finds?
The vanity unit was a freebie given away a couple of years ago by neighbours – it was left outside with a ‘please take me’ note on it, so we did! I painted it the same colour as the walls, distressed it and added new door knobs.
You opted for quite a dramatic colour scheme…
Yes, I wanted a statement wallpaper to go behind the bath and was set on something botanical, with blues and greens as a base
– I was hoping for a touch of gold too. I colour matched the navy blue background with Little Greene’s Dock Blue paint.
Were you worried about using so much dark blue?
Not really as I knew the space could take it. It would have felt oppressive in a smaller bathroom, but I was confident it would work in a room of this size. When it came to the tiles for the shower, I went for a mossy green to echo the leaves in the wallpaper and bring an element of the outside in.
Where did the fireplace come in?
The wall next to the toilet was looking a bit bare and, after considering various artwork or a mirror to fill the space, I suddenly remembered we had a fireplace in the cupboard under the stairs. We’d stripped it out years before and were waiting for the right place – this was it.
...and the plants around it?
A visit to the Bingham Riverhouse hotel in Richmond was my inspiration. They’d decorated a fireplace with large pieces of foliage that I knew would suit my scheme. It would be too time-consuming to have fresh flowers, but I found some amazing artificial blooms at Dunelm. It looks incredible, and I don’t have to change them regularly.
Your finishing touches?
Some matching towels and a nice big radiator to keep them warm.