‘YOU CAN GO BOLD IN A BATHROOM’
One couple banished the beige in favour of an uplifting scheme with elements of vibrant colour to give them a cheery and bright new look
Tell us about the original bathroom
It was a large space but, despite that, it always felt cluttered and cramped, which was entirely down to the strange layout of the sanitaryware and furniture. There was a central washing island that cut the room in half, with two sinks on one side and a toilet on the other. For some reason, the mirrors on the island were positioned so low so that we had to stoop to use them, which was particularly difficult for James when he was shaving.
What else didn’t you like about the space?
The shower was tiny compared with the size of the room and it was stuck in a dark corner, which made it feel very claustrophobic, while the bath was boringly standard. There were two beautiful original windows, but they were fitted with frosted glass that restricted the natural light and made the room look dingy even on a sunny day. Considering how large the room was, I don’t think anyone could have come up with a worse layout if they’d tried.
How did you decide on the style of the new bathroom?
After three years of living with the original layout, I had a good idea of what I wanted, but needed a designer to come up with a workable plan. I was keen to make a feature of the two windows and to include a designer-style freestanding bath. It was really a matter of deciding where the furniture would go to maximise the space and improve the general flow.
Nadia Johnson, a student adviser, lives with husband James and sons Sam, nine, and George, five, in a period property in Barnes, south London. They wanted a layout that flowed and a statement scheme
Where did you start?
I visited Kallums Bathrooms, which is local to us, and the managing director Matthew Kallum spent time advising us and helping us come up with the perfect solution. The company project-managed the refurbishment and employed its own building team, although I felt very much involved in the decision-making process.
Describe the new layout of the space
Matthew relocated the shower to the other side of the room and gave it a wet room-style look, but with a glass shower screen to contain the water without restricting the light. He allocated an entire wall for the twin wash basin and vanity, along with two large units that gave us all the storage space we’d need to keep the bathroom organised and clutter-free.
Did you work to a budget?
We had about £30,000 to spend and I must admit we had to rein ourselves in to try to keep to it. The original plan was to buy a bath made from a stone composite material, but we changed our minds and opted for a much less expensive alternative. It still looks stunning, but that decision saved us thousands. Our biggest investment was in the taps and tiles, which is something I might not do again as there are great alternatives available for less money.
Were there any hiccups?
The work took about 10 weeks as there were delays when items for the bath and shower went missing and had to be reordered. The installation cost about £12,000.
How do you feel now it’s finished?
I love the sense of space and the feeling of brightness, which makes the room look so fresh. I’d advise anyone considering a new bathroom to go for colour and not to be too nervous. People are happy to use colour in every other area of the house and I think you should really go for it in a bathroom, as you don’t spend a lot of time in there. My favourite item is the painted bath, because yellow is such a happy, optimistic hue – and every time I walk in here now, I instantly feel happy and positive.