‘A BOLD COLOUR SCHEME TRANSFORMED OUR BATHROOM’ Two rooms become one in this smart space
Turning two rooms into one created more space
What was your old bathroom like? There were some ‘interesting’ colour choices! And it had been designed for an elderly person, complete with a swing seat to lower them into the bath. The basin was below the window, meaning we couldn’t have a mirror, and the wall dividing it from the loo took up space that we were able to use more efficiently by knocking through.
Why did you start with the bathroom?
With our young daughter, Eva, it was important to have a clean, functioning bathroom as soon as possible. However, we had to be careful not to spend too much money on it because we plan to do more renovations further down the line, including creating a large extension, at which point the bathroom will need to be removed.
Tell us about the decor
Because I knew the bathroom was temporary, the decision-making was quick and easy. I chose the paint colour first. I have a passion for Farrow & Ball colours, and settled on Studio Green. The wall tiles are Metro Sage from Tile Giant, and the floor tiles are Palau Grafito from Target Tiles.
What were your priorities?
I wanted to create a family bathroom that would grow with Eva. A towel rail close to the bath was also essential, and the tiles behind the toilet and basin are a nice feature.
How long did it take?
Just over a couple of weeks. We bought the whole suite as ex-display, and my husband’s company, Swann Bathrooms, carried out the work. The bath was longer than average, so Darren had to chase the wall out to make it fit.
And what was your best decision?
Using a dramatic paint colour – it adds character and interest without costing a fortune. Plus the paint we chose is an easy-to-clean formula, so any condensation on the walls can be wiped away without leaving marks.
OUR SOURCEBOOK Studio Green modern emulsion, £53/2.5L, Farrow & Ball farrow-ball.com Metro tiles, £25/sq m, Tile Giant tilegiant.co.uk Palau Grafito floor tiles, £25.50/sq m, Target Tiles targettiles.co.uk Ideal Standard bath, £283; shower screen, £155; Vitra basin, £50; Aqualisa shower, £779; mirror, £82; all City Plumbing cityplumbing.co.uk Fitting Swann Bathrooms 0773 425 3195