Tactile materials create a spa mood in this bathroom
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HOW DARIA AND SAM DID IT
‘The bathroom was our first big project in this house. It’s quite a small room with no windows, and when we moved here it felt like a dark cave. The suite was worn, the tiles were dated and the basin and loo were cramped together because of an airing cupboard. It wasn’t a nice place to be.
Our vision was for a spa-type retreat. I wanted a green, tropical feel while Sam had a pared-back, Japanese vibe in mind. We found designer Alex Dauley via Instagram (@dauleydesign) and she did an amazing job of combining our ideas. The key elements are wood, stone and warm bronze.
It cost around £6,400 to have the airing cupboard taken out and the new bathroom fitted. The work took about three months, mainly because of Covidrelated delays and the tiling took longer than we’d expected, as the tiles are small. We absolutely love our new bathroom. It’s definitely one of the most comfortable and relaxing spots in the house.’
WHAT I’VE LEARNED
“I would definitely invest in an independent designer again. Alex’s creative input was invaluable. She sourced the right items at affordable prices, and guided us through issues such as electrical regulations”
‘THE BATHROOM HAS NO NATURAL LIGHT, SO LIGHTING WAS A BIG CONSIDERATION. THERE ARE DIMMERS TO ADJUST THE CEILING SPOTS, AND FLOOR-LEVEL LIGHTING GIVES A GENTLE, NIGHT-TIME GLOW.’ Hoxton wall tiles in Bottle
Green and White, £47.04sq m, Mandarin Stone. Idea Ceramic Vienna Almond floor tiles, £42sq m; RAK Metropolitan bath, £780, both All Tile Ceramics and Bathrooms. Contemporary bath shower screen, £580, Living House
WOOD FINISH
AN UNDERLIT, WALL-HUNG DESIGN MAKES THE SPACE FEEL BIGGER
‘THE WASHSTAND TOP
IS A COMPOSITE STONE LOOKALIKE, SO IT’S SPLASHPROOF AND PRACTICAL.’ Monza 250 wall lights, £152 each, Lighting Superstore. Alaria Round Walnut mirror, £70, La Redoute
ABOVE
A SIMPLE AND ELEGANT WAY TO ILLUMINATE THE VANITY UNIT
‘THIS WOODEN PARTITION IS ONE OF MY FAVOURITE DESIGN TOUCHES, BUT IT WASN’T UNTIL IT WAS IN PLACE THAT WE REALISED JUST HOW WELL IT WORKS. IT LOOKS COOL, ADDS CHARACTER AND SCREENS THE LOO AS WELL.’ Bespoke wooden screen, £300, Rob Godden. RAK Feeling loo, £350, All Tile Ceramics and Bathrooms. Similar storage, Wireworks Contemporary Oak Mezza caddy, £156, Lagoon WALL LIGHTS
RIGHT
‘THE DARK MARBLE BASIN MAKES A STRONG DESIGN STATEMENT – IT’S EXTREMELY HEAVY, SO THE WASHSTAND
HAD TO BE REINFORCED TO
TAKE THE WEIGHT.’
Exo Stri marble basin, £199, Tikamoon. Britton Shoreditch vanity unit with Minerva Concrete Haze top, £949; Abacus Colour Your Bathroom ISO basin mixer, £280, both All Tile Ceramics and Bathrooms