INSIDE STORY

THE PROPERTY A Victorian maisonette in London’s Kentish town. THE PROJECT redesigning a master en suite. THE DESIGNER/OWNER Melissa jenkinson at Heirloom Studio. BATHROOM SIZE 3.6x3.1m

DESIGN BRIEF Designer Melissa wanted to create something unexpected in her bathroom. ‘I grew up in the caribbean and love an eclectic look. Hence the oversized palm tree and display shelf for artwork and treasures,’ says Melissa. SURFACES ‘the blue-green terrazzo was my starting point,’ says Melissa. ‘At the time, it was mainly used in a commercial context but I liked the thought of using it in a domestic setting. Going dark elsewhere took courage. I worried people would think I’d gone mad, but the rest of the house has a lot of rich colour, so it works as part of a bigger picture.’

FURNITURE A half-wall hides the plumbing and enabled the vanity unit to be wall hung. the chunky tops are black terrazzo and the drawers are painted in Farrow & Ball’s railings.

FITTINGS Melissa was familiar with the Watermark collection through her work, and its Brooklyn range bridges contemporary and vintage. over time, the aged brass becomes patinated – which is perfect for adding character.

ACCESSORIES the mirror was made by a local metalworker. ‘It’s insanely heavy, but I wanted it to straddle both basins,’ says Melissa.

STYLE TAKEAWAY ‘I invested in luxurious brassware, but the flooring is standard porcelain and there’s an inexpensive radiator from Screwfix which I spray-painted. I believe in a mix of price points, as well as design.’