‘We bought most of our bathroom on eBay’
With a whole house to renovate, Emma Scott looked to online sales to achieve the contemporary bathroom she wanted within her budget
Emma Scott turned to the online auction site to equip her contemporary bathroom
After renting in the Newcastle suburb of Jesmond as PhD students, Emma Scott and Jack Leslie were keen to buy a three-bedroom house with a garden when they started work. ‘We saw a Newcastle couple on Kirstie and Phil’s Love It or List It and Phil suggested Whitley Bay,’ says Emma. ‘That planted the idea of moving to the coast.’ They found a three-bedroom 1930s semi in Cullercoats, but the bathroom needed a big overhaul. ‘When we pulled up the bathroom carpet, there were mouldy tiles beneath,’ she says. ‘There were two layers of everything – vinyl panels, tiles, wallpaper – and a corner bath. Living with it for 18 months was a bit of a nightmare, but we replaced the shower and put down wood-effect lino in the meantime.’
THE PROJECT
Most of Emma’s inspiration came from Instagram. ‘I was constantly searching for matte black taps and grey tiles, which
became the starting point,’ she says. ‘Jack was desperate for a walk-in shower without a tray, so it didn’t feel too boxed in, and I was keen on a free-standing bath.’ At first, the pair considered putting the shower where the toilet is. ‘I’m glad we didn’t, as I don’t think I would’ve liked showering in front of the little window,’ Emma says. ‘Keeping everything in the same position worked out much cheaper and buying most of the sanitaryware from eBay shops halved the cost.’
WHAT WE DID
Although it was a bit of a squeeze trying to fit in a free-standing bath, Jack found a compact 1,500mm design that worked. ‘He picked it because it was really deep and the overflow was quite high up,’ says Emma. ‘So even though it’s a short length, you can still be submerged in water with your knees bent.’ With wooden vanity units costing around £500 and little money left in the pot, Emma had to get creative. ‘I found a chest of drawers for £90 in the Argos sale and our plumber
fitted the basin,’ she says. ‘He also installed a wet room shower tray with a waterproof membrane on the floor and walls, and moved the loft hatch to the landing.’
HIGHS & LOWS
The tiling was a challenge, as the couple did it all themselves to save money. ‘We chose mosaic tiles on sheets to make it a bit easier, but only gave ourselves a weekend to do it,’ says Emma. ‘Having never tiled before, it was a bit ambitious! We were starting at 6am and finishing at 2am with no electricity during the re-wire.’ After living with their new bathroom for a year, the only thing they regret is the flooring. ‘A white floor with a black dog is not a great idea,’ says Emma. ‘Jack would love to change the floor next year.’
THE FINAL DETAILS
Once everything was in place, the pair decided on a wall colour. ‘We considered a light grey, but I thought it would be quite cold,’ says Emma. ‘Eventually, I found a warm peachy pink with grey tones that matched the tiles better. Everyone who visits loves it as it’s a bit different.’ With a kitchen extension currently underway, Emma and Jack have no regrets about moving to Cullercoats. ‘It’s the best decision we made,’ says Emma. ‘I love going for a walk by the sea and then having a long soak in the bath with some candles.’