Line of work
Emphasise a panelled space by echoing its straight edges in the furniture and fittings and sticking to an orderly, earthy palette. Porcelanosa’s Ras bath tub, made from Krion (similar to Corian), is crisp and precise but not harsh, thanks to the soft beige tone of the wall. Neutrals and sharp lines continue in the shelving, bath matt and stool, all in whites, taupes and browns.
Crash and burn
A working fire isn’t always practical in a bathroom used by the whole family, but don’t sacrifice original fireplaces. Tiling, wallpaper and even a fresh lick of paint can transform tired mantels and back panels, as can stacking logs inside, in place of a stove. Keep things relaxed with a cream roll-top and Prestigious Textiles’ Origin wallpaper. Stockists include Rejects.
Window to the soul
Period features are precious – restore them and take advantage of the character they inject into the room. The spheres in the elaborate ironwork of the balcony here are mirrored in the glass shower enclosure, while the shape of Castello’s Imperia bath, in a white matt finish, unites the contemporary interior with the traditional exterior. Stockists include Kenneth Anderson Designs.
Willing convert
This large, rough-around-the-edges warehouse is an unlikely setting for a bathroom sanctuary; introduce plush textures to make it comfortable. Teuco’s tactile, matt I Bordi tub in a new Lunar Grey shade is a welcome contrast to the scuffed concrete flooring, while shelves stuffed with a collection of books add colour.
Rule of three
For a minimalist bathroom, use no more than three hues, suggests Villeroy & Boch. Wall-mounted storage, such as the Memento in Bright Oak, unites the charcoal floor and tiling, and singles out the burgundy walls. Stockists include Richmonds Bathrooms.
Leading light
If a stretch of floor-to-ceiling windows is the greatest asset in the bathroom, capitalise on the bright, airy feel it gives with white walls and reflective surfaces. The Bathroom Company’s oversized modular Edition 11 Mirror cabinet bounces light and high shine around when coupled with the gloss vanity unit and Edition 11 silver brassware.
Pure and simple
A lesson in effortless bathroom design, William Wilson‘s laid-back look is the result of haphazardly placed mats, woven accents and crinkled blinds, while a bold black splashback draws attention to the Twyford All bath, a versatile, wide tub with easy access for children and a seat for parents.
Sunny delight
Citrus shades work well in the bathroom against the piercing white of basins, shower trays and baths. The Kartell by Laufen furniture and sanitaryware collection comes in a zingy Tangerine Orange. Mix the tall rectangular cabinet and transparent Max-Beam stool with the circular All Saints mirror to break up the solid, punchy shade.
Let off steam
Upgrade from an occasional tranquil soak in the tub to a full-on spa experience with Victor Paris’s compact Jacuzzi steam room, whose temperature controls can be tweaked to the exact degree. Using wooden details elsewhere will help make sense of its Nordic aesthetic.
