A small unused bedroom has been transformed into a stunning traditional bathroom with an unusual and theatrical scheme.
Tash Hazelton and her boyfriend Joe Neville bought their four-bedroom Victorian terrace in Reigate, Surrey as a long-term renovation project. The three-storey house had just a tiny shower room and WC on the first floor, so they sacrificed the smallest bedroom to create a bathroom.
YOU DECIDED TO LOSE A BEDROOM. THAT WAS A BIG DECISION
Yes, but we both felt that the house would benefit from it. With a lot of period properties, the kitchens and bathrooms can feel as though they’re an afterthought. Here there were four bedrooms but only one loo. Swapping a bedroom for a bathroom made the house feel more workable and balanced.
TELL US ABOUT THE MARBLE-EFFECT WALLS
I wanted something smooth and sleek. I’ve never really liked tiled walls with lots of grouting. On a recommendation, we employed local interior designer and fitter Jamie Goodman. Jamie suggested we go for Venetian plaster, a type of highly polished plaster he specialises in. It has a wonderful marble effect and is available in lots of colours. We eventually agreed on dark grey to add drama, and a high-gloss finish. It was applied in five coats, then sealed and waxed to protect it.
DESCRIBE THE OVERALL LOOK
French, chic and a little decadent. I wanted it to appeal to both sexes, feel sumptuous and be a pleasure to be in, but on a practical level be easy to look after. The bateau bath is a classic shape but with softly rounded curves to echo the console basin I found in Fired Earth. I thought that anything too ornate would fight with the marble-effect walls.
ARE YOU PLEASED WITH THE RESULTS?
Any initial doubts soon disappeared when we saw the scheme coming together. It feels as though it’s always been a bathroom and visitors are surprised to find out it was once a bedroom. The room has just the right mix of luxury and functionality. I love the marbled walls and I’m now thinking of having a paler, more natural version in our kitchen.
WHAT IT COST
- Sanitaryware….. £2,420
- Brassware….. £630
- Walls….. £1,400
- Floor….. £570
- Towel radiator….. £240
- Shutters….. £1,160
- TOTAL….. £6,420
[Source:- HB]
