BATHROOM DESIGN
Inspirational ideas for creating a stylish and eye-catching focal point in your bathroom
INTRODUCING DEPTH
Interior designer Thomson Carpenter added personality to this room by teaming arich brass vanity with tongueand-groove wall panelling. ‘Panelling is always practical in abathroom, protecting the wall from water splashes. It works particularly well in country and period homes, introducing depth and character,’ he says. Here, the deepening effect is boosted by the choice of arich winered colour for the panelling and entrance door, used to set off the classic single washbasin from Drummonds. Layering in other elements, including Wild Tulip wallpaper from Soane Britain and reclaimed terracotta floor tiles from Bert & May, enhances the sense of texture.
SETTING THE SCENE
To enhance the role of the washbasin as akey feature of any bathroom design, consider the lighting to set it off to perfection. ‘Bathrooms are now as much about relaxation as they are about practical tasks,’ advises Charlie Bowles, director, Original BTC. ‘You need shadow-free task lighting for shaving and applying make-up, and ambient lighting for when you want to enjoy asoak in the bath.’ Wall lights on both sides of amirror above abasin can provide good task lighting, casting an even light across the face. Look for light fittings in keeping with your design, such as these 1930s-style wall lights paired with avintage chest of drawers, upcycled with amarble countertop.
CREATING A FOCAL POINT
Decorative wallpaper and fabrics can accentuate the role of the basin as afocal point in your bathroom, drawing the eye and adding interest to the space. ‘People often shy away from wallpaper in compact rooms, because they fear it will make the room look smaller, but it’s the opposite – so have fun and indulge in bold pattern,’ says Lee Clarke, owner of Warner House. ‘A good-quality wallpaper is fine in abathroom, as long as the room is well ventilated with a window or extractor fan. And avoid areas likely to get wet, such as around the bath.’ Protect the wall behind the basin with asplashback. Acoat of matt vanish can be applied to the wallpaper for extra protection, although not essential. ➛
ON THE COUNTER
Countertop basins come in all sorts of shapes, sizes, styles and colours, designed to add alittle decorative flair to any bathroom. In compact sizes, they also work particularly well as hand-rinse basins in cloakroom settings. But don’t forget the practicalities, urges Jonathan Stanley from Caesarstone. ‘Al
