Refusing to compromise when it came to the design, Helen Freed has created a modern space packed with savvy ideas
Feature & styling MAXINE BRADY Photography COLIN POOLE
DESIGNER-LOOK RENOVATION
TELL US ABOUT YOUR ORIGINAL BATHROOM
Moving from London to Bristol, we found a lovely new family home, but it was a 1960s time warp and needed a complete renovation. The main bathroom – complete with carpet and old-fashioned tiles – was dated and hadn’t been decorated for years.
WHAT WERE YOUR BIG IDEAS FOR THE ROOM?
My initial plan was to salvage some original features as a homage to the era. I tried to repurpose a pink bathroom suite from another bathroom, but sadly it was beyond repair. Going back to the drawing board, my inspiration came from the hexagonal tiles I spotted in a tile showroom; I love monochrome spaces and these tiles fitted perfectly with my revised ideas.
HOW DID THE DESIGN START TO EVOLVE?
The builders moved a wall a foot to the left, stealing space from the main bedroom to create a larger bathroom, and installed a small step to hide the pipework and drainage for a walk-in shower. It then became obvious where everything else should be positioned in terms of the layout – with the bath and shower in the raised area at the rear, and double basins and the toilet towards the front.
WAS IT DIFFICULT TO STICK TO THE BUDGET?
We had a whole house to renovate at once, so we had to look for ways to get the style we wanted but within our means. It was Charles’ idea to paint the walls navy to save on tiling costs, and it means we can change the colours in here if we want later on. We were willing to spend a bit more money on the bathroom fixtures and fittings, though, so it would stand the test of time. The first quote we received from a designer bathroom company was astronomical, so our builders put us in touch with a local firm who were able to supply the same products, but for much less.
HOW DID YOU ARRIVE AT THE FINAL LOOK?
I like clean, sharp edges so I wanted a square-shaped bath. I saw my dream tub, but it was out of my budget, so I shopped around for an affordable alternative. I love blue, and this colour runs through the whole house. I found the peppermint-coloured vanity unit to tie in with the walls but in a fresher, lighter tone. Not only does it look good, but with two basins it’s also very practical
