Annemarie Goodchild took the opportunity to knock through two rooms, transforming the new space with a statement wall-to-floor tiling scheme
Feature JO MESSENGER Photography DAVID GILES
MONOCHROME REFURB
WHAT WAS WRONG WITH THE OLD BATHROOM?
When we moved in, the family bathroom on the first floor was a decent size, and even though it had its own toilet, was next door to a separate one that was small and rarely used. It also felt old fashioned and a bit frumpy.
DID YOU HAVE ANY IDEAS FOR THE NEW DESIGN?
I decided to knock the two rooms into one, and had a specific look in mind – using tiles that had the appearance of being fluid, like water running across the floor. I knew that having a bigger room would give me the scope to try something a bit more daring, and a black-and-white scheme is smart and simple. I also wanted to mix it up with some industrial styling.
WHAT WAS THE BIGGEST CHALLENGE YOU FACED?
Trying to work out the pattern formation with the tiler, as it was hard to explain exactly what I wanted to achieve. Luckily, he was extremely creative and could see the ‘art’ of it. Between us we planned the design, starting in one corner and working out from there – and it’s just as I imagined it.
HOW DID YOU MAKE YOUR BUDGET WORK FOR YOU?
I didn’t have an exact figure in mind but didn’t want to go over £10,000 in total. I spent a considerable time shopping around for the best prices and got most things from Victoriaplum.com. The beautiful bath, for example, was less than £400, and the wall lights were another bargain on Amazon. I did have to order some extra tiles, however, as even though I had estimated the standard additional 10% to factor in wastage, the tiler needed at least 25% more to allow for cutting due to their shape.
TELL US THE STORY BEHIND YOUR VANITY UNIT...
It’s actually a butcher’s block that I’ve had since my early twenties, which I’ve always used as a small cupboard. It was a good height – which is important with a vanity unit – and my plumber was able to sit a basin on the top and hide all the pipework inside. I just oil it now and again to help repel water, but I like it looking a little old and distressed – it’s part of its appeal.
HOW DO YOU FEEL NOW THE PROJECT IS ALL FINISHED?
I love it all, especially the roomy new walk-in shower and Crittall-style enclosure. Knocking through to the separate loo gave me the space I neede
