Ideas for an outdated small downstairs WC

8 years ago

We're finally getting round to sorting out the small downstairs toilet. Our plans so far are to put 4 halogen lights in the ceiling and get rid of the wall light above the sink, put a new floor down (suggestions please?!) and install a new sink. We also need coat hanging storage (5 or 6 hooks) which we plan to put on the left long wall above the radiator (which is hiding behind those boards currently). We're thinking of painting the walls in Farrow & Ball Ammonite.
Welcome to any suggestions! Sorry that the photos aren't great, it's a small room.

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PRO

Amber Jeavons Ltd

8 years ago

Hi Sophie, You're welcome! I love thinking of solutions for even the most tricky things.. I'm also a procurement specialist so I create a luxurious look which isn't heavy on the pocket! ... I forgot you mentioned there is a radiator.. You can easily remove that to tile then put it back.. With the boxing in once it is neat you can easily tile again- I meant the bottom piping boxing in really... I think the top is fine and doesn't really encroach too much onto the window.. .. My tile suggestion is for only half way up so could easily be done and wouldn't matter if it is not 1 flat wall... Also that shelf you have going on there behind the loo can be tiled and will look more like a shelf... You could have some lovely Aesop bottles and some reed sticks... Actually Aesop have something fantastic called Post poo drops! Always makes me laugh... : ))

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Comments (8)

PRO
Amber Jeavons Ltd
8 years ago
last modified: 8 years ago
Hello Sophie!

The photo's are fine! Firstly are you going to change the loo as well as the sink? If not no matter otherwise I'd suggest a floating style as I fondly call them. What you need to do is box what needs to be hidden so its neat and tidy first. I actually like the light above the sink, I'd suggest keeping that.. I think you could find a more attractive mirror to sit underneath. You could make a feature by installing a lovely glass ceiling light that would compliment the sink light. With regards to a sink you could have a floating sink and therefore free some of the floor space. This also make for easier floor laying! Though there may be some hidden plumbing to consider. With flooring in mind I would recommend something like a rubber floor by Noraplan or Dalsouple. Very practical and stylish and not so expensive in a small area such as a loo. The thing is you want something decent that will retain it's looks and last! Keep a plain colour for such a small square footage.. They have a whole selection of colours to choose from and I'd find something that will compliment the colour you're having on the walls or a slightly darker version of. With the tiles behind the sink... You could either do something similar with a different tile or why not choose a rectangular shape-

They are known as subway tiles and they are very in (For kitchens too).. especially in white! You could even tile half way up the wall to waist height all the way around and then have a stripe tile going round in a colour to accent the flooring/ wall colour, with 1 row of white tiles before the painted top half. Quite nice to break up the theme and offer a bit of texture. Hooks I'd suggest some nice chrome individual ones... These can be fitted to the wall easily... You can get some nice double hooks with a glass detail which would accent the lighting... Graham and Green I think from memory... The clear glass one, but they have a whole colour range.

I also like your taps.. These would equally go well with the tiles and the light fittings I'm suggesting.. I have included a light here that would work with your sink light and the taps and rectangular tiles I recommended. Also a few images to give you a visual of where I'm going with the look... Lastly a little mirror but there are many french style ones that fold and have a little shelf to sit things into them. You could incorporate some nice towel rails etc.. I would also paint the window frame to make it pop. Then all you need are a few lovely things from Aesop and you're all set! : ))
PRO
Amber Jeavons Ltd
8 years ago
Hi Sophie,

I forgot to mention... You can get coloured grout to add to the look... You can be as subtle or as bold with it as you like.. See the images... One with plain white and the other two have coloured grout... They are both good but I veer towards the coloured.. : ))
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Sophie Bridge
Original Author
8 years ago
Thank you so much for your detailed ideas! We've been umming and arring about the toilet - we're either going to do a complete renovation (which we can't really afford) or just a few touches to make a difference. We love floating sinks, it's definitely the style we'd go for, but as mentioned we'd have trouble trying to hide the piping. The mirror is definitely going! The piping has been boxed in around the perimeter by the previous owners, but has fallen apart so we need to get a carpenter in to fix it, but because of this I'm not sure how tiling would look all the way around the bottom half. It's such a shame where the previous owners placed the boiler - it's such an eyesore and if we box it in it'll block the window. Tricky!
PRO
Akiva Projects Ltd
8 years ago
Dear Sophie,

It is a small room but with a bit of creativity and imagination it can be turned to a dream Cloak Room!

Firstly I would always suggest people to think of their favourite style in terms of design. Are you more of a fan of Traditional Style or you prefer something Contemporary, perhaps a mix of more styles?

I collected some images for you to take a look at, these are also small rooms but nice ones.

If I was you, I would consider changing the mirror or keeping the one you have as that makes the space look larger. The floor tiles don't look nice and preferably I would go for mosaic tiles or something that is more detailed perhaps wooden floor. The tiles you have now it doesn't really suit the space as it's large scale.

You could consider tiling the walls to, but it's really down to you how would you like to decorate it.

I would suggest you get a smaller sink or even a rectangular one as it saves some space. Spot lights are good idea, as you will have the entire space lightened up.

Good luck with your Project!

StJames Design Interiors
Sophie Bridge thanked Akiva Projects Ltd
Sophie Bridge
Original Author
8 years ago
Hi St James, thanks so much for your response! I think we're looking for a mix of traditional and contemporary - we like modern appliances but we love to highlight the traditional areas of the house such as cornicing (not that this room has any!), skirting boards, window frames, etc.

The floor is actually a horrible lino! The hallway has a mid-tone/medium oak floor, so we don't know if we should try to match it or go for something completely different.
PRO
Akiva Projects Ltd
8 years ago
Hi Sophie,

At my parents house at some places they matched the laminated floor at the other spaces not and actually both looks good!

It is always a good idea to keep traditional elements, I would probably do the same. That oak floor would look nice in your Cloak Room, also some grey or even white!

StJames Design Interiors
Sophie Bridge thanked Akiva Projects Ltd
maradadidesignandstyling
8 years ago
In the smallest room in the house you can actually go a bit mad . . . go for a quirky theme or a look or some colours you aren't brave enough to do in other parts of the house ? Paint the ceiling in a full-on gloss paint - my loo has hot orange which positively glows all round the room with a proper (small 3 bulb) French chandelier (eBay)! Or cobalt blue gloss (Dulux "Atlantic Adventure") or turquoise or lime to go with a childhood seaside theme? Add a dado rail at windowsill height to change the proportions of the room. You might box in the loo and the entire wall around the window - to disguise the boiler and create a wall of bookshelves . . .