Master Bath
Pop out the ceiling If you have the opportunity to install a roof light (you can just see a glimpse of the one in this room), then this could be the answer to your natural lighting issues. A wonderful overhead window fitted in the ceiling will flood your bathroom with light all day long and will also visually lift the ceiling, making the room appear more spacious. Why not have a little fun by creating a fake window like the owner of this bathroom has done. You could even change the view depending on the mood you want to capture… think relaxing beach scenes or soothing country hills.
Highlight with gold OK, a freestanding, marble-clad bath might not be an option for many of us, but there are lots of design ideas to take from this lovely space. The amount of marble used is actually quite small – it would be a fairly simple job to clad an existing boxed-in bath in marble, or marble-effect porcelain tiles. The grey painted wood panelling provides a smart foil for the marble, while the brass (copper would work just as well) fittings add a warm, elegant touch and provide a stylish alternative to the more standard chrome.
Go large If you have the space, there’s something wonderfully luxurious about a floor-standing mirror. Choose one with feet, like this, or one that you can (safely) lean against a wall. Antique designs will cost you a pretty penny, so be prepared to invest. Alternatively, there are often high-street shops selling new, reproduction designs with ornate gold frames. In the right context – a classy one – these have the potential to give real rococo glamour to your bathroom.
Try before you buy Always choose branded products as opposed to cheaper imports: this will ensure quality performance and dependable after-sales service. ‘There is no substitute for an up close and personal inspection,’ stresses Jayne. ‘For enclosures and screens, doors should feel solid, not wobble, and close tightly to prevent water escaping. Sliding doors should have a smooth, pleasing action and handles should feel sturdy and easy to grip. You can’t get this experience from looking at a brochure or a website.’
Make it easy to clean Untreated glass can suffer staining from hard-water deposits, which are difficult to remove even with regular cleaning. To keep your shower enclosure sparkling for longer, many manufacturers offer a protective coating as standard – so make sure you check. ‘This is an effective, invisible coating that acts as a lasting protective barrier on the surface of the glass, helping to reduce staining from hard water and chemical deposits that accelerate the ageing process, and making the glass easier to
Check the glass thickness All shower enclosures are made from tempered glass, also known as safety glass. ‘Glass comes in different thicknesses, and this has a bearing on price,’ explains Elliot. ‘Cheap enclosures are often made from 4mm glass. You will generally find that when you open and close the door, it does not feel as smooth or substantial due to the lighter weight. More expensive, but usually reasonably affordable, are shower enclosures made of 6mm glass, while premium enclosures often utilise 8mm or even 10mm glass.’
Go for an enclosure 1 Recessed shower enclosures A recessed shower enclosure that fits between two walls is an excellent solution for small bathrooms, leaving the rest of the floor space free for other bathroom furniture. ‘With the walls already in place, the only consideration needed is the type of water barrier preferred – fully enclosed or walk-in,’ says Jayne Barnes. (More on walk-ins shortly.)
Go for brassy metallics Gone are the days when brass bathroom fittings were reserved for glitzy hotel rooms – now, even the most low-key of stylish bathrooms are sporting them. How to get the look right? Match them with an unfussy, pared-back, monochromatic scheme like this – it will show them off and they’ll add warmth to the room.
Embrace the privacy One great advantage of not having a window is the total privacy. No more drawing the blind or worrying if your silhouette can be seen by the whole street through the frosted window. The enveloping feeling of a windowless bathroom can be very welcoming and relaxing. In fact, luxury hotel bathrooms are commonly lacking in natural light but still feel utterly comforting.
Mirror, light and wall indent for extra light
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