Think Big

Posted by Anna Proctor on Nov 3, 2011 in Insider Bathroom | 0 comments

If you are lucky enough to own a big bathroom, then the world is your oyster where design is concerned. You might think that designing a big bathroom would be a walk in the park but a larger bathroom can be just as tricky to design as a small one. If not carefully thought through, a large space can feel sparse and cold. Ideally, you want to create a comfortable space in which to linger. There are several pitfalls to avoid when planning a master suite fit for a king.

Avoid positioning everything around the edges of a big bathroom, as this will leave a void of dead space in the middle. Create a focus in the middle with a freestanding bath, a large vanity island or some fabulous furniture. A circular tub is indulgently spacious and looks almost sculptural in the middle of a large room. The beauty of a round bath is that you can rotate around in it to appreciate different aspects of your room instead of staring at the same wall. I covet the striking I Flumi bath by Claudio Silvestrin for Boffi. Position your bath overlooking a garden, so that you can gaze at it as you soak away your troubles. A big tub makes a great centrepiece but you may need to reinforce your floor to accommodate one. Change the floor levels by adding a step up or down to a bath; it will break up the room and add interest. Separate the WC from the bathing area, even screen it off with a partition wall.

With the abundance of space, you really ought to fit two basins. It has long been my wish to have my own basin, where I alone can wash my face and brush my teeth without having to share. It’d be great to be able to carry out that activity in synch with my husband in the morning. Traditional console basins have wider and grander sinks. Catchpole and Rye have a selection of classis styles which can happily accommodate toiletries.

Whilst on the subject of doubling up your sanitaryware, consider installing a double shower. Increasingly popular, the days of morning queuing would be over and you and your loved one can shower simultaneously. You can even tailor the water temperature and pressure to each person’s preference. Ah, the joys of technology. Matki showers are super slick and offer such features as sliding doors, with 10mm safety glass and minimal framing. Put a bench or stool in the shower; perfect for relaxed scrubbing or shaving. If space allows, install a separate shower and bath.

One of the advantages of having a larger space to play with is that you can really go to town with colourful or darker colours and several tile choices. Mix the scale and texture of tiles; combine different finishes, colours and materials to add detail. Bisazza have a new collection of nature inspired and graphic decorations which would make stunning feature walls. I am rather partial to the Day Vision design by Tord Boontje. Combine mosaics with large format porcelain tiles, such as the wood effect Ekkons from Surface Tiles.

Reclaim the room as a living area by introducing decorative furniture. Think of the room as an extension of your bedroom. My dream bathroom would be more of a boudoir; it would include a chaise longue or a luxurious armchair and perhaps a folded screen to change behind. These elements really soften the hard surfaces of stainless steel and stone. The addition of cabinets and wardrobes make the room into more of a living space. For show stopping storage look at Jimmie Martin. Hot young designer Lee Broom has recently launched the divine Salon collection. A range of show-stopping furniture pieces inspired by elegant 1930s upholstery are given a high fashion edge with stud detailing. These punk-couture pieces are available to view at Lee Broom’s studio on Rivington Street in Shoreditch.

A bathroom should aspire to be distinctly a place of pleasure, an environment in which the senses are satisfied. Washing is one of the great joys in life, so provide an enticing space in which to carry out this enjoyable ritual.

Source book:
Boffi boffi.com
Catchpole and Rye crye.co.uk
Matki matki.co.uk
Bisazza bisazza.com
Surface Tiles surfacetiles.com
Jimmie Martin www.jimmiemartin.com
Lee Broom leebroom.com