Case study: A classic and cosy cottage family bathroom

27 Apr

This period cottage bathroom is warm and welcoming with a roll top bath, spacious walk-in shower and brushed gold brassware for a luxe look.

*To create a spacious family bathroom in this charming cottage in the centre of Winchester, Kerri, Senior Designer at* *Ripples Winchester, transformed what was originally a bedroom into an elegant and traditional space for separate bathing and showering.*

The layout

Period cottages are full of character and charm but they are seldom known for their space. The owner of this property located in the heart of the historic city of Winchester wanted to create a large family bathroom for herself and her son, so took the decision to convert one of the bedrooms to achieve the space she needed for a freestanding bath with separate walk-in shower area. Designer Kerri from Ripples Winchester designed a luxurious bathroom sympathetic to the original features and style of the cottage, enhancing the period architecture with a statement painted boat bath, traditional sanitaryware and classic brushed gold brassware to provide a luxurious finish throughout.

Rolltop boat bath

Sitting in front of what would have originally been a chimney-breast, the roll top boat bath is perfect for unwinding in at the end of a long day. The gloss white interior is in stark contrast to its painted black exterior, which matches the soft-close seat of the close coupled WC to its right. The double-ended design allows for comfortable bathing at either end while the wall mounted brushed gold crosshead bath/shower mixer is handy for hair washing.

Acrylic is a good choice over cast iron for a roll top tub in a period property, as it’s lighter so the flooring shouldn’t need reinforcing. Your designer will be able to advise if you’re in any doubt. It’s also smooth and comfortable to lie in, durable and retains heat well, keeping a hot bubble bath hotter for longer.

Walk-in shower

For the best of both, Kerri also designed a luxurious walk-in shower area complete with integrated seat and storage niche at one end. The area was fully clad in ceramic gloss white wall tiles, which help to reflect light around the room thanks to their iridescent finish, making the space feel larger, while the brushed gold shower head, handshower and concealed shower valve enhance the traditional look and feel. When space allows, a separate walk-in shower creates more flexibility for the bathroom and it’s a good way of future-proofing too, as walk-in wet rooms are easily accessible for all ages and abilities.

“Working with the period features of this charming cottage, we were able to create a truly luxurious family space for bathing and showering. What was once a dark, cramped bedroom is now a light and spacious bathroom with a timeless look and feel.”

-Kerri, Senior Designer

Basin areas

To complement the freestanding boat bath, the owner selected her own freestanding vanity unit, which Kerri then topped with a sleek white polished countertop basin. The crosshead three-hole wall mounted basin filler with spout is also finished in brushed gold to match the bath/shower mixer and separate shower.

Utilising existing items, recycling or upcyling old furniture is a great way of adding extra personality into the bathroom. The vintage style of this wooden cabinet really suits its cottage surroundings while enhancing the eclectic yet elegant feel of this traditional family bathroom. A few carefully selected vases and accessories completes the look.

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Storage solutions

As well as the three-drawer vanity unit, the new bathroom also includes plenty of storage to keep shower gels, shampoo and soap within easy reach. To the side of the bath, the old chimney breast, now clad in tongue and groove panelling, features a storage niche with open shelf for bubble bath and bath oils. A wooden bath rack is a lovely nod to the traditional and is handy for loofah and soap while even something as simple as a wooden stool can be pulled up close to the bath while taking a soak, keeping a fluffy towel at the ready.

In the shower area, a built-in storage niche offers easy access to toiletries while also being easy to clean. The ceramic white gloss tiling creates a seamless finish while also enhancing a feeling of light and space