Case study: Glamorous ensuite with freestanding pebble bath
When our designer was asked to create a glamorous bathroom for rest and relaxation, it was clear that this master ensuite needed to function on many levels. With breathtaking views of the surrounding countryside, our designer used the large bay window as a focal point for the dramatic design…
The brief
The owners of this detached Victorian property tasked Ripples with designing a bathroom to match the rest of their home’s elegant aesthetic. Initially laid out as two separate ensuites, the homeowners wanted to combine the spaces to create an impressively sized master ensuite with a hotel-inspired look.
The bath
With a spacious floorplan to work with, our designer began designing the bathroom to make the most of the space. The large windows provide a focal point for the room which our designer was able to centre the layout around. She firstly opted to place a sculpted freestanding elliptical bath opposite the windows, to stop the room feeling too cavernous and to make the most of the view across the rolling Kent countryside. A floor-standing bath mixer complete with hand shower and built-in shelf was chosen to complete the area, offering a practical solution which keeps the floor area clear.
“With a room of this size, it's important to choose large pieces that won’t get lost in the overall scheme.”
The shower
When considering the shower area, our designer wanted to ensure it looked as luxurious and hotel-inspired as as the bath area. With such a large space to work with, our designer created a generously sized walk-in shower, complete with wall niche, fixed square showerhead, hand shower and thermostatic valve. The shower area is screened with a simple frameless toughened glass panel which allows for access from either side whilst maintaining the sense of openness.
Marble-effect porcelain tiles adorn the shower walls and are then continued throughout the rest of the bathroom to give the space a seamless finish. Porcelain is more durable than natural marble and our designer chose a polished finish and installed underfloor heating to keep the bathroom warm at all times. A tall heated towel radiator positioned beside the shower offers easy access to towels and robes and also provides a secondary heat source for the large space. The dark volcanic finish gives an instant impact and contrasts perfectly against the white marble used elsewhere in the room.
Finishing touches
To connect the bathroom with the adjacent bedroom design, a bespoke double vanity unit was tailor-made. The design was inspired by a photograph of a dresser the homeowner saw in a luxury boutique French hotel and topped with a beveled surface, four wide drawers and two matching vessel basins with wall-mounted mixer taps. For lighting, the homeowner reused a chandelier from her previous home and combined it with blue LED strips installed within storage niches inside the shower area and WC.
To contrast against the white sanitaryware and surfaces, the walls were painted a rich grey, adding depth and warmth. A plump, comfy armchair in the corner of the room enhances the homely, elegant look and contributes to the glamorous feel the owners desired. The result is a statement style that exudes sophistication and a soothing ambiance from every corner.
The details
Location: Ripples Tunbridge Wells
Products: Freestanding pebble bath, floor-standing bath mixer, large walk-in shower, bespoke vanity unit with on-top basins.