Case study: Guest ensuite with Zellige-style tiles and brushed nickel brassware

Modern bathroomsEnsuites

21 Jun

Written By Allie Astell

This glossy guest ensuite perfectly blends style with practicality.

*Designer Caroline from* *Ripples Winchester* *paired textural tiles with sleek black furniture to create a stylish space for her client’s guests.*

The brief

The owners of this home in Winchester wanted to create a clean and uncluttered room with all the practical elements required for guests, but with plenty of flare and style thrown in. As a busy house of four, Caroline’s clients were keen to carve out a space where visiting guests could retreat to for total relaxation.

The colour scheme

The client’s loved the calming hues of blue, green and turquoise and opted for a Zellige-style tiles which embrace this colour palette. The wall tiles immediately draw the eye in with their subtle variation in shade, adding depth and interest without being too overwhelming. Their gloss finish reflect light beautifully, making the space feel larger and more open. Blue is a calming colour, often associated with tranquility and water, making it a great choice for a bathroom. The wall tiles were then paired with porcelain floor tiles with a stone-like terrazzo finish, offering a grounding contrast to the glossy wall tiles.

The shower area

The existing room featured a bath with an integrated shower, however the client was keen to reconfigure the layout to maximise space. The bath was therefore removed and replaced with a walk-in shower and wet-dec tray, which opens up the room and makes it feels less cramped.. The minimalist glass shower enclosure adds a sense of spaciousness and continuity to the bathroom, allowing the eye to travel across the space without interruption. The pared-back fixtures, including the sleek showerhead and controls, contribute to the clean lines of the design, giving a simple and stylish finish. The shower area is slightly elevated which not only creates a distinct separation from the rest of the bathroom but also contains water well and stops it from pooling on the floor.

The vanity

The wall-mounted vanity unit is another highlight of this design, as it helps to open up floor space which makes cleaning the room much easier. Its dark colour works well with the brushed nickel brassware and contrasts beautifully against the lighter blue tiles, creating a subtle industrial-inspired look. Ample storage is provided by the deep drawers, keeping the countertop clutter-free and maintaining the minimalist aesthetic.

Above the vanity, an oversized round mirror adds a touch of sophistication and enhances the sense of space. Mirrors are a designer’s best friend in smaller rooms like bathrooms, as they reflect light and create an illusion of depth. The black frame of the mirror ties in with the other black and brushed nickel accents in the room, creating a cohesive finish.

Finishing touches

Lighting is crucial in bathroom design and this space is no exception. The recessed ceiling lights provide ample illumination without being obtrusive and the natural light from the window further enhances the airy feel of the room. Strategically placed lighting under the WC ensures that staying guests can easily access and use the bathroom without having to turn on all the lights during middle-of-the-night trips.