Case study: Modern monochrome attic wetroom
This attic wetroom perfectly balances contemporary style with classic charm, mirroring the property’s character and the clients’ vision.
Senior Designer Leanne from Ripples Newbury transformed this attic space into a modern monochrome bathroom perfect for a busy family.
The brief
When tasked with transforming an attic in a Georgian farmhouse into a modern bathroom space, Leanne was sure to get a clear brief from her clients, to ensure she achieved the careful balance of modern design and respect for the property's historical charm. The homeowners, a professional couple with young children, wanted to create a functional room for their children but also ensure the space was stylish and reflective of their home's character.
The clients were clear in their vision: a modern, walk-in wetroom with a clean, monochrome aesthetic. They were drawn to the idea of a sleek shower area with a simple glass panel, but they also wanted to soften the space with a Shaker-style vanity unit. Their love for geometric patterns led them to request some feature tiling that would add visual interest while staying true to the monochrome theme.
“Penny tiles are the perfect choice for a bathroom in a period property.”
-Leanne, Senior Designer
The layout
One of the biggest challenges with this room was the restricted head height. Georgian properties are known for their character, but they often come with limitations that require creative solutions. After conducting a thorough site survey, Leanne decided to reconfigure the layout to maximise the available space. This included removing a stud wall and cleverly 'borrowing' space from a wardrobe in the adjacent bedroom to accommodate the WC cistern. By turning the WC position by 90 degrees, Leanne was able to maintain adequate head height while creating a more open and spacious feel.
To further enhance the sense of space, Leanne chose a feature floor tile that extended up the long wall of the shower. This not only draws the eye into the room but also creates a seamless flow between the floor and walls, making the room feel larger. The hand-glazed metro tiles pair beautifully with the Shaker-style vanity unit, adding a touch of softness to the room’s otherwise modern aesthetic.
Fixtures and fittings
The materials chosen play a crucial role in bringing the design to life. The basin, crafted from a solid surface materials, adds a contemporary touch, especially when paired with the wall-mounted basin mixer. The vanity unit, painted in Farrow & Ball’s ‘Railings’, blends perfectly with the painted wall at the bathroom’s entrance, providing a cohesive and polished look.
For the feature tiles, the clients opted for porcelain penny tiles, which were then highlighted with dark anthracite grout. This created a fun and dramatic twist, particularly appealing for a children’s bathroom. To maintain a sense of quality and openness in the shower area, a10mm fixed glass panel in a custom shape was chosen to contain water splashes from the shower area.
The restricted colour palette was a deliberate choice, reflecting the client’s love for monochrome. The feature floor was inspired by traditional Georgian mosaic floors, typically black and white with a border, but with a modern twist that suited the overall design.
The details
Location: Wantage, Oxford
Designer: Leanne, Ripples Newbury
Price: From £7.6k
Products: Penny tiles, chrome brassware, painted shaker style vanity unit and metro wall tiles.