Products
Case study // Alfa Tiles, Lukas Kedden
featured include Graff, Novellini, Origins Living, GSI, and the Hex radiator is by Terma.
What are your thoughts on the final design? We really like it! It is completely different from the family room (which is contemporary black and white) and the rest of the house, and yet matches the clients’ fun yet bold personalities. We especially like the combination of geometric shapes, which we extensively talked about with the clients during the presentation - they were all in for a mix of squares, rounded shapes and hexagons. We also love the large 120x120cm rusted metal tiles, as they
both enlarge the room with minimal grouting, as well as cozy it up with the dark colours.
What was the brief from the client? To transform a small bedroom-adjacent office into a moody and luxurious shower en-suite. The clients, a young couple in their 30s, were really impressed with one of the showroom bays at our design studio, and said they wanted us to partially replicate it in their home.
What were the main design challenges that you faced in terms of this space? Since the original space was not a bathroom to begin with, I would say the main challenge was to run all new plumbing to and from the en-suite. Apart from the aforementioned, the space was not large but
also not too tight to work around in, and the room’s simple shape allowed us to include all of the main necessities.
How did you overcome these challenges? Thankfully, the floor joists were running parallel to the toilet and shower wall, which allowed us to easily install a walk-in wetroom shower with the waste pipe at the degree of slope to ensure proper drainage. Fortunately, that meant any structural changes weren’t necessary. The main issue of the toilet waste pipe was resolved by us
constructing a half-height studded wall, which houses not only the toilet cistern, but also the concealed thermostatic valve for the shower (since it was not possible to chisel the valve into the brickwork). The waste pipe was then connected to the main stack outside the house. This “box” also acts as a shelf and provides useful storage in the
shower area. To complement it, we also created two additional floating shelves which use LED lighting to create a sense of ambience in the evening.
What products did you use, and what products would you tend to recommend? To fit the spec of “moody, luxurious”, the design team chose to include quality fittings that not only look the part, but are also made from high-quality materials and components. Brands
What key things do you believe designers should bear in mind when tackling a tiny space? When designing a tiny space, it’s essential for designers to maximize functionality
without
compromising on aesthetics. Work with the architecture
– embrace sloped ceilings, awkward
corners, or
limited height by placing fixtures strategically. For example, showers need full height, while most baths can fit just as well under areas with lower ceilings. Create a focal point –
a strong design feature, like a striking shower
or
freestanding basin, draws attention and helps to
make
everything in the space feel intentional rather than restricted. Prioritise flow and accessibility – ensure movement within the space feels natural. Double-entry showers, wall-mounted fixtures, or walk-around layouts can also do wonders to enhance a space’s functionality. Keep It visually open – frameless glass, light color palettes (although in some cases it’s great to embrace bold colours such as in cloakrooms), and clever lighting can make a small space feel larger and more inviting. Use smart products – opt for space-saving solutions like semi-
freestanding baths designed for corners or wet room systems that simplify installation and avoid unnecessary bulk. Conceal where possible – hidden plumbing and integrated
storage help maintain a clean, uncluttered look, preventing the space from feeling cramped. By thoughtfully balancing form and function, even the smallest spaces can feel spacious, stylish, and well-designed.
40
kbbreview
May 2025
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