PRODUCTS | Mixing traditional and contemporary design


Structural details like beams shouldn’t be


hidden. The beauty of working within listed properties is that the restrictions can provide further


platforms for great design Tom Howley, design director at Tom Howley


Vogue Pure MD037 towel rail in Antique Bronze


ABOVE Bateau double-ended freestanding painted bath by Burlington


together while delivering the best possible bathroom experience.” Alternatively, the classic fitted vanity unit can be a great addition to a transitional bathroom. A couple of niches in a shower cubicle add a modern twist, particularly if paired with some simple, clean metro tiles, or a sleek shower wall.


LEFT Radcliffe Troon basin stand by Imperial Bathrooms features a dark basin with ornate chrome legs


yellow – be it a statement fridge or standout cupboards. For example, Primordia, from our Metropolitan collection,


carries nuances of both


terracotta and jade green that bear more prominence depending on the adjacent colours and lighting.”


Beautiful bathrooms When it comes to creating beautiful, transitional-style bathrooms, all the rules above still apply. Bathroom Brands Group director


Juan Pillay


recommends mixing traditional ceramics with modern brassware or vice versa, which ensures an exciting and impactful bathroom. “Alternatively,” he continues, “if the building features period details, the combination of classic and contemporary designs should be carefully implemented to accentuate, rather than distract attention away from these.” The focus point in the bathroom will probably be a freestanding tub. This is


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a feature that a true luxury bathroom should not be without, according to Victoria + Albert Baths communication manager Emma Joyce, whether it be ornate, with “highly detailed ball and claw feet and period styling, or über- contemporary”. In terms of sanitaryware, bold colour is back in vogue, with virtually no shade off limits. But while some bathrooms may be able to handle a whole


suite of colourful ceramics,


sit-on sinks are also a great way of adding a pop of bright colour without overwhelming the room. Storage


is also a crucial


consideration, and wall-hung furniture will allow for greater flexibility when it comes to storage, but as Vitra Europe regional marketing manager Margaret Talbot notes: “Wall-hung basins with vanity tops, wall-hung furniture, open shelving and thoughtful, useful accessories can be used to tie contemporary and classic features


Groovy glass


Where shower enclosures are concerned, fluted or reeded glass now sits


alongside Crittall-style as the


on-trend option. Originally popular back in the 1970s, reeded glass enclosures exude elegance. Roman’s Liberty range has taken fluted glass shower enclosures to the next level, according to the brand, with the introduction of several new on-trend coloured frame options. Meanwhile, the new Matki Classica range is a return to tradition. This, the brand says, represents the ultimate in bathroom luxury with striking looks and prominent architectural framing, which is at once contemporary and traditional. Customers can choose from an array of finishes, including fluted glass.


Smart solutions


Smart technology in a transitional or traditional bathroom with modern elements, may seem more incongruous than in the kitchen, where state-of-the-art gadgetry is expected. But touchless technology, sensor- controlled illuminated mirrors and


sleek, rimless WCs all have an elegance that make a classy addition to any bathroom and should never be overlooked.


Lighting and accessories Also, not to be overlooked or underestimated are vintage-style accessories and lighting, which will lift the scheme to the next level without costing a fortune. Items such as chandeliers, classic heated towel rails, such as those from Bisque or Vogue, or strategically-placed mirror frames, can add a touch of luxury and opulence, while exposed pipework, industrial-style lighting or finishes in brass or copper can add a hard-edge, providing contrast to the softness of the curves of sanitaryware or furniture.


Be bold


If executed in a thoughtful and considered way, kitchens and bathrooms that combine contemporary with traditional can offer a timelessness and level of character hard to match by either style on its own. These rooms tend to lend themselves more readily to personalisation and plenty of discussion should go into the colour palette and finishes to ensure that the customer is happy with their choices. But don’t be afraid to be bold.


Where possible, work with, rather than against, the building’s period features and ensure you pay attention to, and carry through, motifs from other rooms in the house to ensure greater cohesion throughout.


· April 2021


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