PROJECT PLANNER l KBB
I
’ve never had a spacious bathroom, so planning our ensuite has been very exciting. It all started in the early stages,
when the architectural drawings were still being completed – at this point, my husband Dave and I made the decision to create a large ensuite that doubles as the family bathroom in a space that had originally been pencilled in to be a third double bedroom. Thankfully, because this was done at the outset, we were assured by our architect Gráinne O’Keeff e that all the pipework and drainage would be accommodated. Before we did anything else, I
drew up a wishlist. I knew I wanted both a contemporary freestanding bath – no feet for me, thank you – and a separate walk-in shower. I also love the look of a steel-framed glass shower screen. Other than that, Dave and I were fairly open to ideas, so started visiting bathroom shops – at one point we went into every single one we walked past while strolling down the high street. We had some designs done by a big chain, but when our builder started work he suggested we visit Bathrooms By Design in Richmond and they created a diff erent layout that seemed to work much better for us. But what actually made a massive diff erence was being able to view the new space they designed for us with 3D goggles – not to mention it was also really fun. When coming up with the layout,
it was clear it would be fairly dictated by the Jack-and-Jill design of the doors, meaning there would be two seperate entry points. The one to our bedroom is a pocket door to maximise space, and then the other leads out to the hallway for guests.
The exterior glazing would also have an impact on the layout. We decided that the bath is best placed under the window, which thankfully isn’t overlooked. We chose a small, stonecast design in a teardrop shape because it is big enough that we can lie down comfortably and it looks really smart. However, our builders had to reinforce the fl oor under it – it weighs 150kg when empty, so imagine adding water. We then put the basin and WC on an exterior wall where the plumbing can easily be connected. For the décor, Dave and I chose
large, white marble-eff ect tiles for the fl oor and walls, and black taps and accessories to go with the shower screen. This was a revelation to me as I had thought I’d pick a vibrant, coloured design, but I liked the slick and contemporary look this creates. The same designers also helped us with our downstairs bathroom. We
RENOVATIONS The PLAN
We turned a third bedroom into an ensuite with two entrances.
1 Basin and WC Placing these on an exterior wall made it easy to connect them to the plumbing. 2 Bath The floor had to be reinforced so it can hold the tub’s weight.
1
With Janis and Dave King’s bungalow conversion well on its way, it’s time to think about bathroom planning
2
“ We were fairly open to ideas, so started visiting bathroom shops – at one point, we went into every one.”
Our bathroom has plenty of natural light – and since it is not overlooked by the neighbours, we placed our bath underneath the windows so we can enjoy the view.
wanted a shower in here, for guests and future proofi ng. However, its position was fairly set from the get- go as we wanted to make use of a partition wall. A basin and WC take advantage of the exterior wall again, but I like that you are greeted by a vanity unit and big mirror when you walk in, giving the illusion of more space. We picked grey tiles for the walls and fl oors and a mint green design for the shower area, which I think will go nicely with the brassware, which is fi nished in a brushed stainless steel. We very much enjoyed this
planning stage – it’s the fi rst time we’ve really felt like we’re creating a space we’re going to living in one day and it’s made it feel real. I can’t wait to see how it all comes together.
KBB
Next time I talk about... THE PROGRESS OF THE BUILD
SUMMER 20 l KITCHENS BEDROOMS & BATHROOMS 127
Talking
As told to: Georgina Townshend
Page 1 |
Page 2 |
Page 3 |
Page 4 |
Page 5 |
Page 6 |
Page 7 |
Page 8 |
Page 9 |
Page 10 |
Page 11 |
Page 12 |
Page 13 |
Page 14 |
Page 15 |
Page 16 |
Page 17 |
Page 18 |
Page 19 |
Page 20 |
Page 21 |
Page 22 |
Page 23 |
Page 24 |
Page 25 |
Page 26 |
Page 27 |
Page 28 |
Page 29 |
Page 30 |
Page 31 |
Page 32 |
Page 33 |
Page 34 |
Page 35 |
Page 36 |
Page 37 |
Page 38 |
Page 39 |
Page 40 |
Page 41 |
Page 42 |
Page 43 |
Page 44 |
Page 45 |
Page 46 |
Page 47 |
Page 48 |
Page 49 |
Page 50 |
Page 51 |
Page 52 |
Page 53 |
Page 54 |
Page 55 |
Page 56 |
Page 57 |
Page 58 |
Page 59 |
Page 60 |
Page 61 |
Page 62 |
Page 63 |
Page 64 |
Page 65 |
Page 66 |
Page 67 |
Page 68 |
Page 69 |
Page 70 |
Page 71 |
Page 72 |
Page 73 |
Page 74 |
Page 75 |
Page 76 |
Page 77 |
Page 78 |
Page 79 |
Page 80 |
Page 81 |
Page 82 |
Page 83 |
Page 84 |
Page 85 |
Page 86 |
Page 87 |
Page 88 |
Page 89 |
Page 90 |
Page 91 |
Page 92 |
Page 93 |
Page 94 |
Page 95 |
Page 96 |
Page 97 |
Page 98 |
Page 99 |
Page 100 |
Page 101 |
Page 102 |
Page 103 |
Page 104 |
Page 105 |
Page 106 |
Page 107 |
Page 108 |
Page 109 |
Page 110 |
Page 111 |
Page 112 |
Page 113 |
Page 114 |
Page 115 |
Page 116 |
Page 117 |
Page 118 |
Page 119 |
Page 120 |
Page 121 |
Page 122 |
Page 123 |
Page 124 |
Page 125 |
Page 126 |
Page 127 |
Page 128 |
Page 129 |
Page 130 |
Page 131 |
Page 132 |
Page 133 |
Page 134 |
Page 135 |
Page 136 |
Page 137 |
Page 138 |
Page 139 |
Page 140 |
Page 141 |
Page 142 |
Page 143 |
Page 144 |
Page 145 |
Page 146 |
Page 147 |
Page 148
