Bathroom case study: Dramatic makeover for a small bathroom

black spa style bathroom with mirrored wall and wooden vanity with stone basin

(Image credit: Alistair Nicholls)

By Anna Morley

last updated 16 March 2020

in Completed Projects

See how one homeowner turned his into a stylish, spa-style space in this real home transformation.

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Project notes

The owners: Alex Coffey, who works in the motorcycle sports industry
Designer: Charlotte Conway Design, 0121 439 2302
The property: A first-floor flat in a Victorian terraced house in Clapham, central London
Total project cost: £25,126

When Alex Coffey decided to update his bathroom, he chose to employ interior designer Charlotte Conway to help create wow factor in the space. Charlotte focused on creating a relaxing environment, with practical storage solutions. ‘I had the idea of using a bath that could be tiled. Bringing in textured wood-effect tiles and pebbles for a natural element, giving it a spa-like effect.’

Using a new layout and materials, plus clever design techniques, she created the illusion of space, illuminating the undersides of the bath and vanity unit, reducing the size of the original bath tub freed up valuable floor area plus using a wall-hung toilet, chosen for the same reason. Alex is thrilled with the results. ‘I love the finished look; it brings together all the elements I wanted.’

wooden vanity in a black spa bathroom with stone basin on top — *A focal point was created of the vanity unit, which is topped with wood and illuminated from underneath, creating the illusion of space. A bespoke pebble basin was added. For similar, try Stone Earth*

pebbled bath and wall with a brass over the bath shower — *Fairfield exposed thermostatic shower set, from Samuel Heath*

stone basin with brass wall-mounted taps — *The Bronze Fairfield City wall-mounted basin mixer from* *Samuel Heath* *gives the scheme a stylish edge alongside the feature basin*

wood effect tiles from Solus Ceramics — *The wall tiles are wood effect versions from* *Solus Ceramics*

pebbled bath with a bronze shower and taps — *Pebbled tiles cover the walls and interior of the bath and the bronze wall mounted tap is from* *Samuel Heath*

bespoke bathing area with spa-style pebbled bath

doorway to a small bathroom given a luxury feel with spa-style elements — *Placed next to the vanity unit is the stylish and highly practical Jumbo flat towel radiator in Mocha, from* *SBH Radiators*

Bathroom costs

Installation, incl plumbing, tiling, electrics, decoration: £8,400
Bath and shower: £7,479
Basin and vanity: £4,350
Tiles: £2,224
Wall-hung WC system: £1,160
Radiator: £875
Mirror: £420
Accessories: £218
Total: £25,126

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Anna has over a decade of experience styling and art directing photo shoots of readers homes and of beautiful homeware products. She discovered her passion for interiors after living and working in L.A. and upon her return to the UK, started a career in magazines and photography. She now lives in the Leicestershire countryside with her young family.