Bathroom case study: Dramatic makeover for a small bathroom

Homeowner Alex Coffey used the skills of a bathroom designer to transform a small, bland space into a spa-like retreat

black spa style bathroom with mirrored wall and wooden vanity with stone basin
(Image credit: Alistair Nicholls)
Anna Morley
By
last updated

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

  • Looking for bathroom ideas? Find all the inspiration you need via our hub
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
(Image credit: Alistair Nicholls)

pebbled bath and wall with a brass over the bath shower

Fairfield exposed thermostatic shower set, from Samuel Heath
(Image credit: Alistair Nicholls)

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

(Image credit: Alistair Nicholls)

wood effect tiles from Solus Ceramics

The wall tiles are wood effect versions from Solus Ceramics

(Image credit: Alistair Nicholls)

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

(Image credit: Alistair Nicholls)

bespoke bathing area with spa-style pebbled bath


(Image credit: Alistair Nicholls)

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

(Image credit: Alistair Nicholls)

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

Read more:

Small Spaces Month:

This article is part of Small Spaces Month, brought to you in association with the new Real Homes Travel Edition. A compact version of our hugely respected monthly magazine, Real Homes Travel Edition brings you all the same great content as the full-sized edition, but in an even more bag-friendly format that’s perfect for inner city commutes and French riviera holidays. Get yours now at WHSmith, Easons and selected newsagents.

Anna Morley
Anna Morley
Style Editor

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.