Let's Talk Renovations
Okay, so I'm not exactly a renovation pro, but I've always been excited about the idea. Who knew picking out tiles and paint colours could be such a big deal, right? But here's the kicker – I'm super glad I didn't rush through it. I chose pieces that I absolutely fell in love with and tried my best to ensure they'd go together. So, if you're thinking about a bathroom renovation, here's a peek into my journey and where I found all my bathroom treasures.
Pinterest Dreams
I admit it; I went on a Pinterest binge for inspiration. Who doesn't? I created a moodboard that helped me visualise my bathroom's final look. It was during this Pinterest journey that I stumbled upon a striped design that I couldn't resist.
The Tile Quest
So, let's talk about tiles. I had this clear vision of an elegant yet girly bathroom with a pop of colour for the space. I paid a visit to Bert & May’s Chelsea showroom and walked out with a handful of samples. You know how it goes – colours can be a whole different story in various lighting situations, so checking them in your own space is a must before purchasing. I eventually decided on their Large Hexagon White Marble Tile for the floor and then the Leather & Rolling Frog Skinny Metro Tiles for the shower walls.
The Hardware Decisions That Make a Difference
My bathroom isn’t the biggest, but it’s also the only one in the house with a bathtub. So, the first dilemma was to scrap the tub or go for the combo shower/bath – I went with the latter. I considered both Burlington and Waterworks for antique gold hardware, but Lefroy Brooks won me over, especially after spying it in a few of my favourite fancy hotels. With a low ceiling, we opted for a short-armed, ceiling-mounted shower, as well as wall-mounted bath filler and basin taps, sourced through Cast Iron Bath Company. Be warned, though, it took around 6 weeks for everything to arrive, and even longer for the heated towel rail. I also added a wall-mounted towel shelf for style and convenience. Grabbing a towel right where you shower beats the one hidden behind the door, across from the shower.
Windows, Windows, Windows!
After replacing the old uPVC window with a sleek timber alternative, I searched Sheer Luxe for curtain inspo. That's when I stumbled upon The London Curtain Girls. Laragh, one of the co-founders, came to the rescue, visiting to measure and present some stunning samples, leaving me feeling calm without any overwhelm. I opted for a beautiful sheer off-white linen for the café curtain and a slightly thicker one for the Roman shade.
Marble Makeover
Early on, I knew the cabinet had to be a standout piece. I considered Parker Howley & Co., but they weren't quite bold enough for me. So, I went with Olaf Workshops. I discussed my ideas and Pinterest finds with Angus, one of the co-founders, and he was a huge help in making the right choice. We settled on a handle-less oak cabinet with a scalloped edge and a marble countertop to match the bath surround.
Angus handled all the measurements, sent over drawings for my approval, and had everything delivered in just six weeks. He also took care of the marbling process, scheduling a visit to MGLW, an expansive marble warehouse in Battersea, and bringing in Granite Direct Ltd. for the precise installation. Stay tuned for the big reveal in the next article! 😉
