I cannot be accused of renovating fast… in fact we lived with the ‘under stairs’ shower room exactly as it is in the ‘before’ picture for two years before tackling it. Quite literally shut the door and pretended it did not exist. The imminent arrival of a family of six to stay though finally gave me the push to get it done and now, well, it is my haven.
What started out as a small under stairs toilet (see here), expanded across the hallway during our extension (floor plans here) to offer just enough space for a remarkably generous shower to be added.
Whilst there are many things we are willing to DIY, this was not one of them. I took local recommendations and enlisted the help of a local design studio to bring the vision to life and, honestly, they were incredible – just the loveliest team who went above and beyond to bring this project in on time and with a really high end finish.
Here’s how it turned out…
BEFORE & AFTER
I have a theory that small dark spaces should be embraced as such and the moodboard very much embodied that. Here we have a tiny space with no natural light and I really wanted to maximise that cave like spa vision and I am very much besotted with the chocolate brown, veined Pulpis tile by Neolith.
This tile is not just large format, it is HUGE. Whilst this can prove challenging to install, it also means the slabs are expansive with minimal grout to upkeep. Having used Neolith in our kitchen, I was already a fan and can attest to its durability. It is 100% natural, non-porous, sintered stone that is completely waterproof, hygienic, and resistant to stains, scratches and common cleaning chamicals. Its large format slabs enable seamless, low-maintenance designs and our tiler was able to expertly mitre it to create a beautifully encased shower (as well as the vanity).
I opted for unlacquered brass finishes wherever possible to complement the tile and the result is this deep, cocooning space which is not just relaxing but also extremely practical.
BEFORE & AFTER
I felt we had an opportunity to do something really special with the cavity in the wall above the toilet and hidden cistern. Always eager to sneak in any extra storage, we had a concealed cupboard installed and framed the door with this stunning custom artwork by Glasgow artist Christina Boyle.
Christina worked from my moodboard to create something completely unique and to my dark, romantic brief, pulling in the colours from the bathroom but adding the touches of gold and pink which feature elsewhere in the house. She is the loveliest person to work with and I truly can’t thank her enough for this special piece.
If you have a space in need of something unique, or even a landscape that’s really special to you, I cannot recommend Christina enough – please do reach out to her for a quote (I think you’d be surprised how affordable her pricing is).
BEFORE & AFTER
The vanity area, for me, had to be the showstopper. This is the first view when you walk in through the front door and I really wanted it to be a nice moment for guests. Although this is our shower room, it also functions as our only downstairs bathroom. With the shower tucked away nicely under the stairs, the basin area could really shine.
I chose a floor to ceiling mirror and added a border of my favourite tiles (which make a common theme throughout our home design – as seen here in the garden and here in the conversation pit). I really love the contrast of colour and texture with the porcelain slab – chef’s kiss.
The Rivale light by Mullan, that hangs within the alcove is such a pretty, tactile addition – the fruit of many hours searching for the perfect, floral inspired, bathroom rated lamp – I just love her.
To be honest, we lived without the wallpaper for half a year but I really felt like something was missing… and so began my hunt. After MUCH deliberation I settled on this blue floral by Sanderson and as soon as I finished hanging it I knew it was the cherry on top for me, adding a welcome touch of whimsy, pulling in some more colour and giving a nod to the period character of the house.
Sanderson print wallpaper to order which is actually genius because you have virtually zero waste (especially important when you’re making an investment and have a large repeat in a small space – if you’ve ever calculated wallpaper rolls, you know).
It has been close to a year since the shower room first became usable but the novelty is NOT wearing off. It is a ten our of ten experience for me being in that space; enjoying the moody, spa like shower, the romantic florals with the brass and the little hand crafted details – all my favourite things just married together.
I would love to know what you think…
ROOM DETAILS
‘Pulpis’ 9mm porcelain tile – Neolith
lavender & white bejmat tile – Otto Tiles
‘Victoria Blue’ wallpaper – Sanderson
custom artwork – Christina Boyle
unlacquered brass shower & taps – Cast Iron Bath Co
unlaquered brass toilet roll holder – Etsy
‘Rivale’ ceiling light – Mullan
white ‘Egyptian Spa’ towels – Deyongs
brass candlestick – vintage
hair care – Ffor
vase – H&M
fit & design – Stewart Design Studio
tiling – RC Tiling
OUTFIT DETAILS
‘Edith’ knitted bodysuit – Sezane
satin trousers – H&M
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