‘Knock our socks off’ was the main part of the brief for this bathroom design for Ripples designer Sinead Hegarty. So I think you’d agree with me – she achieved this with flying colours.

Bathroom design: we see a lot of different renovations and remodels, but few as glam as this. I love how Sinead has combined industrial elements, from the black brassware in the shower, with more glamorous pieces. For example, that statement chandelier hanging elegantly above the freestanding bath in that deep red colour. Not only this, the bathroom design combines the traditional with the contemporary. For instance, Sinead embraces the original fireplace that sits between two handleless, floating vanity units. There are also many other fantastic elements I could mention when talking about this bathroom design!

The ensuite is for a couple who wanted their Victorian property’s dated family bathroom to be transformed into a glamorous space just for themselves. I’ve spoken to Sinead, who tells me how this bathroom – with serious wow factor – all came together…

The bathroom design brief

“My clients wanted me to take their dated space and turn it into a glamorous ensuite to their master bedroom. This not only had wow factor, but would be extremely practical, too. They were slowly working on the house as a whole, and the bathroom was next on a long to-do list. They wanted something bold and weren’t afraid to look at new ideas, which was great for me as a designer. The couple asked for a large bath, a wetroom shower, and to experiment with colour. When it came to the brassware, I knew it wouldn’t be a case of regular chrome but something more unusual that you don’t see every day.”

Creating the exquisite space

“The fireplace lent itself to being the focal point of the room and I knew that it and the new painted freestanding bath belonged together. So I moved the tub into the centre, and together they are now the first things people see when they enter. I moved the shower to the opposite corner to create a walk-in enclosure. The homeowners were concerned about steam from the shower making the walls drip with condensation. But I explained its new location and format, along with a new extraction unit, meant it wouldn’t be an issue.”

“The couple originally wanted a double vanity unit, but with the layout I had planned I realised this wasn’t going to work so well – I took a risk and I separated them to either side of the chimneybreast. This gives great symmetry and balances the room, and – with the basin units being a matt black – they create interest without being too busy. They loved it. In fact, the entire design was a layout they hadn’t thought of themselves, and I’m happy to say they were delighted when they saw it.”

The next stage of the bathroom design

“The couple requested minimal wall tiling and a neutral paint scheme to coordinate the ensuite with their master bedroom. The latter is painted in Urban Grey by Little Greene. They chose Brinjal by Farrow & Ball for the bath, as they felt it both complimented the palette of the bedroom. It also gave a subtle colour accent which added warmth to the bathroom design. In addition, they requested a wood-effect floor tile – as dark as possible – and considered marble for the floor, too.”

“The great thing about the bathroom design is that, as it has so much natural light, we could go for dark colours without it being too heavy. I decided the two materials would work well together, so – to frame the bath –  I put Carrara basket weave tiles underneath, at the same width as the fireplace.”

Adding the finishing touches to the ensuite

“The couple’s ornate mirror, which bounces light around the space, stayed put. Then the new layout cried out for a fabulous chandelier above the bath for added wow. The couple chose a limited edition Flos 30-arm design in matt black from David Village Lighting, to show off the ceiling height. It fills the space beautifully and can be dimmed, for a lovely warm glow in the evenings. Plus, it looks great reflected in the mirror – as does the whole bathroom design.”

“The combination of colours from the dark wood-effect tile, the elegant veins in the marble, and the brushed black chrome on the brassware make the room such a unique experience. What makes it stand out for me is the effect it has on everyone who sees it, from its early stages in a flat plan drawing to the finished room. People were completely wowed by the bathroom design – which of course was the main part of the brief.”

Photography: Paul Craig

So did you love this bathroom design as much as we did? Then you’ll enjoy 6 tips on choosing the right freestanding bath.

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