4 minute read
Problem room: ‘I chose streamlined solutions to maximise this small
from Dgdd
INSIDER INFO
THE HOMEOWNER I’m Abi Bunney, 58, and I’m a property consultant. I moved into my flat in May 2020 and have regular visits from my sons, George, 24, and Henry, 21.
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THE HOUSE A twobedroom, ground-floor Victorian garden flat in Twickenham.
THE PROBLEM I inherited a terrible layout. The toilet was right next to the bath – far too close – and there was a bulky corner vanity unit that had seen better days. Everything in here was dated and the shower over the bath was feeble, with just a rail and a grubby shower curtain.
THE SOLUTION I ripped everything out, replaced the bath and invested in a quality shower and screen, which can be folded back. Then I added a streamlined vanity unit with a toilet set into it, and gorgeous tiles and accessories.
Abi Bunney took on a cramped and dated bathroom and found a stylish fix for its tricky layout, with space-saving built-in sanitary ware and a light, bright décor scheme
Downsizing from a three-bedroom house in nearby Teddington after both of her sons moved out, Abi Bunney was pleased to nab a garden flat. ‘I knew both the kitchen and bathroom needed replacing, but I factored that into the cost.’
Working as a consultant for commercial properties and having done up several homes in the past meant Abi was full of ideas, but she tackled the kitchen first before moving onto the bathroom. ‘The bathroom needed gutting and the layout changing,’ says Abi. ‘It’s got a nice big window and I did toy with the idea of putting in a separate shower where the big airing cupboard is, but it was
Before
REGULAR FIXTURE The bath filler tap is placed on the side of the bath (under the towel), away from the shower, so there isn’t too much brassware in one place to create visual clutter
more important to me to move the washing machine in there to free up space for a slimline dishwasher in the kitchen.’
After realising the only option for the new bath was in the same position as the old one, Abi set about upgrading the shower. ‘I went for a lovely powerful shower and a large, well-made shower screen. When my two sons visit, they tend to splash a lot, but I made sure the screen was also one that would easily fold back out of the way, as I love a long soak in the bath.’
Abi also solved the problem of the oversized vanity unit by sourcing a neat one that incorporates the sink and toilet. Better yet, it came in a similar finish to the floor – a distressed, wood-effect vinyl that she’s also used in the kitchen and hall.
With all the sanitaryware in place and the walls painted white, Abi was desperate to
CONTEMPORARY CALM Compact furniture, distressed wood-effect flooring, soft blue tiles and little splashes of colour create a relaxing feel in a small bathroom DUAL USE Give yourself plenty of options with a large overhead shower as well as a hand-held attachment, which also comes in useful for cleaning
inject some colour. ‘I love blues and greens, and I found some gorgeous tiles, which are all slightly different colours and remind me of the sea, so I put them all around the bath.’ Having bought some green towels, Abi wanted to add one more stand-out colour as well. ‘I’ve got an Abigail Ahern print, which I received as a birthday present a few years ago, but it’s been sat in a cupboard since I moved. It really works on the large wall. It’s got bright orange lettering, which inspired me to buy some orange towels as well. I love it in here now.’
SURFACE STYLE The wide countertop lets Abi add some colour with a couple of artificial plants and favourite decorative pieces, such as a Jonathan Adler striped jar NEUTRAL BASE Choosing grey flooring and white walls gave Abi the opportunity to add personality with artwork and a rainbow-hued laundry basket
SHOPPING LIST
Bette Starlet 165 x 70cm bath, £812.58;
Hudson Reed 1,200mm combination sink
unit and toilet, £774.50; bath filler, £145, all Doble Bathrooms. Liberty Hinged inline bath screen in silver chrome, £912.88, Roman Showers. Platinum digital shower, £579, Mira Showers. Signature Brushed Oak Grey flooring, £37.99 per sq m, Quick Step. South Bank Pewter gloss tiles, £54.18 a sq m, Johnson Tiles. Lunar heated towel rail, £401.76, Radiating Style. Pure Brilliant matt emulsion in White, £16 per 2.5L, Dulux. Spa coral bath towel, £14; hand towel, £6, both Habitat. Green bathmat, £6; green hand towel, £4; basket, £12, all IKEA. Relax sign in resin, £8; plant in Geo pot, £14; Elements Matt Black pedestal mirror, £20; Artificial Fern in Rattan Pot, £10; Elements Soft Touch Teal Soap Dish, £4; Elements Soft Touch Teal Tumbler, £5, all Dunelm.
