In our 12 years as property owners, we’ve undertaken several renovation projects, but none as extensive as the recent overhaul of our bathroom and master bedroom with en suite. This ambitious undertaking marked a significant milestone in our homeownership journey.
Our 1930s house has undergone a few extensions over the years, most notably a double-story kitchen addition that resulted in a square-shaped bedroom with no attached en suite. With five bedrooms, we felt this configuration was at odds with the rest of the house and longed for our own private oasis.
To achieve our vision, we decided to divide the existing family bathroom into two separate spaces: a family-friendly bathroom and an en-suite retreat for our master bedroom. The layout received a minor tweak to accommodate the new design. Additionally, we added a walk-in wardrobe to enhance the overall bedroom experience, which will be explored further in future installments.
1930s Bathroom Renovation & Pink Roll Top Bath
When renovating our home, one of the biggest challenges we faced was redesigning the bathroom. Given that we decided to split the room in two, it would naturally be smaller than before. However, we ensured it remained spacious enough for a family to comfortably use it. The process wasn’t without its obstacles, as significant building work was required. In fact, we strategically planned our family vacation during the renovation period, knowing it wouldn’t be the most ideal time. Luckily, having a downstairs shower room available allowed us to maintain some semblance of normalcy while the upstairs bathroom was being transformed.
Before Photograph
The bathroom’s monochromatic makeover was a sight to behold – every surface was a vibrant shade of pink. Unfortunately, I don’t have a before photo to compare, but it’s safe to say that the space was a kaleidoscope of pink hues, from the tiles and bath to the bidet, sink, shower tray, and even toilet. While I adore pink in moderation, this room had reached saturation point. Fear not, though – as you’ll soon see in the after photos, I managed to sneak in some subtle nods to the color scheme, bringing a touch of elegance to the space.
Pink Roll-Top Bath
For as long as I can remember, I’ve been fascinated by the idea of having a roll-top bath in my home. There’s something so luxurious and inviting about spending hours soaking in the tub with a good book (if only I had more time for that!). The statement piece it makes is undeniable – and we managed to squeeze ours in just barely. Initially, we were concerned about the weight and difficulty of moving a traditional roll-top bath, but our acrylic replica solved that problem nicely. We sourced our bath from Bathstore during a sale, which was a major bonus (alas, they no longer offer this particular model). The real challenge began when we decided to paint it ourselves. After priming with Zinsser, we applied Farrow and Ball’s Pink Ground using a roller – the result was nothing short of perfect. Two years on, and our bath still looks as stunning as the day we finished painting it.
Brass Taps
To achieve the antique traditional look I desired in my main bathroom, I opted for brass taps and fittings. After a thorough search, I found suitable options on eBay, which have held up reasonably well over time. Although the original seller is no longer active on the platform, the taps I chose were similar to those used in our roll-top bath renovation. Similarly, the wastes were sourced from eBay – a brass one for the sink and a gold-toned one for the bath, mirroring the design found elsewhere in the bathroom.
Toilet Unit & Butler Sink Vanity Unit
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To create a harmonious and easy-to-clean toilet area, I opted for a boxed-in design. However, to save on boxing costs, we purchased the Camberley sage back-to-wall toilet unit from VictoriaPlum.com in a contrasting colour that complements our vanity unit choice. The goal was to achieve a cohesive look.For a touch of luxury and ample storage, I chose the Dulwich stone grey floor-standing vanity unit from VictoriaPlum.com. This addition has been perfect for the room, providing a stylish and functional space. To keep clutter at bay, we installed a shaver plug within the unit, concealing it from view. The eclectic toothbrush is now safely tucked away.To add a whimsical touch to the vanity, we replaced the handles with fun hare brass ones, tying the unit nicely into the room’s aesthetic. Furthermore, to provide extra storage for towels and toiletries, we installed the IKEA HEMNES High cabinet with mirror door, which fit seamlessly into our space.
Tiles & Bathroom Panelling
When designing our bathroom, we opted for a unique combination of elements to create a cozy and inviting atmosphere. The focal point was floor tiles, complete with underfloor heating courtesy of Warmup’s mats. This clever system keeps the space warm and toasty, perfectly complementing our choice of Fired Earth wood effect tiles in Hepworth. For the walls, we sought a traditional look that also served a practical purpose. To achieve this, we selected panelling from Homebase and gave it a fresh coat of paint in Farrow and Ball’s soothing Cornforth White.