Modern, Low Maintenance Grey Bathroom

When Tom retired, he and Hazel decided to treat themselves to the bathroom they had always wanted. There was plenty of space in the room, and the existing layout had worked well, but after close to twenty years, everything was in need of a refresh,

 

“It all just looked tired, especially the corner shower enclosure,” says Tom, “It was a bit old-fashioned, with noisy, sliding doors and quite a big step up into it.”

 

“I’d always wanted to change the fitted furniture too,” adds Hazel, “We had a vanity unit on the wall, but with nothing either side, it looked bitty. I thought it would be smarter if the cupboards ran all the way across, with no gaps. That way, we’d have more storage too.”

 

Hazel and Tom wanted to keep the same configuration, but update worn sanitaryware, and replace old flooring and wall tiles. They visualised clean, simple lines, modern, low-maintenance fittings and a calm, grey colour scheme.

 

They already knew of Gardiner Haskins, having bought a few items from us in the past. However, they had not been into our showroom for some years and were surprised and impressed by the ranges on display when they re-visited us. They soon got chatting with designer Lee Watkins, and explained their plans,

 

“Lee took on board what we wanted, and we walked around the showroom with him, pointing out anything that caught our eyes,” says Tom, “One of the first things we spotted was the black shower system. It was different from the chrome finish we’d had before, but we really liked it and felt it would look great with our grey colour scheme.”

 

 

 

From there it was an easy decision to add a modern, black, single-lever basin tap to tie in. Picking out the right basin and fitted furniture to go around it took a little more research. Listening carefully to Hazel’s requirements, Lee suggested running Calypso Brecon bathrooom furniture right along one side of the room. His understated design, which is topped with a solid, marble-effect surface, incorporates a neat, semi-recessed basin and WC, as well as plenty of practical storage. The cistern and pipework are totally concealed, minimising dust-traps and creating the streamlined effect Hazel had in mind. Having chosen their furniture, Hazel and Tom turned their attention to the flooring, settling on vinyl tiles,

 

“The floor was a big decision, but Lee showed us all the different types and talked us through prices, and pro and cons,” says Tom, “We’re more than happy with our choice.”

 

One of the key components of the bathroom is the shower enclosure. Tom and Hazel had initially envisaged something similar to what they had had before. However, Lee was able to show them several new options, and they decided on a simple walk-in model with a sleek, low-level tray,

 

“There are no rattling doors or sticking-out handles, and nothing to step over when you get in,” says Tom. “There’s just a slim glass deflector panel to prevent water spraying out, so we were a bit concerned about that, but we’re actually delighted with it - it works perfectly.”

  

 

The couple opted for easy-to-clean, dark grey shower panels rather than the tiled finish they had had before. The panels and enclosure span the entire length of the wall, mirroring the fitted furniture opposite. For continuity, the panel material also forms a splashback above the cabinets, highlighting the seamless feel.

 

As the design took shape, Lee produced computer-generated images so Hazel and Tom had a very clear impression of how their new bathroom would look. To further help with their choices, he gave them samples of flooring, shower panel and countertop materials so they could see how the combinations worked in their bathroom. As Hazel and Tom were able to make quick decisions, and their timing luckily coincided with the availability of our expert fitters, their new bathroom was completed from start to finish in about a month. Both are delighted with it. Hazel is particularly pleased with the big, drencher shower head, and extra storage, while Tom likes the stylish, black fittings, especially the radiator, which has sleek, adjustable towel rails,

 

“There’s nothing we would change,” says Hazel, “We’re so pleased with it – it’s exactly what we had in mind.”

 

Bathroom Details

Designer: Lee Watkins

Bathroom type: Modern

Wall panels: Splashpanel Grey Concrete Matt

Flooring: Malmo Marta

Basin: Calypso Bathrooms Charlotte Semi-Recessed

Tap: R2 Fuse Matt Black mixer

WC: Rak Resort

Cabinetry: Calypso Bathrooms Brecon in Slate Mist

Work top: Minerva solid Surface in Grey Storm

Shower System: Aqualla Drench in Matt Black

Shower glass: Kudos Ultimate

Shower tray: Minerva Truestone in Fossil Grey

Towel rail: Eastbrook Tunstall

 

All imagery contained in this case study was taken by Colin, PhotoWord.