Victorian style tiles on walls and the floor.
One of the ways to inject personality, texture and colour in your bathroom, can be a clever choice of different tiles on the walls, floor and even in the shower cubicle. The tiles can have floral, geometric patterns or even plain colour with a bit of texture. In this bathroom design, I opted for different wall and floor tiles; patterned floor tiles and ochre wall tiles.
The creative pattern of the rectangular Zellica* ochre tiles.
I have chosen Zellica tiles because of their rustic and glossy texture. The gloss of the tiles reflects light in the bathroom that creates an illusion of a bigger space. The huge advantage of the tiles is that you can create different patterns on walls such as a brick, chevron or square pattern or even a diagonal pattern on the walls would be a fantastic idea! I decided to create an interesting pattern with the tiles; vertical and horizontal square tiles. You can buy the Zellica tiles in a different colour palette. I chose the light ochre colour that goes well with the beautiful ‘Welmish’ blue colour on the walls. The tiles and the patterns above mentioned could even create an amazing kitchen splashback!
The Victorian floor touch.
To cut the cost down, I opted for patterned Albert blue* floor tiles that are not only affordable and durable but also hardwearing. Additionally, the tiles are non-slip and fuse a classic Victorian as well as modern style.
Splendidly colourful walls and ceiling.
The sublime and environmentally friendly ‘Welmish’ blue* on the walls.
Carefully considering the impact on the environment, I selected a toxin-free, breathable wall paint. The paint is a perfect choice for the bathroom; because of its breathability and it’s resistance to moisture.
I used the same paint colour on the picture rail. The ‘Welmish’ blue colour has a hint of yellow undertone so, I chose an off-white/yellowish colour for the ceiling.
Adding a different colour to the ceiling.
Why not add a splash of colour to your ceiling or decorate the ceiling with specialist bathroom wallpaper? Most ceilings in bathrooms are white. Don’t miss an opportunity to add extra personality to your bathroom. I’ve painted the ceiling with an off-white/yellowish colour. The colour is subtle, so it doesn’t overwhelm the other colour choices I made in this bathroom, but don’t let that stop you from experimenting with colourful punchy colours that make your bathroom stand out.
Extra features in the bathroom.
I added a picture rail to the walls, a period feature, which optically lowered the height of the walls. This created warmth and the illusion of a more intimate and cocoon like space.
Double sink and a vanity unit* are perfect choices for a family bathroom.
The previous design had only one pedestal sink with separate tabs for hot and cold water. For practical reasons, I needed to add not only a storage solution but an extra sink. I found a superb antique sideboard in a local clearance shop that I converted, with expert help, into a unique vanity unit adding a bit of old-world style and luxury to the room. The vanity accommodates an abundance of storage and two oval sinks* and looks beautiful. The antique vanity piece also successfully complements the modern elements in the bathroom.
Dazzling ceiling pendants in the bathroom.
Small handmade glass pendants above the vanity unit.
There was not enough light in this bathroom so, I had two petite handcrafted bathroom pendants* installed. The pendants spread an additional dappled light around the room. Its glass is slightly tinted with brown/orange and the edges have an uneven finish. The pendants have beautiful neutral twined rope-like flexes.
The main bathroom lighting.
I opted for a classic prismatic vintage pendant light* as the main light in the bathroom. The light is strong and provides ample light in the shower cubicle.
Bespoke blind in the bathroom.
I’ve used cotton linen fabric with my own design, Daisy*, to create a bespoke blind. The simple floral pattern lends a cosiness, a modern style and a playful touch.
Modern appliances with which we cannot be without.
The modern and luxurious free-standing bath.
I’ve opted for a stylish Orchard contemporary freestanding bath*. The style of the bath is elegant. The free-standing taps were placed next to the bath and opposite the vanity. The bath is very deep and very comfortable. The added extra lighting from the pendant makes it easy to read or browse through an interior design magazine when you have a bath!
The shower cubicle.
I personally like to have a shower as opposed to having a bath. The old shower cubicle was tiny, the grouting blackened, the tiles were black, which made the room very dark and there were lots of leaks. The ochre tiles replaced the old black tiles, and I purchased a more modern and larger shower tray with glass screens, which is easy to clean. I sprayed the tiles with an eco-friendly grout sealer and a tile protector spray. It is an effective stain-resistant protector.
Magnifying mirror.
I have attached a small magnifying mirror to the vanity unit.
Large wooden towel rail.
A basic antique, folding, wooden towel rail in front of the radiator is effective at drying the towels off. It can hold many towels. It looks nice and adds another layer of practicality and comfort whilst using the bathroom.
Don’t forget to dress the walls.
In this bathroom most of the fittings and appliances are on the right wall leaving the left wall rather bare. Small pictures artfully placed along the wall helped to balance two walls and added interesting points of focus.
Summing up.
Many modern bathrooms are cold and clinical. But I wanted something a Victorian style with an added modern touch. Using elements such as the converted antique vanity unit, a variety pictures on the walls, the folding wooden towel rail, a variety of interesting tile patterns and warm colours on the walls, I created a bathroom that invites you to relax and looks beautiful. The cost of the whole project amounted to £7000, which includes the material and the labour costs.
Shopping list:
Albert Blue* – 360 Tiles
Daisy* - Cotton linen £55.00 (available on my website)
Magnifying mirror* - Argos
Orchard Freestanding bath and tabs* – Victoria Plum
Oval sinks* – Appliances Direct
Pendants* – Artifact Lighting
Vanity unit* – Local clearance shop (£50)
Welmish blue* - Edward Bulmer Paint
Zellica* – Topps Tiles
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