This stunning London bathroom combines bold tile choices with classic style for a unique and elegant look. Located in a historical Georgian townhouse, the space was completely renovated while still paying homage to the home’s heritage. The result is a room full of character that feels both refreshingly modern and classically timeless.
Overview of the Bathroom Design
The layout of the bathroom features a large central freestanding tub as the focal point. Surrounding the tub on three sides is a unique decorative tile installation that makes a dramatic statement. The varied tiles in bold patterns and rich colors create visual interest and texture. Beyond the tile enclosure, sleek white cabinetry and fixtures keep the aesthetic light and bright. Pops of black metal finishes and accessories provide contrast and dimension. Overall, the look manages to feel both invigoratingly bold yet soothingly serene.
Some key elements that define this bathroom design include:
- Freestanding oval soaking tub
- Decorative tile wall enclosure in black, white, and gold tones
- Large format geometric floor tiles in black and white
- White vanity sink and medicine cabinets
- Black metal finishes on fixtures and accessories
- Ample natural light from skylight and windows
The sophisticated color palette of crisp white and contrasting black is enriched by the vibrant gold tile patterns. This creates a bold and elegant allure. The tile work itself acts as functional art, turning the utilitarian bathroom into a showcase.
The Inspiration Behind the Design
The starting point for the design was the historical character of the Georgian building. The goal was to modernize the space for contemporary comforts while maintaining the townhouse’s original charm.
To balance old and new, the style mixes traditional and modern elements. Classical features likesymmetrical layouts and clean lines blend seamlessly with trendy black metal hardware and unique decorative tiles.
The rich combination of colors and patterns found in the tile work was directly inspired by the owner’s love of textiles. Drawing on the home’s fashionable London location, the tile patterns take cues from high-end fabric designs. This includes intricate motifs, diamond shapes, and abstract florals.
By creatively combining classical and contemporary components, this bathroom manages to feel timelessly sophisticated.
Details Behind the Stunning Geometric Tile Work
The ornate tile work enclosing the tub steals the show in this bathroom. The encaustic cement tiles come together like a piece of art. Their graphic patterns and bold colors make a striking statement.
Overview of the Tile Layout
The tiles cover the three walls surrounding the tub in an asymmetrical layout. Each wall features its own unique arrangement of varying tile designs. This creates interest and contrast.
The patterns consist of a series of intricate borders framing large diamond, floral, and starburst motifs. Some geometric motifs are overlaid with a circular motif for added depth. Each wall uses black, white, and gold tiles in differing amounts to continually capture attention.
To unify the look, thin borders of the same black and white geometric design are used horizontally along the tops of the walls and vertically at transitions between motif changes. This frames each section, tying the whole installation together.
The Tile Materials and Sources
The encaustic cement tiles come from Waterworks Tile, a U.K. company specializing in unique handcrafted tile. Encaustic cement tiles are known for their rich colors and artisanal patterns.
The designs used include the Madison Black Mother of Pearl, Jubilee Mother of Pearl Geo, and Regal Mother of Pearl Geo patterns. The black and white base colors are consistent, while the third accent color varies between tiles.
- Madison Black features diamond motifs in iridescent silver-blue.
- Jubilee uses pearlescent soft gold diamonds.
- Regal has vibrant ruby red accent diamonds.
When combined, these three tile designs create a kaleidoscopic effect full of depth and intrigue. The coordinating patterns align, while the colored accents contrast and pop.
Achieving the Mixed Pattern Effect
Installing a varied tile layout like this requires careful planning and precision. The designer mapped out the exact placement of each tile type beforehand. This ensured the desired motifs lined up properly across transitions.
The installation team took great care properly leveling and aligning the small cement tiles to achieve clean uniform geometry. Cutting the encaustic tiles onsite during install allowed them to seamlessly blend patchwork designs.
Meticulous attention to detail allows this complex arrangement of 20+ tile variations to flow together in a natural, coherent way. The mix of patterns and colors energizes the space.
The freestanding Tub Takes Center Stage
As the heart of the room both functionally and visually, the freestanding tub makes a refined statement. The tub’s sculptural presence and oval form become a focal point against the backdrop of ornate tile.
Design Details of the Tub
The tub is the Tailoredoval model by London-based Wet Style. Known for sleek and contemporary designs, their baths are crafted from solid surface stone resin.
This tub measures 67” long by 35” wide, creating an elegantly elongated oval silhouette. The exterior is a smooth white matte finish that pairs crisply with the tiles.
The interior is polished to a high-gloss basin, giving it a liquid-like appearance when empty. This reflective surface catches the light beautifully.
Mounted on a slightly raised black metal plinth, the tub appears to float elegantly in place. The dark metal base anchors it while mirroring the black finishes throughout the room.
Benefits of a Freestanding Tub
This freestanding soaking tub is more than just visually striking. It also provides an incredibly relaxing and indulgent bathing experience.
Some key benefits of a freestanding tub include:
- Soothing depth for immersive soaking
- Ergonomic support and comfort
- Sleek streamlined aesthetics
- Flexible positioning options
- Visually expands smaller spaces
The oval design cradles bathers in its spacious interior, allowing full body immersion. Strategic placement in the room’s layout lends hotel-spa appeal.
Clean-Lined Cabinetry Provides Sleek Storage
While the tiles and tub make daring design statements in this bathroom, the vanity and medicine cabinets offer a serene counterbalance. Their muted tones and clean profiles create an airy, open feel.
Floating Vanity Design
The room’s ample natural light is highlighted by the wall-mounted floating vanity. This custom furniture piece was designed specifically for the space. Its simple rectilinear form mounts directly to the wall, giving it a light, ungrounded aesthetic.
The construction consists of glossy white lacquered cabinet boxes with a matching white Quartz countertop. The streamlined silhouette contains drawers and storage space behind discreet door panels.
A sleek rectangular vessel sink is integrated seamlessly into the Quartz countertop. Polished chrome hardware and fittings coordinate with the other metal finishes in the room.
Mirrored Medicine Cabinet Storage
Flanking the vanity, mirrored medicine cabinets provide concealed storage that reflects light. The cabinet interiors organize bath essentials while their reflective fronts maintain the bright, open look.
Framed in thin black metal profiles, the mirrors tie into the black accents found throughout the space. The medicine cabinets blend in seamlessly with the wall thanks to surrounding tiles that camouflage the edges.
Combined with the sharp white Quartz vanity, these storage solutions keep the aesthetic light and fuss-free. Their spare styling allows the stunning tiles to really shine.
The Importance of Lighting in Bathroom Design
This bathroom features an open, airy ambiance thanks to ample natural light washing the space. Lighting was a critical design consideration for both aesthetics and function.
Natural Light Sources
Large windows along one wall and an overhead skylight flood the room with sunshine. The light reflects off the glossy surfaces of the tub, vanity, and mirror. This gives the entire space a bright, lively feel.
Incorporating natural light was an important goal for enhancing the tiles’ rich colors. Sunlight brings out the subtle metallic sheens in the gold and mother of pearl accents.
Task Lighting
In addition to natural light, adjustable recessed can lights provide targeted task lighting. Located around the vanity and shower, these lights illuminate the functional areas.
This combination of ambient and task lighting gives the bathroom both visual splendor and practical usability. Users can see clearly and safely utilize all areas while marveling at the gorgeous design features.
Achieving Balance Between Boldness and Serenity
This bathroom design contains elements that could feel visually busy or overwhelming. However, the thoughtful composition achieves an overall sense of harmony. Several techniques helped strike the right balance.
Contrasting Texture and Color
The sleek textures of the white resin tub and cabinetry temper the busier tile motifs. This contrast helps each finish stand out instead of compete.
Similarly, the primarily black and white color palette allows the sparing gold tile accents to draw attention without going overboard. Each element has breathing room to shine.
Streamlined Shapes
Keeping fixture silhouettes clean and simple provides breathing room around the ornate tiles. The rectangular vanity and medicine cabinets don’t detract from their beauty.
The oval tub’s organic curves complement the angular geometry of the tile patterns. Different but complementary shapes create a pleasing asymmetry.
Multi-Sensory Design
While the visual components rightfully steal attention, spa-like additions engage other senses too. The soaking tub provides physical comfort while essential oil diffusers scent the space with calming aromas. Multi-sensory design creates an immersive escape.
With an intuitive sense of balance, this bathroom avoids design pitfalls like sensory overload. The result is a boldly elegant dream space.
Q&A About Creating This Stunning Bathroom
Below are answers to some frequently asked questions about designing and installing a bathroom with bold tile work and classic elements like this London townhouse space.
What type of tile is best for creating a decorative feature wall in a bathroom?
Encaustic cement tile provides an artisanal look impossible to achieve with ceramic. The vibrancy and durability make it a great choice for decorative walls in wet areas. Porcelain tile can also be used.
How do you plan a layout mixing different tile patterns?
Map it out to scale ahead of time, noting the locations of each tile type. Ensure there is enough of each tile ordered to complete your planned design. Leave wiggle room for adjustments during installation.
What kind of tub can handle freestanding installation?
Choose a tub designed and reinforced for freestanding use. Stone resin, acrylic, or enameled cast iron tubs have the durability needed to withstand weight and exposure without surrounding framing.
How is a freestanding tub supported?
Freestanding tubs require a specialized drain configuration and typically include floor-mounted plumbing hardware that structurally anchors the weight while concealing drain pipes.
Should you frame a freestanding tub into the floor and walls?
No, inserting framing around a freestanding tub defeats the purpose of the freestanding design. Framing it in would also trap moisture and dirt in crevices.
What maintenance is required for encaustic cement tiles?
Encaustic tiles require periodic sealing to maintain their patina and prevent dirt buildup in the grout lines. Gentle pH neutral cleaners should be used.
How do you prevent natural light creating glare in a bathroom?
Strategically placed sun filtering window treatments, anti-glare glass coatings, and soft-closing skylight shades can help reduce intense glare while still permitting natural light.
Conclusion: Creating a Sophisticated Bathroom Retreat
This London townhouse bathroom exemplifies how bold tile choices can coexist beautifully with classic design. The eclectic mix of patterns, shapes, and finishes produces a space brimming with personality yet still refined.
Strategic layout, meticulous installation, and expert material selections were integral to executing this upscale look successfully. By artfully balancing lavish details with graceful restraint, the room feels invitingly opulent.
For homeowners seeking to create their own sophisticated bathroom retreat, this space provides abundant inspiration. With careful planning, even the most ornate or daring design elements can come together in harmonious style.
Some key takeaways include:
- Experiment with mixing tile designs for unique decorative impact
- Select a statement tub design like an oval freestanding model
- Incorporate metal finishes for a punch of contrast
- Streamline storage solutions for a clean-lined look
- Take advantage of natural light to highlight luxurious materials
- Curate a personalized multi-sensory experience
With an effervescent blend of bold presence and understated elegance, this bathroom design stands out as a truly exceptional room of the day. The devilish details make it a space to savor.
