Home & Gardens, August 2012

H&G

IN HARMONY The walls and Woodwork in this narrow bathroom are painted the same shade, Gervase Yellow No 72, to give the illusion of space. Walls are in Modern Emulsion, £35.50 for 2.5 litres, with woodwork in Estate Eggshell, £19 for 750m1; both Farrow & Ball, 01202 876141, farrow-ball.com.

STEPPING UP Split-level bathrooms demand careful planning. Here, the bath is on the lower level under a sloped ceiling, leaving the taller area for a vanity unit. A similar bathroom by the Oxford and London Building Consultancy, 020 8877 0526, olbc.co.uk, would cost around £15,000

“Don’t plump for pale shadesjot because there is preciouslittle Rau& light. Add interest and warmth with darker colours such as slate or sparkly mosaics.”

ROSIE CALEY, DESIGN DIRECTOR, OXFORD AND LONDON BUILDING CONSULTANCY

HOW TO MAKE IT WORK

  • If you’re adding a stud wall to conceal a wall-hung WC cistern, utilise the area between joists for shelved storage niches. A stud wall can also hide the plumbing for wall-mounted brassware and a concealed shower.
  • Painting low ceilings in the same bright finish as walls will make them appear higher, while a really tall ceiling can be visually lowered by using a darker shade. Applying the same colour to radiators, skirting boards and walls will elongate a small room.
  • A drop or float ceiling can also make a really tall room feel cosier. Add ambient lighting at the edge for a relaxed atmosphere and site an extraction fan in the void above.
  • Mirrors can emphasise awkward angles, creating odd reflections, so always check what you will see before you fix them in position. Placing mirrors under skylights can direct more light into the room. Include heat pads by Demista, 01932 866600, demista.co.uk, to keep mirrors steam-free.
  • If access is difficult, consider re-hanging the door on the opposite side or swapping to a sliding or pocket door. The door can be removed altogether in an en suite if you like, provided there is sufficient ventilation and the WC is tucked out of sight.