However, when designing a bedroom with a bath, it’s important to consider the practicalities, such as plumbing, potential water damage to the flooring or possible leaks, and even the added weight that a full bath adds to joists in a period property.’
Emma Sims-Hilditch, the interior designer behind her eponymous company, is similarly realistic. ‘I’d only introduce a bath into a bedroom where the architecture genuinely allows, with space around it so it feels intentional and elegant rather than as though it has simply been squeezed into a corner. Ideally, the bath should have its own visual territory – perhaps in a bay window, beside a fireplace, within an adjoining dressing area or behind a partial screen. Rugs, an occasional table and good lighting can also help it feel integrated in the bedroom.’
Emma also notes that natural light and good views – albeit with soft blinds or café curtains for added privacy – as well as timber floors and natural stone with traditional sanitaryware, can all help to make the space less bathroom-like.
And when it comes to the bath itself? ‘Scale is crucial,’ she advises. ‘A huge sculptural design can overwhelm an English bedroom. But a beautifully proportioned roll-top bateau or compact free-standing bath often sit more comfortably in a traditional interior.’ Emma’s own bath in the bedroom of her 17th-century barn conversion in the Cotswolds – a free-standing style hand-painted in sage green – is a spectacular case in point.
In the same neck of the woods, interior designer Bee Osborn was inspired by late decorating maestro David Hicks who had a bath in his bedroom. ‘I thought it was the height of luxury,’ she says. Like Emma, Bee designed hers so it sat comfortably at the end of her bed opposite a wood-burning stove to create a romantic spot for a good soak in her period cottage. Sisal carpet, a wooden stool for housing bathing accoutrement and a Boat bath from BC Designs in a soothing taupe colourway complete the look.
SourcE: www.houseandgarden.co.uk
