From textural tiling to wall-hung vanity units, here’s inspiration to make a big splash in a small en suite.
VENETIAN FLAIR
Where bright colours in large repeat patterns can easily overwhelm a smaller space, Bert & May’s new Terrazzo tiling collection (opening image) hits all the right notes with its ditsy free-form patterning borrowed from 18th century Venetian walkways. Beautifully hand-crafted using bespoke designs (no two squares are the same) the eye-catching tiles are made from a mix of ground materials including marble, granite and quartz. Neutral in tone but with playful colour variations, the tiles offer a rich visual texture and are anything but plain.
£45 per 40x40cm tile (bertandmay.com)
LIGHT AND SPACE
Lighting is all-important in an en suite, not only to brighten up a smaller space, but to create a cosy ambient glow – this is an extension of the bedroom, after all. Just launched, Lights and Lamps’ first bathroom collection marries statement wall and ceiling lights with stylish pendants designed to perfectly illuminate bathing spaces, from large family bathrooms down to diminutive en suites. The Silio pendant and flush lights are characterised by a dome-shaped shade, and in brushed brass with opal, hint at classic Art Deco design.
From £69 (lightsandlamps.com)
A NOD TO MOD
A single design-led statement piece can work wonders in an en suite, especially if it comes in a vibrant colour pop. VitrA’s Plural range, the handiwork of Milan-based American designer Terri Pecora, comprises mid-century inspired monochrome pieces. Blurring the boundaries between bedroom and functional bathing spaces, the collection is decidedly furniture orientated, as in the ceramic washbasin with its curve-edged shelf in dark oak. In matt moss green, it marks a stylish return to the coloured sanitaryware of the 1960s, too.
£2,486 (vitra.co.uk)
STYLISH STORAGE
En suite bathrooms are often compact spaces so you’d be wise to think about nifty storage solutions when designing yours – especially if you’re after a contemporary, clean-lined and clutter-free look. Crosswater’s new Infinity furniture collection features modular units that not only offer handy cupboard space, but, being wall-hung, create the illusion of extra floor space underneath. In a range of luxe finishes including marble and oak, the customisable cabinetry seemingly floats, which cleverly counters the boxy forms.
From £720 (crosswater.co.uk)
THINK PINK
A well-known interior design trick is to go lighter with furniture pieces if you want to create the illusion of extra space – a tiny en suite shower room being a case in point. But that doesn’t mean you should always stick to white. Britton’s chic Dalston collection includes a delicate matt pink unit that sits underneath the ceramic white washbasin, creating a pretty contrast. Clean-lined and contemporary, the lacquered MDF unit offers handy storage space and hides away the plumbing. Complete the look with ballet-pink tiles.
From £399 (brittonbathrooms.com)
OUTSIDE IN
With clever contemporary design, an en suite doesn’t have to be separated from the bedroom at all. This stylish sleep space incorporates an elevated wet room with a luxurious walk-in shower that’s framed by Crittal-like glazing and accented by similarly stylish noir accessories and lighting. Deftly mixing form and function, the panel is crafted from toughened glass and powder-coated steel in a matt black finish, while its effortlessly simple form allows you to roll out of bed and step straight in.
Soho matt black walk-in double shower panel, £849.99 (drench.co.uk)
WATER FEATURE
The use of reflective materials in a compact room allows the light to bounce around beautifully, creating an airiness that you just don’t get with solid matt colours. Porcelain Superstore’s Marais Aqua ceramic tiles are an ideal addition to an en suite. Varied in tone from duck egg blue through to mint and turquoise, the high gloss tiles offer a rippling water effect that gently moves with the light. Off-set the textural tiles with plain white sanitaryware for a pleasing contrast.
£45.60 per sq m (porcelainsuperstore.co.uk)
