Soft duck egg and rich cream create a sense of calm in this bathroom. Its inviting feel owes much to the clever combination of freestanding antique-style pieces set alongside sleek, modern fittings. Wall-mounted taps help to keep the look clean, while an extra-deep double-ended bathtub adds a touch of luxury. Essential storage space is provided by a distressed antique cabinet, which also adds character to the scheme. To bring warmth to the room, underfloor heating was chosen, which is relatively inexpensive to install and run.

HOW TO GET THE LOOK
• Combine reproduction furniture with stone basins to create the washstand.
• Soften the look with decorative antiques such as a mirror or cabinet.
• Include storage, such as baskets under the basins, and side tables.
• Keep the floor warm underfoot with underfloor heating.
• Use a paint suitable for bathrooms like a water-based flat oil.
• Make sure the tones are warm and inviting and not cold. Duck-egg blue and warm creams are perfect colours that are fresh but not too cool.

Chariot bath with painted plinth; nickel mixer taps on standing pipes; all Chadder & Co. Cabinet, Artefact, (020) 7381 2500. East Coast side tables, Gustavian. Curtain, Oka. French two-drawer table, The Dormy House. Venetian marble bowl basins, Fired Earth. Wall-mounted nickel taps, Chadder & Co. Towels, John Lewis.

STYLING EMELINE HUDSON
PHOTOGRAPHS ELIZABETH ZESCHIN
MARCH 2006