‘It Was Our Dream To Have A Spacious Attic Ensuite’

This article details the renovation of a dark, unused attic space in an Edwardian top-floor flat in Wanstead, east London, into a stylish and spacious ensuite bathroom. Lily Bell, who works in interiors PR and lives with her partner Henry, spearheaded the project due to a lack of space and storage in their home, especially after Lily moved in during lockdown. The renovation aimed to create an additional bedroom and an ensuite that felt integrated rather than an afterthought. A key design decision was the implementation of a pocket door, which maximized space efficiency by eliminating the need for a traditional swinging door. Storage was also a major consideration, addressed through the use of wall-hung sanitaryware and built-in niches, contributing to an airy and uncluttered aesthetic. The aesthetic choices for the bathroom blended traditional and modern styles. A bold emerald green tiling was chosen for the shower area to introduce a vibrant 'pop of color' against an otherwise neutral backdrop. Initially, Victorian-style flooring was considered, but a sample of terrazzo tile convinced the couple to use it, as it added visual interest without being overly busy. The brushed-gold brassware further complemented the modern-yet-period look they sought to achieve. The renovation faced several challenges, primarily due to the COVID-19 pandemic and associated lockdown restrictions. These included builders occasionally needing to self-isolate and unpredictable scheduling for electricians and tilers. These delays often forced the couple to make quick decisions without extensive deliberation, making the project a significant learning experience for them, as it was their first renovation. An example given was the late decision on towel hook placement, which necessitated cutting into freshly plastered walls. Despite the hurdles, the couple expressed high satisfaction with the final outcome. The contrast between the traditional green wall tiles and the modern terrazzo flooring was particularly highlighted as a favorite feature. The lighting fixtures were also praised for contributing to a 'boutique hotel feel,' making the room feel luxurious and a comfortable space to spend time in. The article concludes with a sourcebook of suppliers for various materials and fixtures used in the renovation, including Farrow & Ball for paint, CTD Tiles and Tiles-Direct for tiles, Drench for sanitaryware and brassware, Plank Hardware for hardware, Bathroom Mountain for mirrors, and Next for wall lights. The total estimated cost of the renovation, including paint, labor (builder, decorator, tiler, plumber, and electrician), tiles, sanitaryware, hardware, and accessories, amounted to £12,100. #LoftConversion #EnsuiteBathroom #HomeRenovation #InteriorDesign #SpaceSaving #ColorScheme #TerrazzoTiles #EdwardianFlat #DIYProject #LoftConversion #EnsuiteBathroom #HomeRenovation #InteriorDesign #SpaceSaving #ColorScheme #TerrazzoTiles #EdwardianFlat #DIYProject