Ensuite vs Family Bathroom: Creating a Second Bathroom for a Blended Family in a 1930s House

The Property

The clients, a blended family with five kids between them, lived in a five-bed extended 1930s house. The house had only one bathroom, which made it challenging for everyone to use it during peak hours. The clients needed a solution to this problem, and after considering different options, they decided that a second family bathroom would be the best for everybody.

The clients looked for unused space in the house to create a compact shower room. They found the perfect spot in the landing and approached us for help in designing and renovating the space. Our team took on the project, and we got started with creating the perfect bathroom for the family.

The Solution

Pride Road Architects’ primary objective was to create a functional and attractive bathroom in a small area. We decided to incorporate space-saving features such as a pocket door, back-to-wall toilet, and slimline hidden cistern. We also included a semi-recessed sink and boxed-in cloakroom furniture to maximise the available space.

We installed a wall-hung mirrored cabinet to provide storage and to create an illusion of a more extensive bathroom. We fully tiled the bathroom with white Metro tiles laid in a brick fashion to give it a clean and modern look. To add some character and interest to the space, we created a feature panel between the worktop on a wall cabinet.

The clients sourced eight bespoke tiles from Etsy and matched the colour with the local tile shop to create a feature splashback. The bathroom floor was tiled with a neutral slate style, large format tile.

To provide some warmth to the bathroom, Pride Road Architects suggested we used an oak butcher’s block wooden worktop. While wood isn’t the most practical material around water, we ensured that the clients were aware of the pros and cons of this material before proceeding. They were happy to proceed with this design element as they appreciated the warmth and character it added to the space.

In conclusion, we successfully designed and renovated a compact shower room for the blended family in their 1930s house. The new bathroom has made a significant impact on the family’s daily routine, providing a much-needed second bathroom. By incorporating space-saving features, a neutral colour palette, and a feature panel, we created an attractive and functional bathroom that meets the family’s needs.

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