Designing an effective bathroom in a compact space is a delicate balance between aesthetics, functionality, and smart use of limited square footage. Our latest project—a bathroom redesign in a cozy, traditional cottage—showcases just how far clever design choices can go to maximize space, comfort, and style.
The Initial Challenge
This project started with the challenge of transforming a small, somewhat dated bathroom into a more modern, efficient, and inviting shower room. Working with the inherent limitations of the cottage’s footprint, our primary goal was to create a space that felt both luxurious and practical. With careful planning and strategic design decisions, we brought life and utility to this compact room without sacrificing comfort.
The Shower Enclosure: Maximizing Comfort
At the heart of this transformation is the bespoke shower enclosure. Given the tight dimensions of the space, we opted for a frameless glass enclosure. This design choice helps create the illusion of openness and continuity within the room, as the clear lines reduce visual barriers. The glass was treated with a special coating to prevent water spots and simplify cleaning, enhancing both functionality and low-maintenance appeal.
The shower itself features a sleek, modern rain showerhead that brings a spa-like experience to the space. Thoughtful placement of wall-mounted storage niches within the enclosure ensures essential toiletries are easily accessible, maintaining a clean and uncluttered look.
Chrome Floating Radiator: Dual Purpose and Style
A major feature to the client was in the new shower room is the chrome floating radiator, chosen for its minimalist yet striking presence. This radiant fixture serves dual purposes: warming the room efficiently and doubling as a towel warmer for added luxury. The chrome finish complements other hardware details and reflects light around the room, making the space feel brighter and more expansive.
Our in-house plumber quickly installed two Floating radiators as per the CAD designs we agreed with the client.
Corner Sink and Vanity Enclosure: Clever Storage Solutions
Given the limited square footage, a traditional sink and vanity were not feasible. Instead, we incorporated a stylish corner sink that optimizes the room’s layout. This compact sink features clean lines and an understated design that harmonizes with the overall minimalist aesthetic. Paired with a custom-built vanity enclosure beneath, it provides essential storage without encroaching on the surrounding space.
This vanity unit has pull-out drawers tailored to fit toiletries and linens, ensuring clutter is kept out of sight. The soft-close mechanism maintains a peaceful ambiance while adding a touch of modern convenience. Above the sink, we installed a mirrored cabinet with integrated LED lighting. This feature not only expands storage but also adds depth and brightness to the room, contributing to its airy feel.
Maximizing Storage Without Compromise
Storage in a compact bathroom is often a challenge, but our design incorporates multiple solutions that blend seamlessly with the room’s aesthetic. Wall-mounted cabinets finished in a soft, neutral color match the subtle hues of the tiling, which has been laid in a herringbone pattern to elongate the visual lines of the space. Small alcoves built into the shower and near the vanity add both practical and decorative opportunities, perfect for keeping frequently used items within reach while maintaining a streamlined appearance.
Achieving Spaciousness
Every design choice in this project was aimed at making the shower room feel larger than its actual dimensions. The frameless shower, chrome radiator, and strategically placed mirror all play roles in this illusion. Additionally, the light, natural color palette, combined with the strategic use of glossy, reflective surfaces, helps bounce light around the room, giving it a more open and spacious vibe.
Final Thoughts
This compact shower room in a lovely cottage hidden in Hartley Wintney demonstrates that even the smallest of spaces can be transformed into luxurious, functional retreats with the right approach. The seamless combination of frameless glass, a multifunctional chrome radiator, a corner sink with hidden storage, and clever lighting creates a space that feels both airy and practical. The design serves as a testament to the power of maximizing every inch and shows that thoughtful planning can overcome the challenges of limited square footage.