How Ripples London designed a bold and beautiful multigenerational cloakroom
How Ripples London designed a bold and beautiful multigenerational cloakroom
Jo Sangster, senior designer for Ripples London, reveals how she and the team went about creating a boutique bathroom space that doubles as the downstairs cloakroom and works for the entire family.
Q: What type of property was it in and who was the project for?
A: The project was in a semi-detached home in North London, designed for a multigenerational family living together.
Q: What was the brief from the client for this project?
A: The client wanted a space that felt both luxurious and practical, making better use of the layout while ensuring it was easy and comfortable for their elderly parents to use. As a downstairs bathroom that also functions as the main cloakroom, it needed to work hard day to day, while still delivering a real sense of impact. The brief was to create a light, functional space that could withstand busy family life, without compromising on that all-important wow factor.
How did you go about meeting the brief?
The first step in this room was to explore how we could increase the size of the shower without altering the existing layout. Due to the shape of the room and the position of the plumbing, reconfiguring the space wasn’t an option, and following previous issues, the client was keen to keep things as simple as possible.
By changing the shower from a quadrant to a square design, we were able to increase its footprint. Introducing a stud wall also allowed us to incorporate a built-in seat, while cleverly concealing recessed storage for products so they are not immediately visible upon entering the room. Avoiding bespoke glass was a key consideration throughout. Within the shower, the slider rail has been selected to double as a support bar, providing additional stability and ease of use.
Q: What were the particular challenges that you faced during this project?
A: The main challenge within this space was addressing a number of structural issues. A previous leak had caused significant damage, ultimately accelerating the need for a full bathroom renovation. Tiling played a crucial role in the design, not only aesthetically but functionally. It was essential to ensure the correct slip ratings were achieved across both the main floor and within the shower area, while also selecting finishes that would be easy to clean and maintain for everyday use.
What materials did you use? Did you use anything different or unusual?
In general, the materials used are fairly classic for a bathroom, including porcelain tiles and anti-plaque treated glass. However, while the palette centres around neutral tones with marble and soft pink accents, the overall effect is far from ordinary. A fluted marble tile introduces texture and depth, while the feathered finish of the mosaics creates a sense of movement, allowing light to gently reflect around the space and enhance its overall brightness.
Q: What were the different products that you and the client chose, and what made them the perfect choice?
A: We spent the most time refining the basin area and carefully considering the tile selection. For the basin, we opted for a semi-bespoke solution to ensure it complemented the slightly more classical feel of the space, while still providing ample storage and sufficient surface area within a relatively compact room.
Q: Are there any design elements that you’re particularly proud of?
A: Two standout features for me in this space are the Preen pink tiles and the Drench shower door. The tiles have a beautifully unique shape and a stunning colour that adds character without overwhelming the room. I also love the Drench shower door; opting for a tonal finish rather than chrome softens the overall look, allowing it to blend seamlessly into the background despite being a large, fully framed feature.
A: Two standout features for me in this space are the Preen pink tiles and the Drench shower door. The tiles have a beautifully unique shape and a stunning colour that adds character without overwhelming the room. I also love the Drench shower door; opting for a tonal finish rather than chrome softens the overall look, allowing it to blend seamlessly into the background despite being a large, fully framed feature.
Tags: bathrooms, features, ripples london, jo sangster, cloakroom, en suite, multigenerational bathroom
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