Tales of Transformation: A Master Bathroom in Surrey

We don’t know about you, but for us, the start of a new year always sparks conversations about transformation and growth. Whether in our personal lives or within Wells and Maguire, we’re constantly seeking out areas to improve. That’s why we thought we’d kick off January’s blog with the launch of our ‘Tales of Transformation’ series – blogs dedicated solely to sharing what went on behind the scenes to achieve the ‘before and after’ interior design shots we post on Instagram.

As we mentioned in our Q+A last May, bathrooms are one of our favourite rooms to design. Not only are there so many styles to choose from, but they’re also the rooms where our clients are most eager to experiment—an interior designer’s dream!

For that reason, to kick off the series, we’re sharing one of our all-time favourite projects: a Master Bathroom in Surrey. A very satisfying transformation… if we do say so ourselves!

From Cluttered and Cramped to Clean and Spacious

It’s easy to assume that built-in suites are always the most effective use of space. But don’t be fooled – when it comes to baths, built-in isn’t always best. This is demonstrated perfectly by the built-in bathtub in the before photos, below! We knew the old bath was a clunky use of the space and couldn’t wait to replace it. By swapping it for a beautiful freestanding bathtub from Waters Baths, which we had custom painted in Railings No.31 by Farrow and Ball (an extra personal touch), not only does it look stunning, but it also made the space feel so much bigger. 

Before
After

The overall sense of spaciousness was further enhanced by the addition of built-in storage. In our opinion, strategic storage is essential in keeping bathrooms clutter-free, which is crucial for creating a relaxing and contemporary space. By replacing the old-fashioned double vanity with recessed mirrors that hide toiletries plus a bespoke cabinet above the toilet, hidden behind a wall, we managed to combine practicality with style.

From Dated and Plain to Unique and Characterful

When there are so many different tiles and shades to choose from, it’s easy to fall back on plain or trending designs – especially when selecting bathroom tiles. That’s why we always encourage our clients to keep an open mind and steer clear from ‘playing it safe’. For example, a trip to Mauritius inspired us to use this stunning marble-effect porcelain to evoke a true sense of luxury. The checkerboard pattern added an extra layer of character, making it a vast improvement over the previous white mosaic tiles!

Caption: Paradise Cove Boutique Hotel, Mauritius
Paradise Cove Boutique Hotel, Mauritius

From a Basic Bathroom to a Luxurious Haven

These days, bathrooms are so much more than functional rooms. If you’re anything like us, they’re a retreat where we escape after a stressful day – or simply when we’re craving a reason to unwind. That’s why we always strive to infuse a sense of luxury into our designs.

For this Surrey project, alongside the freestanding tub and beautiful marble-effect flooring, we designed a built-in seat within the newly constructed shower enclosure, at the request of our client. We also added recessed niches with hidden LED lighting fitted on separate circuits to the main light (so that they could be controlled separately), to create a soothing ambiance. After all, nothing says ‘unwelcoming’ quite like harsh bathroom light!

You can’t underestimate the power of beautiful accessories, either. Something as simple as a stylish bath stool, adorned with your favourite luxury candle and bath products, can elevate the space in seconds. Bamford is one of our favourite brands, so if you’re looking for natural products that will leave you feeling like you’ve been whisked away to a spa, we highly recommend them. It helps that they’re easy on the eye, too!

Overall, we were absolutely thrilled with this transformation—and, more importantly, our clients were too. Should you find yourself on the hunt for an interior designer in 2025, feel free to get in touch here

For now, we’ll be back next month with another tale of transformation.

In the meantime, Happy New Year from us to you!

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