Interior Design

Notes on Design with Nicole Salvesen

We catch up with Nicole Salvesen on everything you ever wanted to know about Bathrooms, from window treatments to creating a timeless sanctuary.

Bathrooms

What flooring do you usually specify for bathrooms?

We often use carpet in bathrooms and feel very confident doing so, in particular a waterproof sisal which is neutral enough to be styled with any rugs on top.

A carpet has the effect of softening a room as well as being something warm and comfortable to step out on, it also has the advantage of drying out thanks to underfloor heating.

Don’t be afraid of mixing flooring, here we have used marble under a freestanding bath to give it extra visual impact in the room as well as being a more forgiving surface for wet feet.

How can I create a timeless look for the bathroom

Opt for sanitaryware that isn’t too stylised, traditional sanitaryware will always look timeless as following any trends may fall out of favour as quickly as they arrived.

Tiles in particular, tend to be susceptible to trends, as they are often used to add colour and pattern to white sanitaryware. By choosing a classic shape in a colour or pattern that you’re consistently drawn to is a great way to ensure you won’t grow bored easily.

What styling would you suggest for a bathroom that isn't too impractical?

Bathrooms are places with lots of hard surfaces and finishes so they can definitely take some prettier elements if you want something a little softer.

As long as the room is well ventilated, don’t be afraid to adorn the walls with pictures or display shelves and style it like you would any other room in the house. Antique decanters for bath oil, soap dishes and trays on a vanity, all add to the layered look.

Where possible we’d always incorporate an armchair, not only for practical reasons but adding softer textures instantly warms up the space. Think about where you can introduce fabrics – a blind, upholstered chair, under basin skirt. These will all contribute to softening a utilitarian space.

How would you use fabric in a bathroom?

The obvious place is for window treatments, in general, we would always say in a bathroom or any room that you want privacy from the garden or from the street do a sheer roller blind or café curtain so that you don't have to open and close the curtains or the blinds every time you want to get changed.

Most bathrooms don’t have the same black out requirements as a bedroom, which gives more window treatment options.

Don’t be afraid of using textiles where perhaps you might normally see a hard finish such as here we incorporated fabric in a bath panel, which is actually more practical than you first think, giving easy access to pipes underneath.

If the space lends itself, a shower curtain is a great way to add further texture and pattern particularly in a period property where a glass screen might look out of place.

What storage would you suggest for a bathroom?

There are lots of ways you can be creative with storage in a bathroom. Concealed storage behind mirrors is both practical and creates balance in a room.

An obvious storage space is a vanity but you could also consider a skirted sink. This is not only more tactile than joinery and practical as it can easily be washed but its also a cost effective alternative to the traditional vanity.

Where boxing in pipes is unavoidable, you can use it to your advantage as it makes a perfect ledge for books near a bath.

Don’t underestimate the benefit of a well-placed table or even stool beside a bath for the easy placement of a drink or book.

Do you have any favourites from The Collection that you have incorporated into your own bathroom?

It’s got to be the scallop mat, perfect for adding a hint of colour to a calming scheme and some soft edges. I also always have on hand our trio of soaps as the individually wrapped soaps are perfect for guests to unwrap and have a clean scent.