Our client, who had a typically long and narrow Edinburgh tenement bathroom, was planning a classic-style renovation. They visited our showroom seeking design inspiration. As Scotland’s largest fully functional bathroom showroom, our carefully curated bathroom displays offered an immersive experience that sparked several creative ideas for our client. They were impressed by our design approach and installation expertise, which gave them complete confidence that we were the right team to bring their vision to life.
Design Brief
Our client was seeking a classic-style bathroom renovation with ample storage to keep the space organised and clutter-free. They preferred minimal tiling, only to essential areas. Despite working with a compact space, the goal was to create a space that felt relaxing, practical, and enjoyable to use. Our client requested a calm, soothing colour scheme to create a spacious and inviting bathroom.
Bathroom Survey
We arranged an on-site survey to assess the space and gain a clear understanding of our client’s design ideas and the project’s practical requirements. An open, collaborative discussion clarified their vision for the bathroom, including colours, products, materials, finishes, and tile selections. We also gained insight into how they intended to use the space, helping us shape a practical and personalised design.
Bathroom Design
To create a classic-style bathroom that feels open and comfortable, our design team reimagined the space to improve flow and usability. This design creates a generous central activity zone, ensuring ease of movement throughout the space. We positioned the shower-over-bath at the far end of the room, along the right-hand wall, to maximise available space, and thoughtfully placed the WC beside it for added practicality.
We arranged the vanity unit along the right wall to create a clean, linear layout and incorporated additional storage furniture alongside it, giving the client ample storage without compromising the overall design. Using our CAD system, we created a 3D model of their classic-style bathroom, allowing them to see how the products, colour scheme, and layout come together and make informed decisions.
Preparation
Prior to installation, we laid protective dust sheets and carpet coverings from the entrance to the work area to safeguard the property. An 8-yard skip was provided for the removal of all debris. Existing water supplies to the room were safely isolated, and the current sanitary ware, tiles, woodwork, and cupboards were removed.
Our Approach And Product Selection
We selected a bath perfectly suited to the space, offering both comfort and a distinctive design, complemented by a reinforced panel to ensure long-term durability and a high-quality finish. To enhance functionality and maintain a classic style, we chose a freestanding shaker-style vanity unit with four spacious drawers, providing ample storage and complementing the bathroom’s style. We completed the vanity area with an underslung worktop and rectangular basin, creating clean lines and a classic, elegant look that ties the overall design together.
We incorporated a two-drawer mirrored cabinet, complete with an integrated charging socket, touch-free operation and heated demister pads, combining everyday convenience with a sleek finish. The floor is laid with porcelain tiles from Ca’pietra with a classic Victorian design, adding character and timeless charm to the space. To enhance comfort and practicality, we installed underfloor heating with insulation beneath, ensuring efficient performance and an evenly warmed bathroom that feels as comfortable as it looks.
Plumbing Work
Our team carefully adapted all hot, cold, and drainage services to accommodate the new sanitary ware. Additionally, we installed the radiator and valves, fitted a new flexible track shower curtain rail, and completed the installation of all required accessories. We thoroughly tested all work to ensure everything functioned perfectly.
Joinery Work
After removing the existing sanitary ware pipes, we patched and prepared the floors. Our joiners replastered affected walls, carefully removed and trimmed the door as required, fitted the threshold, and reinstalled the door. We installed structural supports (dwangs) to support the basin and supplied and fitted new panelling. We finished it with pencil skirting and a flat bead detail to achieve a clean, professional appearance.
Tiling and Electrical Work
Our team prepared and installed classic-style tiles throughout the bath and shower area, up to approximately 2.4 meters, including installing Wedi insulation for the subfloor and underfloor heating. We fixed, grouted, and polished the floor tiles using mid-grey grout and silicone, laying them in a brick-bond pattern to achieve a clean, professional finish. We supplied and installed four chrome-plated LED downlights, along with wiring for the illuminated mirror cabinet and connection of the underfloor heating. A new switch was fitted outside the room, ensuring all systems operated seamlessly together.
Testimonials
We had a clear view that the design of our bathroom should be in a classic style to match the décor of the rest of our Victorian flat. The design team guided us seamlessly from concept to completion, delivering a design we are absolutely delighted with. When it came to installation, everyone in the team was friendly, approachable, respectful and responsive to any issues that arose. We love our bathroom.
Conclusion
Our fully employed trades team handled every stage of the classic-style bathroom renovation, ensuring it proceeded smoothly and stayed on schedule from start to finish. We delivered a new bathroom that delighted our client and matched exactly what they had envisioned. This project was a pleasure, thanks to a client whose clear vision and positive attitude made the bathroom renovation enjoyable.