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Super-Prime Bathroom Design
January 21, 2020|Luxury Design
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t Oliver Burns, we are thought leaders in luxury bathroom design. In an increasingly fast-paced and technology-driven world, we understand the practical and emotional value of a beautiful bathroom. Traditionally a private domain within the home, we are seeing the division between the bedroom and bathroom removed to create expansive, open plan areas and suites that maximise the sense of space and light. From book-matched marble to bespoke fixtures and finishes and state-of-the art technology, bathrooms are a key space within the home to showcase our client’s design credentials. His and hers personalised spaces elevate the design further still, securing the bathroom’s place as one of the most sumptuous rooms in a luxury residence.
'When it comes to bathroom pampering, nobody does it better than Oliver Burns.' - Tatler
Often positioned in prime locations within the home to enjoy maximum natural light and the best views, bathrooms are no longer just a functional space. Rainwater showers, oversized bathtubs and digitally controlled appliances illustrate that along with the kitchen, the bathroom is the area where the most budget is lavished. De-misting mirrors, integrated charging and USB ports, LED temperature displays and automatic hand-swipe sensors are just some of the features that are expected at the top end of the market.
As bathrooms are increasingly prioritised in terms of overall design, they are becoming bigger and better. Open fireplaces and strategically placed ottomans, side tables and armchairs make the bathroom an inviting environment to luxuriate in, seamlessly flowing with the rest of the home. Opening up the wall between the bedroom and master en-suite further heightens this sense of continuity. Sliding pocket doors offer a unique way to achieve an open-plan en-suite, whilst use of glass panelling and crittall doors also helps to heighten the sense of space. Utilising the same colour palette in the master suite and en-suite also creates a harmonious design scheme. In our Belgravia Townhouse, the polished Eramosa marble feature wall in one of the guest bathrooms has been thoughtfully selected to mirror the rich oak cabinetry in the bedroom.
Marble itself is a key design feature in many of our bathrooms due to its timeless and luxury appeal. We thoughtfully source our marble from quarries in Italy, working alongside specialist craftsmen to deliver a bespoke and seamless finish. Available in a wide variety of colours, markings and veinings, this beautiful and natural material provides an end result that is completely unique. Book-matching and vein-matching are two techniques we utilise as stunning ways of showcasing the inherent beauty of this stone. For instance, a marble feature wall takes centre stage in our Walpole Mayfair master suite bathroom, adding symmetrical balance to the space. Traditional Calacatta and Carrara marble remain enduringly popular with our discerning clientele, however we are seeing an increasing demand for more unusual colours such as green, blue, pink and yellow. An example is the backlit Onyx feature-wall in our Belgravia Townhouse master en-suite bathroom which when illuminated highlights the green hue to eye-catching effect.
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This shift of the bathroom from a utilitarian to a more experiential area of the home can also be seen in how our clients are using their space. A bathroom that offers a spa-like experience is highly desirable, providing a much-needed retreat from modern life. Ambient lighting, under-floor heating and a soothing colour palette all help to emulate the calming sensation of being at a spa. For our clients – who are frequent travellers and have experienced the finest spas around the world – to be able to recreate this experience from the comfort of their own home is a sought-after indulgence.
Another luxury trend, which is showing no sign of fading, is personalised bathrooms for men and women. His and hers ensuites offer entirely bespoke spaces which reflect the requirements and tastes of the individual. For example, in our Mayfair Family Residence, we designed separate masculine and feminine bathrooms to cater to our client’s specific needs. Handsome walnut and Calacatta Oro characterise his bathroom, with an in-shower TV providing a contemporary touch. In contrast, her bathroom is more distinctly feminine in feel, with stunning book-matched Palissandro marble, champagne gold eucalyptus joinery and gold and crystal sanitary ware. If space is at a premium, a shared bathroom can still be thoughtfully designed to offer personalised areas. For instance, features such as double vanities and inbuilt storage solutions to conceal toiletries and electrical appliances provide a practical and aesthetically pleasing solution for both him and her.
With the boundaries of what is possible in bathroom design constantly being challenged due to advancements in technology as well as the added influence of high-end well being trends, the personal and commercial value of a bathroom is only set to grow.
