fbpx
Sophie Robinson
  • Home
  • Workshops
    • Marrakech Retreat
    • Ban the beige
  • Online Courses
  • Collaboration
  • Podcasts
  • Blog
  • About
    • About me
    • Work with me
    • Press
  • FAQs
  • Contact
15 Oct 20

How to design a wetroom

Shower room with yellow wall tiles, pink blue and yellow floor tiles and pink sanitaryware. In the home of Sophie Robinson

The smallest room in our house possibly just became my favourite. We have a really small shower room, just off my son’s bedroom, and along with the adjoining family bathroom, it’s the last rooms to get the colour overall. When we bought our house, it was head to top beige-a-la-beige and room by room my husband and I have been renovating it and chipping away at the 80’s ‘rustic’ decor. Read fake brick slips, Artex, faux country pub finishes. It’s all had to go!

I was interested in the concept that most bathrooms are very neutral. All chrome taps, and white ceramicware most people fail to break out of the neutral zone. So, it was really serendipitous that when I was planning my bathroom, Burlington launched a new coloured ceramicware range. I’ve used Burlington on other projects as I like classically styled sanitaryware and they are a good price matched with quality- so happy to recommend. But this time they were offering everything in pink! My heart skipped.

Beige, beige and more beige! I couldn’t wait to see this gone.

So, having a coloured pink loo really ramps up the colour quota and I wanted to match it on the walls and not default to white. The bathroom was small, and I didn’t want it to feel too dark. Starting by looking at when we use the room and how we want to feel the bathroom is very much a shower-and-go type of room, not somewhere to dwell. Therefore, a sunny yellow would flood it with the feel-good vibes. Also, isn’t yellow and pink such a sweet combination? It was all tied together by this AMAZING floor tile which I was delighted to discover as that then anchored the whole scheme together.

My moodboard, Seaton wall tiles, Havana floor tiles, both by Ca’ Pietra. Blind fabric Ottoline de Vries.

So, colour schemed nailed, it was time to rip out the bathroom and convert it into a wet room. The room measures just 1 x 2 meters and so having a shower enclosure really did make this small room feel cramped- a wet room with no need for a screen or tray would really open it up. We offered up the sanitary ware on Facebook marketplace and it all went on to be recycled into new homes. This is really worth doing and is so much better than sending it to landfill and your unwanted stuff can find a use in another’s home. I offered the items up for free as we just wanted them gone quickly and nothing gets things moving quicker than a freebie!

Next, the floor had to be adjusted to lower the shower drain below floor level to make way for the wet room tray. We used a wetroom tray former which you lay on top of the floor, but it creates the ‘form’ you need to lay the tiles into, so the water falls towards the tray. You tile into the former, so you never see it. We bought ours from Topps tiles as theirs was the cheapest I found on the market at the time. We had to cut it down to fit the space, which you are not advised to do but it’s worked fine and was way less hassle than making a customised former. There was also more fiddling around for the plumber as the basin I had chosen was wall hung- the waste and pipes had to be set inside the wall. A wall hung basin is a much better choice for small rooms, again helping to visually open up the space.

With the former in place, the room was then tanked to make it waterproof. This is the most essential part of the process and we used a water-based wet room tanking product, that you simply roll out before tiling. Next electric underfloor heating went in. In small bathroom sand especially wetrooms I’d recommend that underfloor heating is a must. It helps keep the floor dry and so the tiles in good condition and in a small room like this there is no option for a radiator. I chose encaustic cement tiles because I just love the texture and of course the pattern. However, note that they are a labour of love. They are hardest to lay as they are so much thicker than a porcelain or ceramic tile but our tiler was very capable. Also, they need sealing properly. I have heard of so many horror stories from people who have had a nightmare with their cement tiles staining, but it’s all in the preparation. They need sealing multiple times before you grout- or the grout will stain the tiles.

We put five layers of sealant on before we grouted and I’ll be honest, this wasn’t enough, we should have not hurried and done a few more as they grout has marked the tiles slightly. However, I rather like the aged appearance it has achieved. But just be warned! If you seal your tiles properly at the start, you should have no problem with them staining and you can enjoy them for years to come.

Confetti pink cloakroom basin and WC and shower by Burlington Ceramic stool Anthropologie. Plant pots W A Green. photographed by Alun Callender

With all the tiles in place, the exciting part was seeing the pink confetti ceramicware and shower valve go in. I was blown away by the transformation and now the room is honestly one of our favourites to use! And my son Arthur loves the pink loo!

 

The home office and new design books, Podcast show notes S9 ep2 Tour of my house renovation, Podcast show notes S9 ep1

comments

Johanne on 15.10.20

I love what you’ve done here! Good job as always. 🙂 May I ask where you got those towels? They’re exactly what I’m looking for!

Reply
Sophie Robinson on 15.10.20

I got them from Christie towels

Reply
Pippi on 15.10.20

I love this bathroom and I’m so pleased that you got your photographer to capture it in your most recent house photo shoot. Shower spaces must be so hard to photograph because of the light levels and I worried that your Instagram stories didn’t do it justice, but here it is now looking fabulous! Beautiful colour schemes! What an uplifting space to have a morning shower!

Reply
Sophie Robinson on 11.11.20

You are so right! It’s a nightmare to shoot small spaces with titchy windows!

Reply
Lesli on 15.10.20

So fab, Sophie! Showing us your mood board gave us the clearest and truest visual of the colors you used. For me, such a unique blend of colors, and have I’ve got to confess…I’m coveting your bathroom!

Reply
Sophie Robinson on 11.11.20

thank you. It takes me a long time to choose a scheme for my own home and let the ideas perculate

Reply
Sue Hoar on 16.10.20

I adore that . My large downstairs bathroom is also boring but can’t afford to refit at the moment so am thinking of putting new floor down and painting the vanity unit a bright colour . Maybe pink!

Reply
Sophie Robinson on 11.11.20

Do it!!!!

Reply
Pia on 16.10.20

Thank you for sharing this lovely shower room!

My love for interior design is sometimes hindered by my need for practical solutions. So going from one tap to two makes no sense to me.
Could you please explain the thought process? Or was it just that this pink sink had two holes in it so I better use them? Or is it better in some way with two taps?

PS. Love the pod! You two make such a great job with that!!!

Reply
Sophie Robinson on 11.11.20

the confetti range only has a two tap option. I do agree with you though a one tap cloakroom basin is a much better design

Reply
Leslie-Anne on 19.10.20

This room is a delight. I’ve always loved pink and yellow together. Thanks for the info about having to seal (repeatedly) cement tiles. I had no idea they were so labour intensive.

Reply
Sophie Robinson on 11.11.20

they are totally worth it though!

Reply

Leave a Comment

Cancel Reply

Your email address will not be published.

  • Interiors
    • colour crush
    • DIY
    • Home Tours
    • Interior Design
    • Interior Styling
    • podcast
    • trends
  • Lifestyle
    • Business
    • Fashion/Beauty
    • Life
    • My House
    • Nosh
    • Travel
  • Rooms
    • Bathrooms
    • Bedrooms
    • Kids rooms
    • Kitchens
    • Living rooms
    • Outside
  • Videos

mailing
list

Videos

Listen

Listen Here

Bedlinen range

Shop

Colour Psychology for professionals

book your place!

Catch Sophie In All Her Colourful Glory On Instagram

We are back, it’s PODCAST DAY! After a little l We are back, it’s PODCAST DAY! After a little  lie down over Christmas Kate and I are rebooted and cuddled up inside our ‘duvet dens’ for remote recording Lockdown 3.0. . We have so much to catch up on including more ‘home office’ makeovers. Stop the press, Tom has finally been installed in his new green office that was previewed last series , pictured, and @mad_about_the_house is also having a complete reshuffle now that she has two large teenage sons living at home full time taking up all the space , and fridge contents by the sounds of it. 🍔. We discuss our exciting plans for the year ahead and share our thoughts on the trends for 2021. So for all this and more head on over to the podcast app and find us in The Great Indoors! 
CREDITS walls painted Sage and onion and windows in Lamp black @littlegreenepaintcompany . Blind made by @willowbertinteriors in Textile under Ekvatorn by Joseph Frank’s @svenskttenn . Table is old IKEA. Vintage Eames chair @vinestreetvintage Cushion @fannyshorter Seagrass flooring @alternativeflooring 
#thegreatindoors #podcast #interiorspodcast #wfh #homeoffice #greenroom #threemugs #desksetup #homestudio
How you doing? Just a reminder that while it might How you doing? Just a reminder that while it might appear like we are living the perfectly curated life  in these squares it’s a short swipe to reveal the reality! Lockdown has its unique stresses and I’m making a pact to be gentle on myself and everyone around me. Let me know what your coping strategies are right now. Mine today is makeup and big earrings. 
Thanks to @franklybold for this insanely fabulous pair . When times gets tough, the earrings just get bigger! #gift 

#colourlover #banthebeige #earrings #bigjwellery #bigearrings #lockdown #lockdownlife #lockdown2021
Friday! 🤩 It’s all about the small wins and Friday! 🤩 
It’s all about the small wins and I made it to the end of the week. But already 2021 has me feeling weary. I had such a lovely relaxing  Christmas break and this week has been full steam ahead with all kinds of 💩 thrown at me and I haven’t even started home schooling yet! 😫 But one thing that gave me a mood boost was dressing up in this magnificent gown from @las_ninas_textiles . I met fellow colour lover Nina on these squares and just adore her brand, her ethos and her fringe. Thank you Nina for your beautiful gift of colour joy! It really has shone a Latin rainbow on a dismal grey British week. This stunning indigo and huipil dress even has little threads of glitter running through it. 🌈 I’m pairing it with cosy leggings and my trusty @grensonshoes boots so I might never take it off! 
What do you do to cheer yourself out of the doldrums?

#gift #colourlover #banthebeige #lasninastextiles #haulternativefashion #sustainablefashion #colourlover #lasninastextiles #whomadeyourclothes #dresslikeyoudecorate #dresslikeyourhome #ihavethisthingwithcolour
Who’s back at their desk this week with big plan Who’s back at their desk this week with big plans for their home in 2021! I’m thrilled and excited that my online course Colour Psychology for interiors is open for enrolment TODAY! 🛎🛎🛎 By far the most popular course to date this is a deep dive into how colour works on a deeper more emotional level. Discover how to blend colour harmoniously in your schemes and understand which palettes are perfect for you. Because we all have very different connections to colour and design and finding out what your authentic palette and style is is fundamental to creating a home you love. I’ve spent years honing my own style but with this course you can nail it in a matter of weeks! And it’s a beautiful deep dive into self discovery and creativity while  helping you gain clarity, confidence and cut through the overwhelm. Because there is enough of that going around already! 🤪 I’ll be back here at 6pm tonight on an Instagram live to tell you more about the transformational power of Colour Psychology for interiors so please join me and ask any questions! Bring on the colour joy! 🌈🌈🌈

📷 @aluncallenderphoto #colourpsychology #colourpsychologyforinteriors #colourlover #banthebeige #backtowork #interiordesign #interiordesigner #interiorsesignschool #interiorsesignonline #houseofhackney #newyearnewhome #homegoals #colourmyhome #mycolourfulinterior #colourfulhomevibe #mycreativeinterior #nesttoimpress #stylishhomevibes #atmine
The year we stayed at home. 2020 has taught me to The year we stayed at home. 2020 has taught me to care and love the simple things. And in many ways I’m blessed that being at home is often just where I want to be. The year ahead still holds so many unknowns and managing fears, expectations and anxieties will continue to be part of the battle.  But making a house a home can really help us feel safe and grounded. So here are some beautiful flowers, and rainbow baubles that go towards making my home feel the best it can. How do you make your home feel extra special and bring a smile to your face 😊? 

📷 @aluncallenderphoto flowers @sageandco.floraldesign baubles @rockettstgeorge.co.uk lamp @pookylights walls in lazuli @zoffanyfw artwork @alexmayhughes 

#houseahome #colourlover #banthebeige #marchtothebeatofyourowndrum #homesweethome
This is becoming a habit! All dressed up and no wh This is becoming a habit! All dressed up and no where to go, AGAIN! Ha! Fairwell 2020! It’s been....an experience! Big love to all of you! I’ve LOVED hanging out with you all on these squares!🥰 

📷 @aluncallenderphoto  #colourlover #banthebeige #newyearseve #bye2020 #greatindoors #bbbinteriors 
Dress is @stinegoyastudio at @sirene.boutique ( bought last year)
Hello!!! How ARE you?! I’m loving this twixmas t Hello!!! How ARE you?! I’m loving this twixmas time, having long lie ins, reading loads, and on that subject currently ‘Think like a monk’ by @jayshetty is PERFECT right now for a mental reset. I’m resisting thoughts of 2021, of work or ‘real life’, for just a couple more days. I see lots of people clearing down the decorations and getting the house feeling fresh, but I’m keeping the twinkle a little longer. But I can feel the batteries are recharging and boy they needed too! I meant to do my yearly vision board today but couldn’t get motivated to do that either! . How are you all doing. Anyone feeling ready to take on the new year yet?  #tapfordetails 
.
.
.
#twixmas #newyear2021 #colourfulhomevibe #colourlover #banthebeige #bbbinteriors #gidc #sodomino #credenza
All dressed up and no where to go! Ha ha! In reali All dressed up and no where to go! Ha ha! In reality I’m in my joggers peeling a mountain of root vegetables but living the dream on the grid just for you! Thanks so much for all of you who have spread the joy and magic of Christmas on these squares. I’ve loved the colour, the creativity and the joy it’s bought. Wishing you all a special Christmas however you are making it work for you, which probably wasn’t  what you’d ever have expected. A special heartfelt virtual hug going out to all of you struggling at this time. See you on the other side! 

📷 @aluncallenderphoto . Garland by @sageandco.floraldesign . Dress @roksandailincic ( not an ad obvs but I know your gonna ask!) 

#christmasdecor #colourfulhomevibe #colourfulchristmas #banthebeige #colourlover #fireside #christmasgarland #christmasgarlanddecor #woodburner #countryliving #countrylife #countryinteriors
Load More… Follow on Instagram
Sophie Robinson
  • © 2017 Sophie Robinson

    /
  • Contact/
  • About/
  • Design by MW

Don't forget to join!