South Devon is full of homes with real character, from Victorian and Georgian terraces and seaside villas to stone cottages with thick walls and low ceilings. A bathroom in a home like this should feel as if it belongs, while still having all the comfort of a modern room.
Choose a style that suits the house
You don’t have to go fully traditional, but a nod to the home’s age goes a long way. A few ideas that work beautifully:
- Classic metro tiles with a coloured or dark grout
- Shaker-style vanity units in soft greys, greens or deep blues
- Encaustic-style patterned floor tiles for a striking, period-inspired floor
- Wall panelling painted in a heritage colour
- Traditional taps and sanitaryware, such as a high-level cistern or a basin on a washstand
Mix old and new
Some of the most successful bathrooms pair period details with modern performance, such as a traditional-style basin with a powerful thermostatic shower, or panelled walls alongside a sleek frameless screen. The key is to keep the palette and finishes consistent so it all feels considered.
Respect the building
Older homes rarely have straight walls or level floors. Rather than fighting that, I make sure the preparation is done properly so the finish is crisp, whether that means levelling a floor, dry-lining a wall or rerouting old pipework. If your home is listed, let me know early so we can plan around any permissions you may need.
Make the most of awkward spaces
Sloping ceilings, deep window reveals and odd corners are part of the charm. They’re also opportunities, whether that’s a bath under the eaves, a shower niche set into a thick wall, or bespoke storage built into an alcove.
A bathroom in a characterful home should feel like it has always been there, just better.
Natural materials feel at home
Stone and stone-effect tiles, travertine and warm timber all sit naturally in older homes and on the edge of the moor. They age gracefully and bring warmth to the room.
If you live in a period home or cottage and want a bathroom that does it justice, take a look at recent projects or arrange a consultation.