Sofie Hepworth invites us inside her home to explain more about her renovation journey. Here she shares her tips for anyone thinking about improving their bathroom.
Q: How’s the bathroom renovation going so far?
A: Right now, our bathroom is a dusty bit of earth marked out by some tape, but we’ve nearly finished the planning and we have the products on order – so work will be underway soon.
I can’t wait. It’s been an unusual one because we’re designing an outdoor/indoor bathroom and it’s quite a small space – organising and intricately designing the layout has been essential.
Q: Have there been any challenges along the way?
A: Not so far, and fingers crossed there won’t be. We’ve spent a long time planning the layout and working with the specialists at Geberit to get a good idea of the products that will work best in the space.
Planning ahead of time should help you avoid most of the common problems that can arise when renovating.
Q: Where did you find inspiration for your bathroom design?
A: Knowing the bathroom will open onto a patio featuring an outdoor bath, I knew I needed to choose fittings that would look and feel natural. I started by choosing a colour scheme – I love nude pinks, black, white, and green – this helped me to pick out the tiles and fixtures I wanted. You can also try looking online and visiting showrooms for ideas.
Because our bathroom space will be quite small, it was paramount to find sleek, minimalist fixtures that would maximise the space like the Geberit Acanto series. Geberit’s wall hung toilet was perfect as it helps to maximise floor space, making the bathroom seem larger than it is.
The specialist at the showroom also helped me find a shower drainage system that didn’t need a tray or a step – again, helping to keep the space as open as possible.
Q: Do you have any advice for those considering renovating their bathroom?
A: I always tape out the bathroom layout on the floor and make cardboard cut-outs of the fixtures. This helps me to visualise the space and make sure there’s still plenty of room to move.
The toilet sticks out more than you think. You need to make sure you leave enough space for the hidden system. If you have the possibility to put the toilet to the left or right of the door, do it. Don’t make it the first thing you see when you open the door. Instead, consider placing the shower, a big mirror, or a basin there – something that draws your eye and makes the room look inviting.
Storage is particularly important. Look for vanities with lots of space to store all your products and help keep your bathroom clean.
Also, be sure to order products well in advance. Projects can be delayed if you have to wait for things to arrive, and builders will have to leave and come back.
Follow Sofie on Instagram (@threeboysandapinkbath) to join her on her bathroom renovation journey.
Visit geberit.co.uk/commuter to get inspired and begin building your dream bathroom.
