Checkerboard classic
A period family bathroom rebuilt around a bold chequerboard floor, a classic washstand and softly lit glass shelving.
The project
A period room that wanted its character back
The family loved the proportions of the room, but years of dark timber units and dated tiles had hidden its period character.
Storage was bulky, the bath sat awkwardly under the window and there was nowhere to put everyday things without clutter.
We stripped the room back to the walls and rebuilt it around a few strong, classic elements: the floor, the washstand and the light.
Recessed glass shelving, wall lights and a simple bath with a glass screen keep the room practical for a busy family while letting the floor take centre stage.
Before
Understanding
the starting point
The original room had heavy timber furniture, worn tiling and a layout that made little use of the tall window.
The brief
Classic pieces, modern comfort
The brief
The brief was a bathroom that felt right for the age of the house, with more storage and an easier layout for daily family use.
Design direction
We chose a black and white chequerboard floor, a chrome washstand and lit glass shelving set into the wall to keep surfaces clear.
The plan
Every centimetre has a role
The bath stays beneath the window, the washstand opens up the floor and the shelving is built into the wall depth.
- 1Bath
- 2Lit shelving
- 3Washstand
- 4Wall-hung WC
- 5Towel rail
Approximate plan drawn from the project photographs — not a measured drawing.
The concept
Materials with a timeless rhythm
A short list of classic materials, each chosen for how it looks today and how it will age.
The build
The detail behind the finish
From strip-out to the final fix, the room was rebuilt in a careful sequence to protect the period features of the house.
The result
A room with quiet confidence
The finished bathroom is bright, ordered and full of character, with storage built in rather than added on.
Project summary
From dated and cluttered to calm and classic
The challenge
Dark timber units, dated tiles and bulky storage hid the character of a well-proportioned period room.
The layout made poor use of the window and left little clear floor space for a busy family.
The response
A full renovation built around a chequerboard floor, a classic washstand and storage recessed into the walls.
Wall lights and lit glass shelving give the room warmth in the evening and clarity during the day.
The result
A family bathroom that feels at home in the house and is easier to use every day.
Strong classic elements, simple fittings and clear surfaces make the room feel both timeless and fresh.
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