THE VANITY PROJECT

Express your personal style with a wow washbasin area that's uniquely yours

-  LINDA CLAYTON

DRENCH IN COLOUR

It may be compact in size, but this artfully designed vanity unit has been meticulously orchestrated to utilise every inch of its confined alcove setting. According to the design team at Hutley & Humm, the secret to maximising impact lies in colour drenching. Co-founder Melissa Hutley explains, 'While overcrowding a small space with too many details may dilute its impact, drenching the alcove in a singular, striking colour transforms it into a veritable jewel box.' The uplifting yellow here – Gamboge by Paint & Paper Library cascades down the walls and encompasses the vanity cabinetry. 'A marble splashback subtly infuses theatre into the space,' adds Melissa.

DRENCH IN COLOUR

A statement vanity doesn't always have to be a grand affair. Sometimes, the most charming solutions are the simplest. In the compact shower room of this Oxford townhouse, storage was at a premium. To create a practical yet interesting solution, the team at Sarah Vanrenen had simple shelves built around the base of the pedestal basin and concealed them with a fabric skirt. 'A basin skirt is a wonderful way to soften a bathroom while adding discreet storage, without the visual bulk of a solid vanity unit, which can make a smaller space feel cluttered,' says director Laura Hanbury. 'For a traditional feel, we like a gathered heading, but for a more contemporary look, a flat-fronted skirt or tailored pinch pleats can work beautifully,' Laura adds. Basin skirt in Aquitaine linen in Aqua, £118m; Roman blind in Star linen in Paprika Cream, £114m, both Borderline Fabrics. Jagged Stripe wallpaper in Powder Tan, £128 a roll, Långelid von Brömssen. Project by Sarah Vanrenen