BOUDOIR BATHING

Wake up to the pleasure of an exquisite en suite — these are filled with imaginative design ideas and indulgent touches

- LINDA CLAYTON

1. ALL IN ONE

No space for an en suite? Bring bathing into the bedroom. 'A bathing nook in your bedroom adds spa-like luxury and convenience, blurring the line between rest and relaxation,' says Barrie Cutchie, design director at BC Designs. 'The big selling point to having a bath in your bedroom is it is truly an indulgent experience and a striking statement.' With soft furnishings and textiles in the space, it's vital to consider moisture control, as well as plumbing logistics and privacy. Tucking the bath into a nook, as seen in this bedroom at The Pig Hotel in Dorset, can help address these factors while maintaining a sense of intimacy. 'Be sure to opt for high-quality ventilation and a beautifully designed bath as it will naturally become a focal point of the room, even when subtly tucked away,' adds Barrie.

Senator bath with bun feet, from £6,147, BC Designs

2. ZONE IN

When your en suite is tucked into a challenging space, the mantra is simple: divide to conquer. This is the strategy Gemma Holsgrove, studio director and partner at Sims Hilditch, embraced for this attic bathroom. ‘We separated the room into two distinct zones,’ she recalls. ‘The larger area accommodates the shower, vanity and WC, while the smaller, characterful zone offers a luxurious bathing space, complete with a low dormer window that frames the views.’ To further elevate the design, she introduced a cement encaustic floor featuring an uplifting pattern. ‘We added a skirted armless chair to soften the overall feel,’ she says, creating a harmonious blend of functionality and cosiness.

Sunny Cream encaustic cement tiles in Peanut, £192sq m, Otto Tiles & Design. Chair in Posy Yellow Flower linen, £110.40m, Studio Whiteworks. Project by Sims Hilditch