Vintage Parisian With Victorian Roots

Overview

George and Marta’s Victorian terrace in south London had character, but their bathroom - not so much. It was split into two cramped rooms with dated finishes and no storage. They wanted a space that worked for their current lifestyle but wouldn’t create problems when they extended the house.

Their renovation journey

George and Marta came to Beams with a clear brief: a bathroom with personality and thoughtful storage. They shared a Pinterest board full of inspiration, showing a love for colour and texture. They were also clear about future plans: a loft and side return extension in three years. We focused on creating a bathroom that looked beautiful now and would work with their future layout.

1. Plan

We merged the bathroom and the loo into one 5 sqm space, keeping plumbing points in place to save time and cost. Instead of boxing in the soil pipes, we mounted them externally to preserve valuable floor space. The layout was designed for flow: bath under the window, a shower above, and a statement vanity for functionality.

2. Design

The design scheme layered boldness with timeless detail. Pink-painted walls add warmth and contrast with burgundy border tiles. Zellige tiles in soft white and sky blue bring depth. Porcelain floor tiles offer durability with subtle patterns. A Calacatta marble vanity top and brass fittings elevate the room without overwhelming it. Seagrass wall lights add texture and soft light. Every element, from grout colour to light placement, was chosen to make the room feel larger and more cohesive.

3. Build

The build required precision in a tight space. Our team stripped out both rooms, rewired and replumbed. We installed upgraded ventilation and waterproofed every surface. Finally, we carefully laid zellige tiles, which need skill to achieve a balanced look and installed fixtures in a planned sequence to keep the site safe and efficient. Throughout, we diverted 98% of waste from landfill and calibrated heating for energy efficiency, following Beams’ greener build standards.

The results

The layout

Every element of this compact bathroom was planned to make it feel bigger and calmer. The bath-and-shower combo under the window maximises natural light while keeping the layout simple, functional and quietly luxurious. A free-standing vanity with a marble top offers plenty of storage and completes the look. The back-to-wall toilet’s slimline cistern keeps the design streamlined, while open shelving painted to match the walls blends in seamlessly. Layered lighting highlights key features, creating a soft, flattering glow morning and evening.

The aesthetic

The bathroom feels uplifting and personal. Pink walls and burgundy accents create warmth, while porcelain flooring and marble details add timelessness. Handmade-style tiles give texture, and brass fittings bring elegance. It’s a bold design that fits comfortably with a period home.

Build support

Our team handled everything from the first design discussion to sourcing every tile and tap, coordinating deliveries, and keeping the build on schedule. Weekly updates meant they always knew what was happening, and milestone payments kept costs transparent. Even small details—like grout colours, shelf heights, and waste diversion—were considered and agreed before work began. The result is a bathroom that feels effortless to use because every decision was carefully planned.

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