A bathroom with both a bath and a separate shower offers a choice between a quick start to the day and time for a longer soak. Making those options work well together means considering the space around them, the storage within reach and the surfaces that will need regular cleaning.
For this main bathroom refurbishment in Oldmeldrum, we replaced a corner bath and enclosed shower with a freestanding bath and an open wetroom area. Wall-hung furniture, illuminated recesses and a palette of ivory, oak and brushed brass bring the room together. Its details reflect how the selected products would fit and be used.
A bath sized for the whole room
The freestanding bath sits beneath the window, with a long illuminated recess above it. Moving away from the original corner bath changes the shape of this end of the room, while retaining a dedicated place to bathe.
The first bath choice was 1700 × 810 mm. We suggested a slightly smaller, lower model, specified at 1650 × 750 mm, to leave more room around its ends and work better with the recess above. That change was agreed before installation. It is a good example of why the largest bath that fits on a plan is not always the best fit for a room: its relationship to the toilet, cupboard and surrounding space matters too.
The freestanding filler was positioned at the rear left of the bath as requested. We also explained the compromise: reaching behind the bath for cleaning would be harder than with a front position. Attractive placement and straightforward upkeep are both worth discussing before the fittings are fixed in place.
A shower with a more open entrance
The old shower enclosure made way for a wetroom area with a clear glass screen. The tiled floor continues into the shower, and a linear drain sits within that area. Clear glass allows the surrounding finishes to remain visible, helping the shower feel connected to the room.
A recessed ceiling shower head keeps the overhead fitting neatly integrated. The concealed controls are positioned away from the main spray, so the shower can be started before stepping underneath it. A separate handset provides another way to rinse and is useful when cleaning the shower area.
We consider the entrance, screen and controls together. The practical question is not simply how large a shower looks, but where someone will stand to turn it on, enter and use it.
Texture where it adds character
Large-format ivory tiles cover the main wall and floor surfaces, while dark oak-effect slatted tiles form a feature behind the basin and inside the illuminated recesses. This gives the room texture without carrying the ribbed finish across every shower wall.
The original selection included textured tiles inside the shower. We advised keeping the broad, light tiles there because they would be more straightforward to clean, while using the textured finish in the recesses where the LED lighting could emphasise it. That approach was agreed and is visible in the finished room.
When choosing bathroom finishes, consider how each surface will be cleaned across a whole wet wall. Here, the broad tiled surfaces and smaller areas of texture each have a clear role. Epoxy grout was included throughout the tiled refurbishment; the surfaces still need routine care.
Useful storage without crowding the floor
A rustic oak-effect vanity provides two drawers beneath the countertop basin, with a matching tall wall-hung cupboard beside it. Everyday items can stay close to the basin, while the taller unit offers enclosed storage for additional supplies.
Raising the furniture leaves the floor beneath visible and accessible for cleaning. The wall-hung toilet also keeps its base clear of the floor, with its support and cistern concealed within the built-out wall.
The illuminated mirror was fitted in portrait orientation, as requested. It sits within the vertical feature strip behind the basin, giving this part of the room a clear focal point. The basin, mirror and adjacent cupboard work as one place to get ready, with storage close at hand.
Recesses and warmth for everyday use
The long recess above the bath provides a ledge for bathing essentials, while another illuminated recess extends along the shower wall. Building these into the walls gives bottles and other small items a place without adding projecting baskets or shelves.
Lighting draws attention to the slatted detail and adds a softer visual layer alongside the ceiling downlights. Underfloor heating brings warmth beneath the tiled floor when in use, and a tall brushed brass towel radiator provides hanging space beside the basin area.
Together, these details support the ordinary moments of using the bathroom: having toiletries nearby, somewhere for towels and useful storage around the basin.
Planning a bathroom in Oldmeldrum?
Start by deciding what you want to keep, what feels awkward and where you need more usable space. This project shows how a modest change in bath size, a considered tile choice and well-placed storage can shape the finished room.
We bring bathroom planning, product advice and installation together for homeowners in Oldmeldrum and the surrounding area. Explore our approach and arrange a quotation visit to discuss how your own bathroom could work better.
Before and proposed layout
The original scan records the previous room. The design proposal shows the intended arrangement; completion photographs show the installed result.
