Bubble Up: seven inspiring bathroom designs | Journal | The Modern House (2024)

Oliver’s Wharf, Wapping High Street, London E1

There’s nothing that says ‘me-time’ like a long soak in the tub – and the one in this en-suite promises escapism not just from the world, but from the rest of the house too. Located in a Grade II-listed Victorian warehouse in Wapping, east London, the bathroom is hidden within the main bedroom, behind doors that could easily be mistaken for a wardrobe. Conceived by architectural practice fourth_space, a pleasing half-moon shaped structure conceals the freestanding bath, walk-in shower and twin sinks – the perfect space for peaceful bathing. Now, that’s our kind of Narnia.

Priory Walk, London SW10

Minimal in design and size, this bath and shower room on the second storey of a townhouse in Chelsea, west London, proves why sometimes less really is more. Free from decorative distractions, the pure and simple design makes a wonderful sancutary in the city. What it might lack in floor space, however, it makes up for in height and light, thanks to the excellently placed skylight above the bath and shower. Is there anything as heavenly as bubble-bathing with bright blue skies above?

St. Ann’s Court, St. Ann’s Hill, Surrey

We couldn’t help but include this beautiful retro bathroom in Sir Raymond McGrath’s St Ann’s Court in this series. With a minty-green bath at its heart and two dainty sinks either side, it feels like a rather glamorous place to pamper ahead of an evening of entertaining. The wall of windows call for the blinds to be drawn wide open, so you can soak at once in the bath and sunshine. Better yet, there’s no need to worry about nosy neighbours peering in – this home is as secluded as they come, located within eight acres of beautifully manicured grounds and lush gardens.

Courtfield Gardens, London SW5

Holland Street, London W8

Not a single corridor or corner of this contemporary home in Kensington, west London, has been designed without undivided attention – not least its bathroom. It sits in perfect harmony with the rest of the house, sharing a similarly polished palette of both colours and materials: honey-hued oak lines the walls, while beautiful marble runs underfoot and clads the shower and bath, which sits rather pretty in the centre. The spectacular design feels akin to a luxury spa, only emphasised by the shiny brass fittings and fixtures. Plus, it’s positioned on the lower-ground floor, which results in a private and intimate atmosphere. Just add candles.

Russell Gardens Mews, London W14

There are baths – and then there are jacuzzi baths. And then there are jacuzzi baths that sit next to saunas. Yes, this brilliant bathroom really has it all. Oh, and might we just add that, to access the bathroom one has to cross the dancefloor. Welcome to the house of fun: the home that holds all these jubilant elements was designed by architect Ian Hogarth and once featured on an episode of Grand Designs. But back to that bathroom: it has enough personality to rival the other rooms, built to a somewhat tropical design with limestone floors and walls, while a stream of natural light flows through a mirrored periscope at one end that creates glimmers on the wall like water.

Secret Garden, Leeds, West Yorkshire

Here’s another bedroom-bathroom hybrid in this series, making the case for such an arrangement even more convincing. Opposite the bed is the tub, from which there are striking river views through glazed double doors that open to allow in a gentle breeze. Meanwhile, a separate en-suite shower room completes the space, which is cast in a calming palette of soft neutrals. The thoughtful design was conceived by the current owner, Jonathan Wilson, founder of the sustainable developers Citu. “During the evening, the streetlight outside will reflect from the water and on to the ceiling,” he told us when we visited for our ‘Open House’series. No wonder it’s one of his favourite rooms in the house.