Before & After: How We Turned a Small London Bathroom Into a Luxurious Retreat

Transformations are the heart of what we do at Design Angels — and this one perfectly captures why good planning and thoughtful design make all the difference. What began as a dark, cramped bathroom with dated tiles and little storage is now a light-filled, timeless space with hotel-style warmth and functionality — all completed in just 10 days.

Before: Cramped and Cluttered

The original bathroom felt small and dated, with a layout that didn’t make the best use of space. A full wall of grey-beige tiles, exposed pipes, and mismatched fixtures made it feel even tighter. The bath, basin, and toilet were all competing for attention, leaving no focal point and limited comfort. It’s a look many London flats share — functional, but far from inviting.

The Design Plan

Our brief was simple: turn this small, practical bathroom into a calm, elevated retreat without extending or relocating walls. We started by reconsidering the layout. The bath was repositioned and fully framed, instantly grounding the space. A bespoke stud wall allowed for a concealed shower thermostat.The overall design was softened through warmer tones, hidden storage, and better lighting. The new look balances modern lines with soft textures and materials that feel timeless rather than trend-led.

After: Warm, Functional, and Effortless

The transformation speaks for itself. The grey wall tiles were replaced with green glazed metro tiles by Fired Earth, laid in a classic brick pattern — creating depth and warmth without overwhelming the space. The natural light bounces beautifully across the new brass fittings, while the soft matte surfaces and warm tones create a spa-like feel. This solid wood vanity in natural oak by Parker Howley and Co adds tactile warmth and hidden storage, keeping the room clutter-free. The brass fixtures like this bestselling Florence Hall shower set give a subtle sense of luxury without being loud, and the white traditional shaker style bath panel visually completes the entire room. Lighting was also a game-changer: we replaced cold ceiling LEDs with warm 2700K tones, and added Dusk wall lights on either side of the mirror for a hotel-inspired glow. The result is flattering, elegant, and calm — everything a bathroom should feel like.

The Result

This bathroom now feels twice its size — calm, balanced, quietly luxurious and traditional, yet modern. Every line, from the tile edges to the wall lights, has intention behind it. And like all Design Angels renovations, it was completed with fixed pricing, no hidden extras, and within a 10 day turnaround.

You can see photos of the full transformation here.

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