Bathroom Renovation Case Study

From Dated to Dreamy

A dated and undersized bathroom in a 1940s semi-detached home in Winchmore Hill has undergone a remarkable transformation, culminating in a luxurious, hotel-inspired sanctuary. At the heart of this stunning renovation, a Matki EauZone Shower stands out as the undisputed show-stopping centrepiece.

Homeowners Helen Cathcart (44), an interior photographer, and Chris Mason (50), along with their son Freddie (6), faced a common dilemma: a tiny, 40- year-old bathroom with yellow tiles, brown carpet, weak water pressure, and an impractical shower-over-bath setup. "Climbing into the bath to have a shower in front of the window, with barely any water pressure, was a daily struggle," recalls Helen.

The solution was a bold architectural rethink. After exploring various layouts, their builder proposed an ingenious room swap: converting Freddie’s larger bedroom into the new family bathroom. This pivotal decision allowed for the creation of a truly spacious and luxurious showering area.

Helen’s vision for the new space was "hotel luxury, traditional with a modern twist." Inspired by her work photographing high-end interiors, she envisioned a serene green bathroom with a classic black and white floor and warm brass accents. A freestanding bath was a must, but the shower needed to be powerful and luxuriously expansive.

The Matki EauZone shower door was the perfect fit. Chris had previously disliked open showers due to water splashing, making a high-quality, enclosed solution essential. "I found it really difficult to find nice shower doors until I discovered Matki!" Helen explains. The chosen Matki EauZone Hinge Door (1100mm width, Polished Gold finish) features 10mm solid safety glass, pure brass frames, a stylish curved handle, and non-slip hinges, all beautifully matching the new polished gold brassware throughout the room. Its flush-to- floor design eliminated the need for a tiled step, contributing to the sleek, luxurious feel.

"It's actually really nice to feel enclosed in there," Helen adds. "Despite the hidden tray and brass drainage slot adding unexpected costs, the result is a truly amazing, spacious, and luxurious shower."

Complementing the Matki centrepiece, the bathroom features subtle black and white marble checkerboard floor tiles from Mandarin Stone, and stunning green Ca' Pietra Zellige wall tiles, applied halfway up the walls for a less overwhelming effect. Underfloor heating provides an extra touch of "grown- up" luxury, while polished gold brassware, a preference cultivated by Helen’s work in luxury hotels, adds warmth and opulence.

The project, which included the Matki shower screen, BC Designs bath and brassware, tiling, plumbing, and building works, totalled £34,000. Thanks to a highly recommended builder, the renovation was completed on time and within budget.

Helen’s advice for others embarking on a bathroom renovation: "It is a big expense, so know where to compromise. Think about storage – you need to hide ugly things! And it’s worth paying the extra for good water pressure; you shower every day, enjoy it!" This case study perfectly illustrates how strategic design and premium products like the Matki EauZone shower door can transform a functional space into a personal haven.

For further information and a list of local stockists visit www.matki.co.uk

Total Renovation Cost: £34,000

Cost Breakdown:

Matki EauZone Hinge Door with Hinge Panel 1100mm width with Illustrious

Handle in Polished Gold finish £5052.00

BC Designs 1700mm Boat bath (BAS065) Painted in F&B Duck Green. £2419.00

BC Designs Victrion 3- hole bath filler with spout CTA030G £683.00

BC Designs Victrion 12 Shower Head in Gold £514.00

BC Designs Victrion two outlet triple thermostatic concealed shower valve (CSA030 in polished gold - G) £932.00

BC Designs Victrion 3 hole Basin Mixer Crosshead Gold CTA025 £555.00

BC Designs Victrion Swan Neck shower arm CSC225 in polished gold - G

£159.00

https://www.victorianplumbing.co.uk/bc-designs-victrion-close-coupled- traditional-toilet?sku=BVCC101-L&preSelected=true

BC Designs Victrion Close Coupled Traditional Toilet £249.95

https://www.victorianplumbing.co.uk/bc-designs-victrion-soft-close-toilet- seat-cover-gloss-white

BC Designs Soft Close Toilet Seat & Cover - Gloss White £99.95

https://www.victorianplumbing.co.uk/hamilton-traditional-vintage-gold-966- x-673-floor-mounted-towel-rail

Hamilton Traditional Vintage Gold Floor Mounted Towel Rail 967 x 674mm £389.95

https://www.victorianplumbing.co.uk/chatsworth-ashford-gold-angled- traditional-radiator-valves

Chatsworth Ashford Gold Angled Traditional Radiator Valves £69.95

https://www.victorianplumbing.co.uk/burlington-edwardian-large-basin- and-pedestal-various-tap-hole-options?sku=B5-3TH-P1&preSelected=true £188.95

https://www.diy.com/departments/rio-brushed-gold-framed-backlit-led- bathroom-mirror-with-dual-light-w-50cm-h-

72cm/5060954113824_BQ.prd72.5cm x 60cm

Wall Tiles Ca’Pietra Pottery Porcelain Kale Green Gloss 10 x 10 x1.0cm £1,262.85

Floor Tiles 108 x Di Scacchi Tumbled Marble Size: 305x305x10 £423.36 Bathroom build, plumbing and tiling £21,000