A masterclass in craftsmanship and design, this calming bathroom blends refined natural textures, bespoke touches, and a soothing neutral palette – KBB journo Lou O’Bryan has the lowdown…
Warmth, handcrafted detail, and a sense of quiet luxury define this Victorian home in south-east London – the bathroom, belonging to homeowners Kelly Love and Chris McCall, is a deeply personal space shaped by natural materials, one-of-a-kind pieces, and a mix of old and new.
Taking on the room’s design themselves as part of a whole-house renovation, the couple found their skills dovetailed perfectly: interior designer and owner of Broomhill Interiors, Kelly, focused on the layout, finishes, and materials, while Chris, a mechanical design engineer, oversaw the project’s architectural and technical elements. The result is an aesthetically rich retreat anchored by the home’s period charm.
Both working from home and needing more space than their flat in a Victorian conversion, the couple moved into the property in 2021. “We loved the idea of taking on a larger Victorian home together – a chance to combine our shared passion for design across every aspect of the project,” says Kelly. The house, which had been in the same family since 1950, was in good condition, but the décor hadn’t been updated for decades.
The renovation
Undeterred, the couple embarked on a full renovation, essentially rebuilding the property from the inside out. New electrics, plumbing, and heating systems were installed, and the ground-floor layout was reconfigured, moving the kitchen from the middle to the rear of the house.
“Every inch has been updated, while many original features have been restored, such as the timber sash windows,” says Kelly. Upstairs, the couple knocked together three small rooms: the original bathroom, a separate toilet, and a small bedroom, to create a luxurious main bathroom that blends contemporary design with the house’s Victorian charm.
The vision
With a shared love of the outdoors and nature – Kelly is Australian and Chris Scottish – the couple were keen to create a calm sanctuary that combined natural materials with high-quality pieces designed to stand the test of time, rather than just a functional bathroom. “Our whole house is full of one-of-a-kind items, bespoke furniture, and treasures collected on sourcing trips or travels,” says Kelly. “We wanted the bathroom to incorporate these elements with a softness that felt inviting.”
The subtly distressed edges of the floor tiles, the raw texture of the pale oak vanity, and the cool microcement finish in the shower enclosure imbue the space with a strong sense of organic materiality. To soften these cooler surfaces, an antique wool rug, flowing linen curtains, and soothing artwork introduce warmth, while the serene wall colour enhances the room’s tranquil atmosphere.
“We love how the decorative touches counterbalance the rustic feel of the natural finishes,” adds Kelly. “We also wanted the ceiling to feature subtle detailing without being overpowering; we crafted a plaster detail and painted it to match the walls and ceiling, giving the room elegance without overwhelming it.”
The layout
The layout was guided by two key features: the stunning BC Designs bath, with its ample curves and silk matt finish, positioned between two large windows, and the original separate toilet that became the ideal space for the walk-in shower. From there, the large wall allowed for a double vanity unit, and the rest of the layout fell effortlessly into place.
The couple devoted careful thought and preparation to every stage of the renovation. While a few tweaks were made to the layout along the way, taking their time allowed the design to evolve organically.
“I recommend approaching a project with patience and planning as much as possible before the builders arrive, as creating a beautiful, considered design takes time. Focus on what you truly love, rather than trying to replicate something you’ve seen elsewhere, as a home should reflect the people who live in it,” says Kelly. “Our planning has created a bathroom you want to spend time in, which, to me, is the true measure of a successful design. We love every part of it.”
This house tour was featured in the February 2026 issue of Kitchens Bedrooms & Bathrooms magazine.
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