Small Luxury Bathroom Design: Warmth, Texture & Architectural Details
Small Luxury Bathroom Design: Warmth, Texture & Architectural Details Textured terracotta walls, soft green porcelain and beautiful arched details come together in this South West
Textured terracotta walls, soft green porcelain and beautiful arched details come together in this South West London bathroom, where thoughtful design makes every inch count.
This small bathroom renovation in South West London was designed, supplied and installed by Kallums Bathrooms for a young professional with a busy lifestyle. The brief was to transform a compact bathroom into a stylish, practical space that would make everyday routines easier, while introducing warmth, colour and personality.
The client wanted a spacious walk-in shower in place of a traditional bath, better use of the available space and a design that felt a little different from the usual neutral bathroom. Storage, lighting and everyday comfort were equally important, with each detail needing to work within the existing layout.
Working closely with the client, our team developed a design that brought together textured terracotta walls, soft green marble-effect porcelain, natural oak and brushed brass finishes. Architectural arches, integrated lighting and carefully selected bathroom fittings complete the scheme.
The result is a beautiful example of how bespoke bathroom design can transform a smaller space into something both personal and practical.
The first thing you notice about this bathroom is the colour. A rich, earthy terracotta wraps around the upper walls and ceiling, bringing warmth and character to a space that could easily have felt enclosed.
The walls feature a specialist textured limewash finish in Dune, creating subtle tonal variations and a soft, almost microcement-like appearance. As the light moves across the surface, the texture becomes more pronounced, giving the walls depth without the need for additional decoration.
To balance the warmth of the terracotta, our designer introduced large-format green marble-effect porcelain tiles within the shower. Their softer green tones and natural-looking movement create a beautiful contrast against the earthy walls.
Narrow Mink Gloss ceramic tiles cover the lower walls, introducing another layer of texture. Laid vertically, they add a gentle rhythm to the room, while their glossy surface reflects the surrounding light.
Together, these materials create a bathroom that feels rich in detail without becoming overwhelming. For another example of how colour can transform a space, explore our bold crimson bathroom in Herne Hill.
One of the most distinctive features of this bathroom is its use of arches.
Above the basin, an illuminated oval mirror introduces a softer shape, complemented by a larger recessed arched niche on the adjoining wall. The niche was designed to provide practical storage while becoming a decorative feature in its own right.
Brushed brass shelves offer space for everyday essentials, fragrances and personal accessories, while concealed lighting beneath the shelving highlights the shape of the arch and the beautiful green porcelain behind it.
The curved detailing continues into the shower, where a softly rounded fluted glass screen and illuminated ceiling create a natural connection between the different areas of the bathroom.
In a compact room, these architectural details help introduce personality without taking up unnecessary floor space. The arches are not simply decorative, they help give the bathroom a distinctive identity.
Lighting was an important part of the client’s brief, particularly with the rich colours and textured surfaces used throughout the bathroom.
Our team introduced several layers of lighting to make the space feel welcoming while providing the practical illumination needed for everyday routines.
Two traditional-style wall lights with pleated white shades sit on either side of the illuminated mirror, introducing a decorative element that contrasts beautifully with the contemporary fittings. Their warm glow also highlights the texture of the terracotta walls.
Concealed LED lighting within the recessed shelving adds depth, while integrated lighting follows the curved ceiling above the shower, drawing attention to its architectural shape.
By combining functional and decorative lighting, the bathroom feels bright where it needs to be, with softer illumination creating a relaxing atmosphere.
Replacing the bath with a walk-in shower was one of the client’s main priorities. The new shower needed to feel spacious, comfortable and easy to use, without dominating the compact bathroom.
A curved, fluted glass shower screen by MATKI introduces privacy and texture while allowing light to pass through. Its vertical detailing complements the narrow wall tiles and fluted oak vanity, creating consistency throughout the room.
Behind the screen, green marble-effect porcelain extends across the shower walls, creating a beautiful backdrop for the brushed brass rainfall shower head and handheld shower.
A built-in shower seat provides another practical feature. It offers somewhere to sit during a longer shower or while carrying out everyday washing and grooming routines, as well as a convenient surface for shower essentials. Its tiled finish allows it to blend naturally into the surrounding design.
Integrated lighting follows the curve of the ceiling, highlighting the architecture and creating a softer atmosphere within the shower.
For another example of how materials and architectural features can transform a shower space, explore our Japandi-inspired tea house shower room.
While the colour and architectural details give this bathroom its personality, the practical features are just as important.
The client wanted a bathroom that would make daily routines easier, so our team incorporated a wall-hung TOTO WC with an integrated Washlet. Combining a streamlined appearance with advanced personal cleansing technology, it introduces an additional level of hygiene and comfort.
The wall-hung design also helps maintain a cleaner visual appearance, which is particularly valuable in a smaller bathroom.
ThermoSphere underfloor heating was incorporated into the renovation, providing warmth beneath the floor and helping make the bathroom more comfortable during colder months.
A brushed brass heated towel rail adds another practical feature while complementing the brassware used throughout the room.
These are the details that may not immediately catch your eye but make a real difference to how the bathroom feels and functions every day.
With limited floor space available, the choice of bathroom furniture was particularly important.
A Rotunda fluted vanity in natural oak provides useful storage beneath a clean-lined white countertop basin. Its rounded shape complements the arches elsewhere in the room, while the vertical detailing echoes the fluted glass shower screen and narrow wall tiles.
The natural oak introduces another warm material, softening the contrast between the terracotta walls and green porcelain.
Wall-mounted brushed brass basin fittings keep the countertop uncluttered, while the illuminated mirror provides practical lighting without the need for additional furniture.
Recessed shelving offers further storage without introducing bulky cabinetry, allowing the bathroom to retain an open, organised feel.
If you are planning a similar renovation, our guide to small bathroom layout ideas explores ways to make better use of a compact space.
What makes this bathroom particularly special is how the different elements work together.
The terracotta walls bring warmth, while the green porcelain introduces colour and movement. Brushed brass provides a consistent finish across the fittings, lighting and shelving, while natural oak adds softness.
The arches, curved shower screen and rounded vanity create a connection between the different areas of the room, giving the design a sense of flow.
Throughout the project, our team worked closely with the client to balance their personal style with the practical requirements of everyday life. From the initial layout and material selections through to the final installation, each decision was made with the finished bathroom in mind.
As a family-run business, we believe that creating a beautiful bathroom starts with understanding the people who will use it. This project reflects that approach: a space designed around one person’s lifestyle, preferences and daily routines.
The finished bathroom is full of personality but it is also comfortable, functional and easy to enjoy. A reminder that even a small bathroom can offer something exceptional when every detail has a purpose.
Yes, provided the finish is suitable for bathroom environments and applied according to the manufacturer’s guidance. Specialist limewash finishes can introduce texture and tonal variation to bathroom walls, although areas exposed to direct water require an appropriate waterproof surface.
Absolutely. Arched mirrors, recessed niches and curved shower screens can introduce architectural interest without taking up unnecessary floor space. They can also soften the appearance of a bathroom and create a more cohesive design.
Terracotta pairs beautifully with soft greens, natural wood, cream tones and warm metallic finishes. In this project, green marble-effect porcelain and brushed brass create a distinctive contrast against the earthy walls.
Yes. With the right layout and screen specification, a walk-in shower can make excellent use of a compact bathroom. Fluted glass can provide visual separation while still allowing light to pass through.
Yes. Underfloor heating can be particularly useful in smaller bathrooms because it provides warmth without taking up additional wall or floor space. It can also work alongside a heated towel rail for everyday comfort.
This South West London bathroom is a lovely example of what can happen when practical design and personal style come together.
We are a family-run business and we believe your bathroom should reflect the way you live. Whether you are drawn to textured walls, architectural arches or a completely different design direction, our team is here to help you explore the possibilities.
Through our bathroom design service, we work with you to develop a layout, choose materials and bring the different elements of your bathroom together. Our installation service can then help bring the finished design to life.
You are always welcome to visit our Putney showroom or Guildford showroom to meet our team, explore materials and discuss your ideas in person.
Ready to start your own project? Get in touch with our team to arrange a consultation.
Explore more projects in our case study collection.
Small Luxury Bathroom Design: Warmth, Texture & Architectural Details Textured terracotta walls, soft green porcelain and beautiful arched details come together in this South West
Bathroom Design in London: Finding the Right Experts for Your Home From Victorian terraces to contemporary new builds, discover why choosing experienced bathroom specialists makes
The Most Expensive Renovation Mistakes And How to Avoid Them A home renovation is exciting. It is also a significant investment and some of the
Simply fill in the form to download a copy instantly
