Case Study: Transforming Two Bathrooms into Modern Spaces

A Move to the Countryside and a Long-Awaited Renovation 

Sorcha and Connor, along with their two children—an 8-year-old girl and a 6-year-old boy—left bustling Antrim town for the tranquil countryside a few years ago. With Sorcha working as a midwife at Antrim Hospital and Connor as a sales manager, their home transformation has been a gradual journey. After tackling their kitchen, 2023 became the year to upgrade their tired, outdated bathrooms into beautiful, functional spaces they could enjoy. 

Designing the Dream Bathrooms 

The couple discovered Bathshack during their initial search for inspiration. Sorcha recalls, “I was browsing and came across the green patterned tiles at bathshack, which I loved. When I spoke with Aideen from Bathshack, she helped create a detailed plan that brought my vision to life.” 

The Main Bathroom 

This space became a showcase of subtle luxury and timeless design. The room started with the standout leafy green Iron Tropic Brown Matt 60 x 120  Rectified Porcelain tiles which paired beautifully with plain grey accents and brushed brass fittings like the Eliseo Ricci Exclusiv Round Handle, Head & Mounted Bracket Riser Shower. Sorcha opted for wall-mounted taps, and had a clear vision of removing the old bath to create a spacious walk-in shower. For the floor they went for the Aspen Oak Herringbone 8 x 59.2cm Porcelain Tile.

 When it came to selecting furniture for the main bathroom, Sorcha opted for a bespoke Josef Martin  vanity unit. A decision guided by the fact she could have her dream unit in a bespoke design. Josef Martin is a family-run business based near Ballymena, Northern Ireland, with over three decades of expertise in crafting bespoke furniture. Known for their meticulous craftsmanship, Josef Martin pieces are tailored to meet the specific needs of modern homes, combining practicality with stunning designs. 

The vanity unit in Sorcha’s bathroom is part of Josef Martin’s extensive collection, which offers options for both floorstanding and wall-mounted designs. These units provide ample storage, ensuring the bathroom remains uncluttered and on trend. 

Sorcha worked closely with Aideen at Bathshack to ensure her chosen unit complemented the bathroom’s brushed brass fixtures and leafy green tiles. She notes, “The Josef Martin vanity tied everything together beautifully, becoming the focal point of the space.” The unit not only added a luxurious touch but also offered practical storage, keeping the bathroom both stylish and functional​.  

The Ensuite 

For the ensuite, Sorcha and Conor opted for a more textured aesthetic, featuring the Burdeos Wood Herringbone 9.9 x 49.2cm Porcelain Tile, and that seamlessly extends into their bedroom. The shower was upgraded with a bamboo recess, blending natural warmth with the modern lines of the herringbone tiles. 

Going for something a little different they added a feature wall with the Swansea Orchid Green 45 x 45 patterned tile which they paired beautifully with another bespoke Josef Martin unit but this time in a blush pink and two Tablet 800mm brass frame mirrors.  

Finding Inspiration and Style 

Sorcha credits Pinterest for helping define her aesthetic. “I knew I wanted a mix of green tones and brushed brass, and Pinterest helped me see how different elements would work together,” she says. The end result? Two bathrooms that are as stylish as they are functional, with a cohesive feel that flows throughout the home. 

A Seamless Experience with Bathshack 

The renovation was fast-tracked when Sorcha and Connor learned that their workmen could start sooner than expected. Despite the tight timeframe, Bathshack’s customer service made the process stress-free. “Aideen was fantastic,” says Sorcha. “She helped take the pressure off by guiding me through product selection, answering questions quickly, and ensuring everything was delivered on time. The entire process was so efficient.” 

Favourite Features 

For Sorcha, it’s impossible to choose just one favourite aspect. “I love the vanity unit and tiles in the main bathroom,” she says. “It’s spacious, clean, and airy. Both bathrooms turned out exactly as I envisioned.” 

“We’ve already recommended Bathshack to friends,” Sorcha shares. “The fact that we could find everything we needed in one place made the process so much easier.” 

If you’re looking to transform your bathroom, visit Bathshack.com or stop by one of their showrooms to bring your vision to life. 

If you'd like help with choosing bathroom-ware or tiling for your home, you can email our team at info@bathshack.com, or call us on (028) 9077 0188 / 01 2597531 alternatively, our online chat is also available if you have any queries - or visit Bathshack.com for inspiration.