With a tight deadline and a baby on the way, Gem Boner and her husband Thom transformed the tired grey bathroom in their Suffolk farmhouse into a warm and indulgent retreat.
Who lives here
Gem Boner and her husband Thom have been renovating a 16th-century farmhouse and barns in Suffolk to live in and rent out.
Before
'Previously, the bathroom was decorated in underwhelming grey and white tones, and there was only a shower. It lacked character and required a significant amount of TLC,' says Gem.
How did you approach the design and colour scheme?
GB: Our main goal was to create a bathroom that felt immediately relaxing, a space where we would feel calm as soon as we walked in. We achieved this through a palette of warm ochre tones, inspired by the surrounding landscape, particularly the rich, golden hues of autumn, which bring a cosy, grounding quality to the room. Carefully placed dimmable lighting also works well to set the mood.
Tell us about your must-haves…
GB: A roll-top bath was at the very top of our list – we wanted it to feel as indulgent as possible, so went for the largest size that would fit in the room. A powerful shower was also very important, striking a balance between practicality and comfort.
Did you face many problems during the renovation?
GB: The project came with its fair share of challenges, especially as we started it when I was eight months pregnant! That added a unique kind of chaos to the process. I distinctly remember begging the painter to finish one room so I could have at least one peaceful space before the baby arrived. Despite our efforts to stay on track, I was still painting my room just two days before our daughter was born.
Any standout features or splurges?
GB: One decision we’re particularly happy with was choosing genuine terracotta floor tiles from Ca'Pietra rather than opting for imitations. The texture and warmth they bring to the room add a real feeling of authenticity, which is especially fitting given that we're in a renovated farmhouse.
What do you love most about the space now?
GB: A simple detail that stands out to me is the raffia wall light above the bath. It's not extravagant, but it creates a lovely soft light that's just perfect for when I want a long soak in the tub.
What we’ve learned
GB: Finishes are so important and there are a lot of options, so take your time to make sure you choose something that looks good and will last.
Sourcebook
- Panelling painted in Cane modern emulsion, farrow-ball.com
- Painted boat bath, Victrion basin, WC, shower, brassware, all bcdesigns.co.uk
- Wall lights, thewalllightingcompany.co.uk
- Marlborough terracotta rectangle floor tiles; Maroc porcelain tiles in Khaki and Bianco, all capietra.com
Costs
- Paint, £105
- Bath, £2,797
- Basin, £474
- WC, £575
- Shower, £2,100
- Brassware, £552
- Lighting, £420
- Tiles, £1,500 (estimate)
Total: £8,523
