Welcome to part 2 of this 4-part Get the Look style guide, where I’ll be showing you the type of products you’ll need to achieve The Harbour look in your bathroom.
My name’s Nicky and I’m the resident stylist at Victoria Plum. If you haven’t done so already, I’d highly recommend heading back to part 1, where I introduce the look and explain the differences between this style and other nautical designs. You’ll also find out how to achieve the look in a small bathroom. Simply click on the image below to make part 1 your starting point.
Of course, if you’d like to skip ahead, you’re more than welcome. In part 3, I’ll show you how to pick out those perfect nautical accessories and in part 4, you can find out exactly which products I used and why. But if you’re staying onboard, hold tight as we’re about to set sail!
Choosing products for The Harbour bathroom
The products you choose for any type of bathroom design are crucial in achieving your desired look. However, to create a sense of balance and harmony, the products you choose need to complement each other, which is what this article is all about.
Before we begin looking at individual products, let’s just have a little reminder as to how The Harbour bathroom we created looks:
Ready to embark on your creative journey? It’s time to weigh anchor and get underway, by focusing in on those individual elements that really make this look work.
Boat-shaped bath
Freestanding baths have been gaining in popularity for years as homeowners yearn for a more relaxing and luxurious bathing experience, forming the foundation for many a bathroom design.
For The Harbour look, we’ve headed straight for one of the classics, with a traditional slipper bath. The great thing about this design is that the curves are reminiscent of the bow of a boat. We’ve opted for chrome feet which provide a touch of sparkle, although you could just as easily choose white. A blue coloured bath would also fit well with this design.
If you don’t have the space for a freestanding tub, there are other traditional alternatives you could consider, including back to wall baths or traditional straight baths. The classic style will really set the tone for the other products in your bathroom, as we shall see below.
A shower that shines
If you have the luxury of a spacious bathroom, you could double up and add a shower enclosure to your scheme. Although, in most average-sized bathrooms, you’ll most likely have to choose one over the other.
If you opt for a shower, like we have in our room set, you can easily combine both traditional and contemporary elements in the one installation—a modern vintage mix, if you will!
First the traditional: Look for a shower set that features classic cross handle dials and levers for a look that certainly has a touch of the nautical about it. A shower system with exposed pipework in sparkling chrome makes a charming addition, whilst a rain can style head will bring simple elegance to proceedings.
Next, the contemporary: With a quadrant shower enclosure, you get all the convenience of a modern bathroom, leaving your bathroom feeling bright and airy, rather than stuffy and confined. To complement the traditional design, keep an eye out for enclosures with vintage-inspired touches, like decorative finials and lavish handles.
If you have the budget, why not go one better and create a wet room enclosure? This provides level access, which is great if you have restricted mobility, whilst giving your bathroom an uninterrupted look, with your flooring extending right into your shower area.
White brick or metro tiles combined with black grout bring these two styles together, adding contrast to your room.
Handy hint: Find out just how easy it is to install a wet room
Basins of distinction
Continuing with the traditional theme, look for a basin that features classic embellishments such as bevelled edges, a surround and a plug and chain style waste. Generally, traditional style basins are square in shape, rather than rounded, so, despite the rounded shapes of your bath and toilet, don’t be put off by this type of design.
If you have the room, double up on your basins, providing an excellent way to share your bathroom space with your fellow shipmates.
Taps that’ll turn heads
Combining the more functional, almost industrial style, with a classic and refined look can be achieved through your choice of taps. Cross head handles are, again, reminiscent of the type of equipment you may very well find aboard a yacht or boat. They will also echo the design of your shower.
Whilst the cross head design is most common, you could also choose a handle design which is great if you sometimes find taps a little fiddly. You could even pick out a black or white handle to complement your nautical style colour palette.
Fancy going on a voyage of discovery? Why not find out how our taps are made?
Toilet tradition
Your choice of toilet should be in-keeping with the rest of your suite, so make sure you go for something that matches your basin or bath. Ideally, buy from the same bathroom collection for a coordinated look.
Close coupled toilets are the most common type, however, a high level toilet with chain pull flush will add a certain traditional charm to your overall bathroom design.
Colours, tiles & textures for The Harbour bathroom
Make part 3 of this style guide your next port of call, where I’ll be demonstrating how to accessorise your bathroom with the right colours, tiles and textures, to bring this look to life.
