How to Work the Mix-and-match Trend in Your Bathroom
Sourcing fixtures and fittings from different suppliers creates a personalised look. Read this expert advice for mixing it up
Creating a mix-and-match scheme in your bathroom often means sourcing products from different suppliers to ensure the overall aesthetic isn’t sterile or bland. Think vintage taps from eBay, a freestanding tub found at a salvage yard, or a bespoke vanity unit made by a local craftsman. Introducing elements traditionally reserved for living areas – a rug to soften a wooden floor or a comfortable chair on which to perch, say – will also create a characterful scheme.
However you decide to mix-and-match pieces, there are practicalities to consider. ‘For instance, you need to ensure products sourced from different suppliers are compatible with one another,’ says Gavin Woodford of Woodford Architecture and Interiors. Try these expert tips and tricks for mixing and matching in your bathroom.
Professional advice from:
Alex Newbery of Sapphire Spaces
Faiza Seth of Casa Forma
Gavin Woodford of Woodford Architecture and Interiors
Monita Cheung of Monita Cheung Design
Rory Macpherson of Play Associates
Roselind Wilson of Roselind Wilson Design
Vickie Nickolls of Interior Therapy
However you decide to mix-and-match pieces, there are practicalities to consider. ‘For instance, you need to ensure products sourced from different suppliers are compatible with one another,’ says Gavin Woodford of Woodford Architecture and Interiors. Try these expert tips and tricks for mixing and matching in your bathroom.
Professional advice from:
Alex Newbery of Sapphire Spaces
Faiza Seth of Casa Forma
Gavin Woodford of Woodford Architecture and Interiors
Monita Cheung of Monita Cheung Design
Rory Macpherson of Play Associates
Roselind Wilson of Roselind Wilson Design
Vickie Nickolls of Interior Therapy
Size up tiles
If you want to use vintage or salvaged tiles, or to create a patchwork of different tile designs from different sources, be prepared for more work and measuring than you’d need to do if ordering modern tiles in a mix-and-match range from a high street store, which will be of a uniform size.
When mixing and matching from different sources, be aware that tiles vary very slightly in size, so if you’re looking to have consistent grout lines, ask for the exact size of the tile in millimetres, as small inconsistencies will show up,’ says Rory Macpherson of Play Associates. ‘Similarly, depths can vary, so check these as well if they’re going on the same surface to ensure a smooth finish.’
If you want to use vintage or salvaged tiles, or to create a patchwork of different tile designs from different sources, be prepared for more work and measuring than you’d need to do if ordering modern tiles in a mix-and-match range from a high street store, which will be of a uniform size.
When mixing and matching from different sources, be aware that tiles vary very slightly in size, so if you’re looking to have consistent grout lines, ask for the exact size of the tile in millimetres, as small inconsistencies will show up,’ says Rory Macpherson of Play Associates. ‘Similarly, depths can vary, so check these as well if they’re going on the same surface to ensure a smooth finish.’
Prioritise quality
No matter where you shop, always ensure the quality of products is consistently high.
‘It becomes so obvious when products of mismatched quality have been used within the same space,’ stresses Alex Newbery of Sapphire Spaces. ‘The best manufacturers have considered practicality from the concept phase of the design process. The starting point for other manufacturers is price.’ Be sure to be influenced by the former, rather than the latter.
No matter where you shop, always ensure the quality of products is consistently high.
‘It becomes so obvious when products of mismatched quality have been used within the same space,’ stresses Alex Newbery of Sapphire Spaces. ‘The best manufacturers have considered practicality from the concept phase of the design process. The starting point for other manufacturers is price.’ Be sure to be influenced by the former, rather than the latter.
Check compatibility
When mixing different brands and suppliers, it’s important to check the product specifications to ensure they work together. ‘For example, if the basin is sourced from one supplier and the vanity unit is sourced from another, always make sure they’re compatible,’ advises Monita Cheung of Monita Cheung Design. ‘Is the vanity unit deep enough to hold the basin? Does the vanity unit drawer have a cut-out for the basin syphon? Is the basin surface-mounted? If so, is a worktop required for the vanity unit?’
When it comes to brassware, there are practical aspects that should be respected no matter what the design. Taking the time to source a vintage showerhead for your fashionable walk-in shower is all well and good, but its beauty will never be appreciated if it only dribbles. ‘Most importantly, is the water pressure in your house sufficient for the brassware you want?’ says Faiza Seth of Casa Forma.
When mixing different brands and suppliers, it’s important to check the product specifications to ensure they work together. ‘For example, if the basin is sourced from one supplier and the vanity unit is sourced from another, always make sure they’re compatible,’ advises Monita Cheung of Monita Cheung Design. ‘Is the vanity unit deep enough to hold the basin? Does the vanity unit drawer have a cut-out for the basin syphon? Is the basin surface-mounted? If so, is a worktop required for the vanity unit?’
When it comes to brassware, there are practical aspects that should be respected no matter what the design. Taking the time to source a vintage showerhead for your fashionable walk-in shower is all well and good, but its beauty will never be appreciated if it only dribbles. ‘Most importantly, is the water pressure in your house sufficient for the brassware you want?’ says Faiza Seth of Casa Forma.
Exercise caution
Online shopping and the ability to mix-and-match not only from different suppliers, but from different countries, really opens up the possibilities for an eclectic or personalised bathroom. But do be careful when searching for and purchasing products online, as everything may not be as it first seems. ‘Prices may initially seem a lot cheaper, but the reason for this may be because not all the components are included in the price,’ says Cheung.
If you’re sourcing parts from overseas, also think carefully about compatibility. ‘Parts sourced from the US, for example, may be different from those made in the UK or Europe,’ says Roselind Wilson of Roselind Wilson Design.
Online shopping and the ability to mix-and-match not only from different suppliers, but from different countries, really opens up the possibilities for an eclectic or personalised bathroom. But do be careful when searching for and purchasing products online, as everything may not be as it first seems. ‘Prices may initially seem a lot cheaper, but the reason for this may be because not all the components are included in the price,’ says Cheung.
If you’re sourcing parts from overseas, also think carefully about compatibility. ‘Parts sourced from the US, for example, may be different from those made in the UK or Europe,’ says Roselind Wilson of Roselind Wilson Design.
Create a cohesive look
Practicalities aside, it’s also important to think about the look of your bathroom. For example, bronze, brass or antique brass finishes can differ from one supplier to the next.
‘It’s best to get samples from all the suppliers first to ensure a perfect match,’ suggests Roselind Wilson. ‘The alternative is to refinish the items, so all the finishes are consistent. It would also be prudent to ensure the look works across the varied products. Little details, such as rounded or square edges of products, can make all the difference.’
Practicalities aside, it’s also important to think about the look of your bathroom. For example, bronze, brass or antique brass finishes can differ from one supplier to the next.
‘It’s best to get samples from all the suppliers first to ensure a perfect match,’ suggests Roselind Wilson. ‘The alternative is to refinish the items, so all the finishes are consistent. It would also be prudent to ensure the look works across the varied products. Little details, such as rounded or square edges of products, can make all the difference.’
Get a clear idea
‘It’s far easier to first have a clear idea of your needs and wants, and then liaise with an expert on what’s actually viable for the space and whether your ideas can become a reality,’ advises Vickie Nickolls of Interior Therapy. Online tools such as Houzz are a great place to start, offering a wealth of inspirational ideas.
‘It’s also worth making a list of who will be using the space and the key items you’re likely to need,’ continues Nickolls. ‘For instance, if it’s a family bathroom, a bath will be needed, but if it’s just for guests, then you may only need a shower, freeing up some space for much-needed storage.’
‘It’s far easier to first have a clear idea of your needs and wants, and then liaise with an expert on what’s actually viable for the space and whether your ideas can become a reality,’ advises Vickie Nickolls of Interior Therapy. Online tools such as Houzz are a great place to start, offering a wealth of inspirational ideas.
‘It’s also worth making a list of who will be using the space and the key items you’re likely to need,’ continues Nickolls. ‘For instance, if it’s a family bathroom, a bath will be needed, but if it’s just for guests, then you may only need a shower, freeing up some space for much-needed storage.’
Add texture
As the trend for breaking down the boundaries between the different rooms in the home continues, it’s now popular to bring living room elements into the bathroom.
‘We recently completed a project where the client wanted the bathroom to be like a library, with timber cladding, a beautiful rug and bookshelves,’ recalls Rory Macpherson. ‘People are rightly cautious about the effects of moisture in bathrooms, but as long as there’s good extraction, and ideally fresh air flows, then items such as rugs and freestanding chairs can be used to create an eclectic feel.’
As the trend for breaking down the boundaries between the different rooms in the home continues, it’s now popular to bring living room elements into the bathroom.
‘We recently completed a project where the client wanted the bathroom to be like a library, with timber cladding, a beautiful rug and bookshelves,’ recalls Rory Macpherson. ‘People are rightly cautious about the effects of moisture in bathrooms, but as long as there’s good extraction, and ideally fresh air flows, then items such as rugs and freestanding chairs can be used to create an eclectic feel.’
Make a statement
Understated furniture and simple sanitaryware designs lend themselves well to being teamed with statement pieces. ‘With a beautiful crystal chandelier or antique furniture, one can create a grandiose effect that contrasts with a pared-down, minimal look,’ says Faiza Seth. Even adding an old-fashioned accent, such as a vintage mirror, will boost a potentially bland contemporary scheme.
Unexpected flourishes are a great way to personalise your bathroom while staying on budget. ‘As most white suites can be bought fairly cheaply, if you’re on a tight budget, the best place to splash the cash is on something unusual, such as vintage taps or smaller areas of beautifully crafted tiles,’ adds Gavin Woodford.
Check out dazzling ways to introduce metallics into your bathroom
Understated furniture and simple sanitaryware designs lend themselves well to being teamed with statement pieces. ‘With a beautiful crystal chandelier or antique furniture, one can create a grandiose effect that contrasts with a pared-down, minimal look,’ says Faiza Seth. Even adding an old-fashioned accent, such as a vintage mirror, will boost a potentially bland contemporary scheme.
Unexpected flourishes are a great way to personalise your bathroom while staying on budget. ‘As most white suites can be bought fairly cheaply, if you’re on a tight budget, the best place to splash the cash is on something unusual, such as vintage taps or smaller areas of beautifully crafted tiles,’ adds Gavin Woodford.
Check out dazzling ways to introduce metallics into your bathroom
Use architecture
Get creative with your space and use architectural features to establish a mix-and-match look. Here, a contemporary bath strikes a beautiful contrast with the bare stone wall, bringing together the past and the present in a single space.
Discover creative ways to bring out the beauty of bare brick
Get creative with your space and use architectural features to establish a mix-and-match look. Here, a contemporary bath strikes a beautiful contrast with the bare stone wall, bringing together the past and the present in a single space.
Discover creative ways to bring out the beauty of bare brick
Call in the experts
Whether or not you seek expert advice depends on the size of the space and how complex the refurbishment is. ‘If it’s just changing the taps,’ says Faiza Seth, ‘then it’s not necessary. But if you want to create something dramatically new or if you’re struggling with how to maximise a complicated space, a designer should be the first port of call.’
Try these top tips to picking the perfect pendant
Whether or not you seek expert advice depends on the size of the space and how complex the refurbishment is. ‘If it’s just changing the taps,’ says Faiza Seth, ‘then it’s not necessary. But if you want to create something dramatically new or if you’re struggling with how to maximise a complicated space, a designer should be the first port of call.’
Try these top tips to picking the perfect pendant
Get a head start
Problems that become apparent once installation has been completed can be costly and incredibly labour-intensive to correct. ‘It would be wise to hire an experienced designer at the very early stages of planning to give them as much time as possible to think ahead,’ advises Monita Cheung.
‘The designer may provide detailed 2D drawings, 3D visuals, product specifications and mood boards. These add significant value, not only in helping you to visualise what the final design will look like, but also to the builder in assisting him to complete the installation. Along with detailed drawings, the designer may also advise on trade prices and recommend professional builders.’
TELL US…
How have you dared to be different in your bathroom? Share your tips or photos in the Comments below.
Problems that become apparent once installation has been completed can be costly and incredibly labour-intensive to correct. ‘It would be wise to hire an experienced designer at the very early stages of planning to give them as much time as possible to think ahead,’ advises Monita Cheung.
‘The designer may provide detailed 2D drawings, 3D visuals, product specifications and mood boards. These add significant value, not only in helping you to visualise what the final design will look like, but also to the builder in assisting him to complete the installation. Along with detailed drawings, the designer may also advise on trade prices and recommend professional builders.’
TELL US…
How have you dared to be different in your bathroom? Share your tips or photos in the Comments below.
Mixing different materials as opposed to choosing an off‐the‐peg, matching range of fittings creates a personalised look.
‘Channel the style of cosy living rooms, which often host collected items that are dear to us and have significant stories to tell about our lives,’ suggests Gavin Woodford of Woodford Architecture and Interiors. ‘A one-stop shop may be convenient, but it doesn’t offer the eclectic range of products available if you’re prepared to mix and match.’