Bathroom case study: Adding a wow-factor steam room

Sophie and Glenn Parker-Hodds' eye for detail has led to a luxurious master bathroom with spa-inspired features

a steam room in a bathroom with luxury touches
(Image credit: Fraser Marr)

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Project notes

The owners: Sophie Parker-Hodds lives here with her husband Glenn and Ellie, their cocker spaniel. They are both retired.
The property: A five-bedroom detached 1950s house in Newbury, Berkshire
Total project cost: £25,091

A two-storey extension to Sophie and Glenn’s house increased the size of the ground floor by a significant amount and had also made their upstairs bathroom larger. The couple agreed that installing a shower and steam room would make the bathroom something special; and a space that would get a lot more use.

By chance, they discovered a neighbour was the financial director of a bathroom company that dealt with Swedish steam rooms. Martina Landhed, the design director, came to survey the room and explore the possibilities. The design includes benches either side of the space with smoked-glass panels and a door to seal it from the rest of the room. A long horizontal wall-hung unit houses all of the pipework and the steam generator, as well as providing space for storing towels.

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The coppery tones of a radiator Sophie fell in love with influenced the colour scheme. Martina knew that tailored storage was high on the couple’s wish list and recommended a mirrored cabinet with integrated lighting.

view of a bathroom from the steam room

The scheme was inspired by the Bisque etched-copper Arteplano radiator from Hot Interiors. Tanking kit, wet tray, steam generator, bronze bespoke glass panels, Hansgrohe hand shower, Cifial Mini Vastus shower head and arm, and benches, all InStilDesign
(Image credit: Fraser Marr)

close up of the steam room and shower area in a luxury bathroom

The new windows were positioned high up, allowing the natural light to come in but without taking up wall space. Strato Coffee furniture and Svedbergs mirror units with lights, all from InStil Design
(Image credit: Fraser Marr)

luxury spa style bathroom with white tiles, wood storage and copper radiator

Neutral tiles make the floor space feel larger. Saloni Dolomit 90x45cm porcelain wall and floor tiles; Waxman. GL-044 Gomeda Jewel Gold Vein bronze mosaic tiles; Thermonet Vario underfloor heating; all from InStil Design
(Image credit: Fraser Marr)

a luxury bathroom with luxury radiator

(Image credit: Fraser Marr)

Cost breakdown

  • Building work and installation: £8,000
  • Shower/steam enclosure: £7,280
  • Furniture: £3,122
  • Tiles: £2,082
  • Windows: £1,500
  • Radiator: £1,277
  • Sink and taps: £825
  • WC: £689
  • Underfloor heating: £316
  • TOTAL: £25,091

Contacts

Design and supply InStil Design, 0800 677 1040

Installation K. Robertson, 07812 093918

Windows Castle Windows, 01189 711960

Radiator Hot Interiors Ltd, 0113 244 9444

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