Another great new article from thebestof Cheltenham's Local and Vocal Magazine...
Obsidian Obsession
Catapulting a 300 year old run-down cottage & barn into the 21st Century, without detracting from its original character and charm, is all in a day’s work for the design and fitting team at Obsidian Kitchens and Bathrooms.
A visit to the Obsidian showroom, with its unparalleled selection of bathroom and kitchen fittings and furnishings, was enough to convince the owners of this cottage near Cheltenham that they had selected the right company to create their new bathroom.
This award winning company, part of the George Bence Group, came up with a design that blends a fresh modern look with the characteristic features of the property. The contemporary design enhances the bathroom’s unique character, working with, rather than against the room’s proportions, and successfully combining the old with the new.
The project was not without its difficulties, as the bathroom, nestled in the former barn, had low eaves and was compact in size. The existing drab wall-to-wall dark brown tiles and basic fixtures necessitated a dramatic overhaul in both proportion & style. The client brief included a walk-in shower, a standing bath, under floor heating, hidden storage, and the addition of a splash of colour.
The low ceiling proved a major obstacle to positioning the walk-in shower. Because the client favoured a minimalist style, a generously sized shower screen was important. By reducing the door width it was possible to maximize the shower screen. Raising the shower base for effective drainage, alleviated the issue of an uneven surface and also created a wet room feel. Furthermore, installing a false wall served the dual purpose of facilitating headroom for the shower and creating alcoves in which to keep all those essential oils, balms, potion and lotions within easy reach.
Placing a lime green Burg washbasin unit on the back wall added the sparkle and colour that was an prominent part of the client’s original brief. The vibrant colour and curved shape makes a dramatic statement, while the Burg’s pull-out design and organised interior offers convenient and easily accessible storage.
The simple curve-spouted tap echoes the basin’s rounded proportions, with the bath further reflecting this curved look; all enhanced by a ‘built-out’ area creating headroom, and allowing a seamless look whilst offering convenient shelf space.
Obsidian’s design team positioned the WC and cistern out of direct view, which emphasised the minimalist feel to the room. Large format tiles were used to create the illusion of space, their soft colouring reflect light but also concealing the all important under floor heating. Spotlights in the bath surround provide eye-catching detail and create a restful ambient glow in the evening.
Shades of green and black run through the house and the bathroom was to be no exception. Continuity flows throughout the room; the dark charcoal mosaics and soft grey tiles create the perfect foil for the vibrant green vanity unit. The end result is a beautifully congruous room with a wholly seamless and stylish feel.
You can put your design ideas directly into practice by having a computerised virtual model created of your new kitchen or bathroom. Seeing is believing; visit Obsidian’s three storey Cheltenham showroom to see what your new bathroom or kitchen could look like. The Obsidian team pride itself on delivering the ‘wow factor’, with their award-winning showroom and excellent customer service, it is the unrivalled choice for kitchens and bathrooms in Gloucestershire.
