Tactile minimalism: a shower room reimagined
A sensory space defined by muted tones, honest materials, and a calm, crafted atmosphere.
This bathroom renovation began with a simple idea: that even the most functional of spaces deserves emotional depth and resonance. Often overlooked or left until last, bathrooms are typically treated as purely utilitarian without visually or atmospherically connecting with the rest of a house. Yet with this project, every element from the living materials to the intentional clash of metals was chosen to shift the everyday ritual of washing our bodies into a grounding sensory experience. Soft curves, soothing hues, and tactile finishes create a sanctuary.
This room is defined by contrast and attention to detail: a bespoke unlaquered phosphor bronze basin sits beside minimal brushed inox taps, creating a visual tension that quietly celebrates the inherent quality of materials. Over time, the bronze will develop a patina; a daily evolution shaped by water, use and touch. It’s a subtle, living story within a story of the space’s interaction with those who move through it. On the walls, handmade tiles and a natural and healthy Pastellone finish invite a tactile connection. The palette is soft, drawn from the exposed old stone wall which was left in place as a connection to the building’s history and a meeting point of old and new, its colours echoed in the gentle hues of the walls and floor.
The floor tiles were chosen to mimic the feeling of standing barefoot on the pebbles of Devoran Quay, linking the room emotionally and physically to the Cornish landscape just outside. It is not a central theme, but a conversation between place, memory and material. Even the carefully chosen soap and hand cream scented “after the rain” deepen that connection to the natural world and the atmosphere of the home’s setting.
Despite the limited space, nothing was an afterthought. Every inch was carefully considered, with the layout thoughtfully planned to balance function and flow. The space is minimal but never cold; simple but rich with intention and tactility. It is proof that an essential bathroom, when carefully considered, can be just as emotionally resonant and experiential as the rest of a house, a space to retreat, reset and reconnect.
Photography by Alexandra House Studio and Maike Grimm
