Loft Bathroom Transformation Within a Grade II Listed House

A bold loft bathroom designed around the historic beams and sloping ceilings of a 17th-century listed building in Kent

he owners appointed us to transform an unused loft space within their Grade II listed home in Kent into a luxury bathroom.

The existing roof structure defined the space, so we planned carefully to achieve comfortable head height, clear circulation, and practical storage while respecting the historic fabric.

The result is a loft bathroom that feels generous and refined, balancing bold decorative choices with sensitivity to its architectural context and the listed property.

The Building

This late 17th-century Grade II listed property stands on the site of a former Carmelite Friary, founded in 1272 and dissolved during the Reformation in the 16th century. The structure may include remnants of the earlier monastic buildings.

The façade features a shaped gable, reflecting the Flemish influence seen in parts of Kent during the 17th century. Its proportions and weathered brickwork give it a strong and recognisable character.

Although the house had been recently renovated, its listed status meant we had to approach the project carefully.

The Brief: Transforming an Unused Loft Into a Bathroom

The owners wanted to convert an unused loft space into an eye-catching bathroom, which had character and reflected their personality.

The brief was to introduce a generous shower, basin, and WC within the tight roof space. 

The design needed to respect the fabric of the Grade II Listed building while creating a space suited to modern family life.

The Design: Working With the Existing Roof Structure

We let the loft’s geometry guide the layout, taking cues from the existing slopes and beams.

The final arrangement aligns with the roof form, unlocking usable volume and maximising head height while preserving the space's character.

Spatial Planning & Layout

We introduced a bespoke partition beneath an existing beam, creating a natural division within the room while preserving usable floor space.

This allowed us to:

• Place the shower beneath the highest point of the ceiling to maximise head height
• Position the basin in the most comfortable part of the room
• Keep the centre of the space open and easy to move through.

Integrating Storage & Functionality

Working within the loft’s compact footprint, we specified an elevated Victoria Basin from Catchpole and Rye to keep the room feeling open and maintain clear floor space. 

Next to it, a frameless glass screen encloses the shower, maintaining visual continuity and allowing light to pass through the room whilst providing a glimpse of the herringbone marble tiles.

We integrated storage into the lower part of the roof slope, making use of the space where the ceiling drops. Finished in the same colour as the panelling, it effortlessly blends in and feels like part of the room rather than additional storage.

Colour, Materials & Detail

The bathroom’s palette reflects the bold use of colour seen elsewhere in the house.

The scheme centres on Graham & Brown’s New Eden Navy wallpaper, whose small-scale pattern suits the loft’s irregular geometry. For the floor, we specified reclaimed timber floorboards to be coherent with the building’s fabric and interiors.

The panelling and joinery are painted in Graham & Brown’s deep teal, Tiru, which defines the lower half of the room and creates contrast with the light Angel Dust walls and dark exposed beams.

The shower enclosure is finished in Calacatta Amber honed marble tiles by Mandarin Stone, introducing warmth and texture to offset the strong use of colour.

We sourced sanitaryware and brassware with a brushed-brass finish from Catchpole & Rye, a Kent-based manufacturer, to complement the house's age and character. Featuring refined beveled edges and an ornate metal frame, the timeless Victoria Basin brings a subtle yet distinctive twist to a classic design. 

The showstopping element of this design is the bespoke coloured WC cistern. Specified from Catchpole & Rye in a rich burnt-orange shade, Sweet Potato Pie, it introduces a deliberate accent that reinforces the scheme’s confident use of colour.

The works

The works were carried out by Early Birds, specialist builders with whom we have a long-standing working relationship.

Elizabeth Nixon oversaw the project from concept through to completion, remaining closely involved in the design's delivery. 

The site was well managed throughout, with a focused team on hand to ensure a high-quality finish and a smooth process for the client.

The Client’s Feedback

The owners are delighted with their new loft bathroom and the way it has transformed an unused part of the house.

They described the process as collaborative and enjoyable, highlighting how quickly we understood the brief and translated it into a clear design direction. In particular, they appreciated how the layout works naturally within the constraints of the loft and how the bold palette integrates seamlessly with the wider interior scheme.

As one of the owners commented, “Elizabeth got the brief instantly and came up with the perfect mood board. She has been a joy to work with.”  

Have a Project in Mind? Interior Architecture and Interior Design in Kent, Thoughtfully Delivered

Elizabeth Nixon Interior Architecture and Design works across Kent and Sussex, with extensive experience in listed buildings, historic homes, and contemporary properties.

We shape each project around your property’s character, refining the layout, detailing, and materials to suit the way you live.

To arrange an initial consultation, contact us here.