Interior designers make notoriously difficult clients; when it comes to their own homes, their ambitions tend to surpass everyone else’s. This is certainly true of designer Amy Stoddart (amystoddartstudio.com) and her east London home, which she transformed from a ‘rundown two-bedroom end of terrace’ to a slick, three-bedroom, three-bathroom house that is part boutique hotel, part personal retreat.
The extra room and bathroom sit in a loft extension, the first phase of a renovation that began in 2021. ‘Our aim was to increase the footprint and create a guest suite that felt private, considered and slightly removed from the rest of the home,’ says Amy.
Juggling client projects alongside her own renovation meant that some decisions went down to the wire – until a serendipitous trip to more tropical climes became the inspiration catalyst Amy needed.
The before
‘This bathroom forms part of a loft conversion, so the space didn’t even exist when we moved in.’
The plan
Just a week before the build, Amy found herself finalising the layout from under a beach umbrella in Barbados, so it was perhaps inevitable that the balmy Caribbean sun would work its way into her design.
'The influence of the light and warmth there definitely filtered into the scheme,' she says. 'I knew that the room would be bathed in evening light as the sun sets at the rear of the house, so I leant into warm tones and reflective surfaces that would enhance that glow.'
Amy used glossy zellige tiles and shiny brass fixtures to achieve her vision – even the bath has a silken finish that catches the light. 'I was set on that tub,' she adds.
The process
With more than a decade of design experience, Amy is a pro when it comes to wrangling builders and problem-solving. Her wishlist included new windows, a freestanding bath and bespoke vanity, a built-in shower cubicle with skylight and two different types of tiles. Just another day at the office, then.
'I produced the full technical drawing package to ensure everything was executed as intended,' she says. 'It's so important in a compact loft space where every millimetre counts.'
The designer's touch is felt throughout, but it’s most obvious in the clever use of tiles: ‘Head height was limited, as is often the case in loft conversions, so I created the illusion of a raised platform by switching materials – transitioning from the marble floor to the yellow tiles,’ explains Amy. ‘It’s a subtle yet effective way to zone a small space.’
The after
‘We love it and our guests often compare it to a hotel bathroom – exactly what we set out to achieve’
Biggest splurge
'The bath was the largest investment. Traditional silhouettes naturally come with a higher price tag, but it really anchors the room, so it felt justified.'
Get the look: The sunny loft bathroom
Biggest challenge
'Managing the build came with its challenges, particularly navigating difficult neighbours!'
Design hero
The built-in shower is wrapped in brightening marble tiles and topped with a skylight to give the impression of showering under the open sky.
Best bargain
‘This small bobbin stool from Kempton Antiques Market – I got it for a steal.’
Sourcebook
- Design Amy Stoddart
- Bath Heritage
- Wall tiles Grestec
- Floor tiles Domus
- Wall lights Pooky
- Mirror Balineum
- Brassware Vado
- Paint Farrow & Ball
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