There’s something undeniably indulgent about a beautiful bathroom. It’s the space we retreat to at the end of the day, and the one that greets us first thing in the morning. In period homes, where character and charm reign supreme, the challenge lies in creating spa-like calm while preserving architectural integrity. At Studio 3 Creatives, we specialise in designing spa-worthy bathrooms that marry contemporary luxury with traditional elegance. Whether you’re working with original Victorian cornicing, an awkward footprint, or low sash windows, a beautiful bathroom that feels like a personal sanctuary is well within reach. Here’s how we do it.

Freestanding Tubs & Vintage-Style Fixtures

A freestanding tub is the ultimate statement in any spa-inspired bathroom. When space allows, we love positioning a sculptural bath in pride of place—centred beneath a window, or framed by marble walls and greenery as in our Putney project. We favour matte finishes, gentle curves and minimalist silhouettes that nod to classic design without veering into pastiche.

To elevate the sense of timelessness, we often specify vintage-style fixtures: crosshead taps, wall-mounted mixers and fluted sconces in polished nickel, unlacquered brass or matte black. These finishes lend authenticity to the scheme, referencing the building’s history while offering modern functionality.

Heating That’s Both Elegant and Effective

Comfort should never come at the expense of style. In bathrooms, that often means incorporating underfloor heating beneath marble, porcelain or natural stone. It’s a seamless way to keep things cosy without cluttering the space. To complement this, we typically specify classic heated towel rails. Whether it’s a traditional column design in brushed brass or a contemporary powder-coated ladder rail, heating elements can and should feel intentional—not just practical.

Bespoke Vanity Units: Built for Beauty and Function

One of the most transformative elements in any bathroom—especially in period homes—is the vanity. A bespoke vanity unit allows you to maximise both storage and style, tailoring it to the proportions of the room and the palette of the wider scheme.

In our Barnes Village project, we designed a duck egg blue (Farrow & Ball’s Light Blue) bespoke vanity unit with classic panelled cabinetry and a crisp quartz worktop. Paired with a sculptural countertop basin and traditional fluted wall sconces, the piece feels serene and tailored—bringing a calm, contemporary character that complements the home’s period detailing.

With bespoke joinery, you can accommodate awkward layouts, low windows, alcoves or sloped ceilings—common features in older properties. But more than that, a custom vanity allows you to introduce texture and warmth, whether in painted wood, natural timber, or stone. Paired with wall-mounted taps and oversized mirrors, it becomes a centrepiece that’s both beautiful and highly functional.

Traditional Tiles in Contemporary Layouts

Tiles are another opportunity to blend eras. We’re often drawn to traditional materials—zellige, marble, encaustic or hand-glazed ceramics—but we place them in fresh, graphic layouts: stacked verticals, playful borders, or unexpected pairings of floor and wall finishes.

For our Northcote Lodge project, we juxtaposed nero black marble subway tiles with Victorian calacatta marble octagon mosaic tiles and antique brass shower fittings. In another project, rich green vertical tiles bring depth and movement to a family bathroom, while classic patterned floor tiles nod to Victorian heritage. Using traditional tilework in modern ways helps retain authenticity while keeping the look light, bright and relevant.

Styling with Intention

As with any interior, the final layer is in the styling. Bathrooms feel truly luxurious when they’re considered down to the last detail—candles, hand soaps, plush towels, sculptural ceramics and lush houseplants. We often include open shelves or niche recesses to display a curated collection of everyday items in beautiful packaging. Scent plays a role, too—a softly fragranced candle or diffuser completes the spa-like experience and makes the space feel inviting.

Final Thoughts: A Sanctuary with Soul

Creating a spa-worthy bathroom in a period property is never about stripping back the character—it’s about enhancing it. By combining bespoke vanity units, vintage-inspired hardware, clever heating and a layered tile palette, we design bathrooms that feel both rooted in their setting and elevated in experience. Whether it’s a calming master ensuite or a jewel-box guest bathroom, our approach is always the same: thoughtful design, heritage-led materials, and a deep appreciation for how the space should feel.

At Studio 3 Creatives, we believe period homes deserve bathrooms that are not only beautiful, but restorative—balancing soul and style in every detail.