Black-and-white world

Colour can play with our perceptions of scale. Dark surfaces, for example, will make a room appear smaller. However, there are several ways to redress this visual misconception.

This modestly sized, renovated bathroom, by designer Royston Wilson, features walls, vanity tops and a floor in a rich, brown marble.

"These surfaces make a strong statement, but the near-black tones could potentially dwarf the space," says Wilson. "To counter this, I introduced a transparent shower frame, avoiding a visual barrier blocking this area off from the greater space. I also chose a deep toekick for the vanity giving it a floating, airy appeal and, similarly, set the large mirror proud of the wall to imply another layer of space beyond it."

Darker hues can also rob a room of valuable light, another consideration Wilson was at pains to avoid, particularly in a bathroom.

"The pearl-grey vanity cabinets work against this and a large window in opaque glass alongside the shower lets in plenty of diffuse natural light," says the designer. "As well as giving the impression of double the space, the mirror that runs the full length of one wall also bounces light around the room."

Story by: Trendsideas