Clean living

To transform this combined bathroom and laundry room into a streamlined, attractive space, the designer removed doors and concealed the appliances

The view of a bathroom combined with a bathroom, countertop, floor, flooring, home, interior design, kitchen, property, room, tile, wall, brown, orange — The view of a bathroom combined with a laundry

The view of a combined bathroom and laundry bathroom, cabinetry, countertop, floor, flooring, home, interior design, kitchen, property, room, sink, tile, brown

The detail of a washing machine and sink clothes dryer, countertop, home appliance, kitchen, kitchen stove, laundry, laundry room, major appliance, plumbing fixture, room, sink, washing machine, brown, orange

Combining the bathroom with a laundry area is often a necessity in small homes. However, showering alongside laundry appliances can be undesirable, as well as cramped.

Working with the existing bathroom and laundry room in this two-bedroom apartment, designer Chris Tullett created a fresh look to the area, with an emphasis on open space and presentation.

"The first thing to go were the folding doors that closed the laundry room off from the bathroom, followed by the old shower and bath arrangement," says Tullett. "These items made the bathroom feel very small and stuffy."

The same marble countertops and cabinetry are used in both the laundry area and the bathroom. The entire room is tiled from floor to ceiling.

The upper cabinets in the laundry space conceal a tumble dryer and hot water heater, while the lower cabinets hide a front-loading washing machine, yet still have ample storage space for towels.

A countertop, lit by task lighting, provides a useful place to fold clothes.

The installation of a frameless shower eased some of the congestion in the room, as did a concealed toilet cistern.

A floating vanity gives the appearance of more floor space. Fluorescent lighting underneath the vanity provides ambiance, and doubles as a night-light.