When Fashion and Interiors Collide: AKA My Cloakroom Revamp

I have recently (and by recently I mean over the last 9 months) revamped my'cloakroom' (ok the downstairs loo). This makes me exceptionally happy as for the last 3 years we have lived with an aesthetically displeasing downstairs shower room set up; the interiors equivalent of worn out gym leggings. And although interiors is not my career niche, it has got me thinking about what we choose to gather around us, sartorially or not. My interiors writer sister @lisadawson has often noted how she dresses like her house. Conversely, I realise I style my house exactly as I approach my wardrobe.

So I thought I would take a (fairly shallow) dive into how and what I have done in my downstairs loo, for a. some gratuitous decor pics and b. to show how my choices are consistent with how I shop and dress. As I say, fairly shallow, although potentially helpful when it comes to keeping on track with interior purchases, which if not your bag can be a minefield. Here is how I decorated my cloakroom to fit my style, and all the details.

Before. The Glamour. Points to note: cat litter tray and shower a hop from the living room.

WALLS

When it comes to splurging on wardrobe pieces, I have learnt I prefer to make a statement if i'm spending more, rather than focus on classic staples. And the same applies in my home: with more expensive tiling and wallpaper, that isn’t going to be replaced anytime soon, i'd rather make it count. And to make that work with budget I will often focus on an accessory, (for interior choices read a smaller room that I can take the risk with.)

Details:  The 'Mindful' wallpaper is by boutique wallpaper brand Lick and I used two rolls on two walls and did it myself, following the instructions on the website. Verdict: easy and satisfying if you are prone to obsessive tendancies. Tiles are Kromatic Jade at Claybrook Studio, an independent brand sourcing italian ( but competitively priced) tiles and fittings, that coincidentally was created by my university housemate. I feel no need to ever look elsewhere.

WASHSTAND

Vintage is a big part of my wardrobe (as well as liking clothes with a 'story' i cannot lie that budget comes into it) so it makes sense my interior choices are in line. This washstand not only has the romance of being sourced from a French chateau ( bought via my sisters recommendation of the French House in York) but was significantly cheaper than many mass produced cabinets I looked at. The bonus of vintage. Also: Last year we stayed in an airbnb of dreams in Margate with a French antique washstand in the family bathroom. As with clothes, when I see a look I like i try to adapt it for my style.,

DETAILS: The French House will restore items for you and ship across the country. They worked with me to drill holes to fit the sink and plumbing.

STORAGE

Myself and my husband used vintage lockers as wardrobes before we were married. The reality was that actual vintage lockers are quite rusty and they eventually had to be ditched but we still enjoyed them while they lasted. Nostalgia is a HUGE factor for me with my clothing and style choices in general, so these modern lockers give me pleasing memories of the early married years (with none of the rust.)

DETAILS: The Ikea Idasen hold all the cleaning products my tiny utility room doesnt fit and were way cheaper than anything built in, whilst matching my colour scheme very satisfactorily.

DECOR

My favourite thing about holidays is buying pieces that i can mix into my wardrobe to inspire holiday memories ( plus being different from what you can find at home) I basically extend this idea to my home. This plate wall is full of holiday purchases and memory making places and people. It was relocated from my hallway where people kept knocking plates off the wall: a way i like to approach clothes: if an outfit doesnt work one way try switching it up.

DETAILS: My plates are held up with disc plate hangers from amazon.

LIGHTING/MIRROR/HARDWARE

My clothes purchasing ethos is that there's nothing wrong with well chosen high street if you approach it with the idea of longevity rather than replacing six months down the line, These bamboo globe lights are just as satisfying to me as a designer item, and the mirror is from B&Q. Likewise I own H&M dresses that date fifteen years. However sometimes its important to set the bar high. Ie: if i buy cowboy boots they need to be from Nashville/Texas; And If I buy taps they need to be a well respected tap brand. A tenuous link but one i'm sticking with. However both fashion and interiors always need to hit the budget sweet spot so i'm always prepared to compromise the vision a little.

DETAILS Globe Lights La Redoute, (small ones currently not in stock) and mirror B&Q. They are not 'bathroom suitable but as its a downstairs toilet I decided not to worry. Taps are Crosswater MPRO and come in three colourways ( brass black and bronze)

SUNDRIES

Finally the all important finishing touches that make an outfit ( sorry room) feel personal. I have candle pots as plant holders, a fish soap dish from comporta and hand towels from Laura Thomas via a local independent Hutch Home (that is sadly no longer) . I bought the vintage horn coat hooks for my husband at a carboot sale on his birthday, to humour him (as i had no intention of putting them up anywhere,) however in the context of the new 'cloakroom' they suddenly fit. Which often happens with clothing items too: they might not feel like they will work but then surprise you . Final thoughts: Always give things a try.

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