Victorian Terrace Reimagined

Kate McPhee, a TV Art Director, lives in a two-bedroom Victorian terraced house in Brighton that she has been renovating room by room. Her bathroom transformation combines period character with thoughtful modern design, creating a balance between refinement and warmth. The result is a calm, inviting space that feels both practical and luxurious.

Kate believes the best design decisions come from living with a space first. Taking time to understand how a room is used, how the light moves throughout the day, and the practical realities of everyday life often reveal the most successful design solutions.

Throughout her home, she has combined contemporary pieces with period details to create interiors that feel personal and lived-in. When it came to redesigning the bathroom, Kate wanted to take the same approach.

Bathroom design is surprisingly complex. The sheer number of decisions, all with a practical purpose, is staggering. This is where the Ashbee & Stone team came into their own. They were genuinely collaborative, helping me refine the layout and make the most of the space. I never thought I'd be able to fit both a large freestanding bath and a generous separate shower into the room, but with their guidance and expertise we achieved exactly that.

The final design makes the most of every inch, combining clever planning with a subtle interplay of contrasting materials and textures. Brass fittings sit alongside natural stone, fluted wood and textured glass, creating a balance between sophistication and softness. The result is a bathroom that works beautifully in everyday life while still feeling like a luxury retreat.

I spent a great deal of time researching suppliers of solid brass taps. Ashbee & Stone stood out because of their material quality, durability and value. What I hadn't anticipated, however, was their outstanding customer service. The team were hands-on throughout the project, helping me refine the design and solve practical challenges. Their expertise played a huge part in creating a bathroom that feels both beautiful and effortless to live with.

Designer: Kate McPhee

Photographer: James French