From Sewing Machine to Stunning Bathroom

When our clients called us about their newly converted loft in North London, we knew we were in for something special. With a growing family, they needed extra space and had just completed the conversion of their Victorian terrace's top floor. An additional bathroom was a welcome addition and they wanted to create something that would honor the building's heritage while meeting modern needs.

Our clients had fallen in love with the idea of upcycling vintage pieces, and their centerpiece was absolutely brilliant – a beautiful old Singer sewing machine that they wanted to transform into a vanity unit.

"We couldn't bear to see it go to waste," they told us. "It has such character, and we wanted it to be the heart of the room."

The challenge? Converting this delicate piece of machinery into a fully functional basin unit while preserving its vintage appeal. Our team carefully removed the sewing mechanism, reinforced the cast iron frame, and created a custom cutout for a classic white ceramic basin. The result? A truly one-of-a-kind vanity that guests can't stop talking about.

For the walls, our clients chose crisp white metro tiles – a classic choice that never goes out of style. These subway-style tiles perfectly complemented the vintage aesthetic while keeping the space feeling bright and airy, essential in a loft conversion where natural light can be limited.

The floor tiles' geometric pattern adds visual interest without overwhelming the space, and the monochrome palette ensures it will look fresh for years to come.

While our clients wanted vintage charm, they weren't willing to compromise on comfort. We installed a spacious walk-in shower with sleek glass panels and a rainfall showerhead. The frameless glass keeps sight lines open, making the bathroom feel larger, crucial in a loft conversion where every square foot counts.

Converting a loft space always presents unique plumbing challenges. We had to carefully plan the waste and water supply routes, ensuring everything connected properly to the existing system two floors below. The sloped roofline meant creative positioning of fixtures, but the end result maximizes both space and functionality.

The Singer sewing machine vanity required custom plumbing solutions too. We installed compact, efficient pipework that's completely hidden within the base, maintaining the authentic look while ensuring everything works perfectly.

Three weeks later, our clients' loft bathroom is a perfect blend of old and new. The repurposed Singer sewing machine vanity is the conversation starter.

"We love that our bathroom has a story," they say. "Every time we use it, we think about the history of that sewing machine and how it's been given new life."