Living meets Ripples Bournemouth's new bathroom design consultant Faye Young

 

Q: Can you tell us about your design background and past experience?

A: After studying 3D Design at Bournemouth University, I moved to London to start my career in Interior Design. I worked in Harrods for three years, which was a great introduction to the luxury design and retail market. I was lucky enough to work on some amazing projects and visit a huge range of properties all over London.

I then moved to work for a globally renowned furniture/ interior design company Roche Bobois working on a range of projects and complete house renovations in the Hampstead area. After nearly three years, I moved to Melbourne, Australia for a year and worked for a multi brand interiors showroom. On returning to the UK, I continued in interior design with Roche Bobois but this time focusing more on the trade side working with architects, interior design and construction companies before my move back to Bournemouth a few months ago.

 

Q: What was it that attracted you to working with Ripples?

A: I had been familiar with Ripples for a few years since it is the leader in luxury bathroom design. The Bournemouth showroom particularly stands out in the trendy Westbourne area and the displays are always striking. I wanted to keep expanding my knowledge in the design industry and thought this would be a great opportunity to specialise in the bathroom world within a company which is recognised within the industry as one of the market leaders for bathroom design.

 

Q: What exactly does your role entail?

A: At Ripples we offer clients a full design service. We would start your bathroom journey with an initial consultation here at the showroom whereby we discuss all of the specifics, wants, needs and love-to-haves to create your dream bathroom. We then come out to your home and measure, taking all of the information we need as designers to plan your perfect space. Alternatively we can work from detailed plans too – we do new build projects and renovations all the time! We then take these measurements and create a unique design tailored to your individual requirements and present the final designs here at the showroom. But our job doesn't just stop there once we've agreed and finalised the designs. We have a wealth of technical knowledge as bathroom designers, and put together detailed technical packs for the fitters, and are always available for site visits during the install, whether using your own installer or an installation team we have introduced to you; we're with you every step of the way! What are the most important aspects to think about when it comes to bathroom design?

The most important thing about bathroom design is the practicality of the layout and how the space works for the end user as a whole. There's nothing worse than a design that looks pretty, but doesn't practically work in real life!

It's also very important to think about who is using the space – a master en-suite is used very differently to a main family bathroom for three young children! You have to really know the client, and the purpose of the room, to ensure you can design the perfect space for them.

 

Q: What are your top tips for upcoming bathroom trends?

A: We're loving large format tiles at the moment. And when I say large, I mean large! Grespania's Coverlam comes in 1000 x 3000mm sheets (and plenty of other sizes too), and is only 5mm thick. The finish and quality of the printing on the tiles are second to none! Think beautiful marble, but without the upkeep and maintenance of real marble.

Statement brassware is still making waves and is very much here to stay – it's a great way to add some unique finishes with a contemporary Matt White, or a quirky distressed gunmetal finish and olive bronze, or keep it classic with the brushed brass.

Getting inventive and clever with lighting will always add a level of luxury to your bathroom, opting for dropped ceilings and LED lighting strips and plenty of ambient lighting is perfect for upgrading your relaxing home-spa sessions!

 

Ripples Bournemouth, Seamoor Road, Westbourne

01202 766886

ripplesbathrooms.com