There’s something undeniably joyful about a bathroom that dares to be different - and this standout project from Angel Interiors does exactly that.
Set in the colourful Bedminster area in Bristol, this retro-inspired space mixes punchy colour, clever detailing and smart tile choices to create a bathroom full of character and charm.
We caught up with the team at Angel Interiors to find out how they brought this vibrant space to life, the design decisions that mattered most and why embracing bold choices can lead to truly personal results.
We had so many questions for them! Here's what they had to say...
1. What was the design inspiration behind this retro-style bathroom project?
"The idea behind this bathroom was to combine the playful look of retro design with a clean, fresh, modern feel. To bring that to life, we focused on bold colours and simple geometric shapes, which you can see throughout, from the layout to the little details like the light fittings, handles, and even the shape of the flush plate buttons. It all comes together to make a strong visual statement. The client wanted a space that felt bright, fun, and full of personality and this design delivered exactly that."
2. Why did you choose our Lydford Snow tiles for this project, and how did they complement your vision?
"We went with the Lydford Snow tiles because they ticked all the boxes: simple, smart, and a little bit different. Their longer shape gave us a more contemporary feel compared to standard metro tiles, while the glossy white finish helped bounce light around the space, keeping it bright and fresh. They were the perfect choice to balance out the colourful walls and achieve that playful, retro vibe we were going for."
3. Can you walk us through the planning and design process from concept to completion?
"The first step was identifying how we wanted the space to feel. Once we had that vision in mind, we started putting together mood boards, colour schemes and working out the best layout that would maximise the compact space. Every detail, from the tiles, paint colour, taps and handles, to the bespoke joinery storage units, were chosen to suit the look and feel we were going for. It was all about bringing everything together in a way that felt fun, cohesive but still well thought-out."
4. What were the biggest challenges in creating a bold, characterful bathroom and how did you overcome them?
"Creating a bold, characterful space like this always comes with the challenge of making sure everything feels balanced. In this case, the hardest part was tying together the different geometric elements, so they felt intentional and not chaotic. Another key challenge was the lighting. The client didn’t want any spotlights or ceiling lights, so we had to get creative with where we placed the lighting. From LED strips under the vanity, bath recess, and shower area to wall lights, every light source had to be strategically placed to provide enough lighting across the whole bathroom without becoming overwhelming."
5. How do you balance style and functionality in a bathroom with such a strong design statement?
"Functionality is always central, especially in a space like a bathroom. Every feature had to earn its place. We made sure all the fun, expressive design features were backed up by practical choices: focused on smart storage solutions, easy-to-maintain surfaces, and durable materials, and fittings that make daily routines easier. This space has got personality, but it’s also designed to be lived in comfortably, and that meets every day’s needs."
6. What role do materials, textures, and finishes play in achieving that authentic retro look?
"Materials, textures, and finishes played a big role in bringing the retro feel to life. The glossy white Lydford Snow tiles gave the walls a clean, bright look and helped reflect light around the space, keeping it feeling open and fresh. On the floor, the terrazzo-style tiles grounded the room with just the right amount of texture and pattern. Their playful speckle added movement and a touch of vintage charm, which worked perfectly alongside the bold wall colours without clashing or feeling too busy.
The fluted glass shower screen was another key feature. It added depth and a lovely layer of privacy, while the ribbed finish caught the light in a soft, subtle way. Details like the rounded corners of the shower area help create contrast with sharp edges in the space, echoing the same soft, curved language we picked up in other details, like the globe-shaped wall lights and the gentle curves of the taps and handles. These smaller touches all helped the room feel cohesive and well-balanced.
To contrast all those light, reflective surfaces, we used matte black fixtures to add definition and give the room a bold, graphic edge. The coral-red walls brought warmth and energy, softening the overall look and tying everything together.
Altogether, it was all about layering different surfaces to get the right mix of retro style and modern comfort."
7. How do your clients typically respond to a daring bathroom design like this one?
"It really depends on the client. There are many factors that shape how people respond to a bold design like this one, from age, cultural background, even the area they live in can all influence their taste. For example, this particular project is based in Bedminster, a colourful part of Bristol known for its bright terraced houses, street art, and creative energy, which often attracts clients who are more open to playful, expressive interiors. In this case, the bold design felt right for this home and was well received, it suited both the client’s personality and the character of the neighbourhood.
That said, we usually get positive feedback once a space like this is finished. Bold bathrooms tend to get people talking, they stand out, feel personal, and often become real conversation starters. Even clients who are a bit hesitant at first, are often surprised by how much they love the final result when they see it all come together."
8. What styling tips would you give to someone wanting to recreate a similar retro vibe in their own home?
"If you’re aiming for a retro-inspired bathroom, start with a bold or playful colour palette, it really sets the tone for the whole space. Think about the materials and finishes you’re drawn to early on, as they’ll help shape the overall look. Stick to clean, simple shapes with a nod to mid-century style. A glossy tile is a great way to bring in that classic feel, Lydford range works brilliantly, but any metro or square tile with a shine will help reflect light and brighten the room. Don’t be afraid to mix in different textures, patterns, and pops of colour, just try to keep your selection tight so it all feels pulled together. Warm lighting makes a huge difference too, adding that soft, retro glow. Finishing touches like a capsule mirror, or a rectangular one with rounded edges, and black brassware help tie everything together without feeling overdone."
9. Can you share any behind-the-scenes details or stories from the installation or styling process?
"One of the trickier behind-the-scenes moments was definitely tiling around the curved corner in the shower area. It might look seamless now, but it was a bit of a nightmare for the fitters! The curve meant the tiles had to be carefully cut and even soldered to get that clean, rounded finish. It took a lot of patience and a fair bit of creative problem-solving, but the end result was totally worth it. It’s one of those subtle details that really elevates the space."
10. What bathroom trends are you most excited about for the year ahead?
"We’re really excited to see bathrooms becoming more expressive and individual. There’s a clear move away from all-neutral schemes towards spaces that embrace colour, texture, and personality. Rich tones like deep greens and terracotta are being paired with tactile finishes such as fluted surfaces, handmade tiles, and brushed or mixed metals to create depth and warmth. There’s also a growing interest in curved forms and layered lighting, which help soften the space and make it feel more inviting. More than ever, bathrooms are being treated like proper design spaces, and we’re loving the creativity that’s coming through."
We love to see our tiles being used with real intent and creativity. The team at Angel Interiors have layered colour, texture and personality to create a space that feels fresh, functional and full of life.
If you’re dreaming of a bathroom that reflects your style, this project is a brilliant example of how thoughtful design and well-chosen materials can completely transform a space.
Big thanks to Angel Interiors for sharing their vision and expertise. Stay tuned for more real-home inspiration and standout tile projects!
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