Inspiration
A calm and characterful country bathroom
Step inside a beautifully reimagined country bathroom by interior designer Holly Vaughan
In the heart of South Downs National Park, interior designer Holly Vaughan has breathed new life into a once-forgotten country home. What was previously a tired bedroom tucked under sloping eaves has been reborn as a serene, light-filled bathroom - a celebration of English craftsmanship, natural materials, and the beauty of imperfection.
This project reflects Holly’s signature approach to design: warm, tactile, and timelessly elegant. Here’s the story behind her creative journey, design philosophy, and the inspiration that shaped this charming rural retreat.
Meet the designer
Holly’s journey into interior design was far from conventional. After earning a Philosophy degree at Sussex University, she began her career in fashion, influenced by a family deeply involved in the industry. Growing up surrounded by her mother’s art, Holly developed a love for design, vintage finds, and creating spaces with character.
A short course at KLC School of Design, along with internships with established designers, set the foundation for her interiors career. She went on to establish Holly’s House, a shop and studio on London’s New Kings Road, where she developed her own products and completed her first interior commissions, including commercial projects.
Now based in the Surrey countryside she grew up in, Holly focuses on creating homes that bring warmth, joy, and comfort. Her design ethos centres on the idea that our surroundings deeply influence our well-being, and every space she creates aims to feel both uplifting and authentic.
Behind the beautiful powder blue bath, a feature wall of Wilding border tile sets the scene, and the shower walls are accented with Wilding corner tiles arranged in a diamond pattern.
A characterful home in the South Downs
This West Sussex project involved a period home purchased by clients who wanted to restore it with care and purpose. Although not listed, the house sits within the South Downs National Park and carries historical significance. Planning restrictions meant the design had to stay within the existing footprint, challenging Holly to reimagine the layout while preserving the home’s charm.
The clients, a couple with young teenage children, initially intended to use the property as a high-end holiday home before retiring there full-time. Sustainability was a priority, with ground source heat pumps, an MVHR system, and upgraded insulation creating an energy-efficient home.
From bedroom to dream bathroom
Originally a small bedroom with storage tucked under the eaves, the bathroom was completely reconfigured during the renovation. A new roof and reworked first-floor layout opened up the ceilings, bringing more height and light to the space.
Working with angled ceilings, a compact footprint, and original beams presented challenges but retaining these features was essential to preserve the home’s character. The design incorporates a freestanding bath, generous shower, and bespoke vanity while keeping the room feeling open. Raising the bath and vanity on legs adds a sense of lightness, and the warm, neutral palette with subtle blue accents enhances the calm, airy feel.
The hand painted rustic Wilding tiles add beautiful blue accents to the space whilst creating pattern and continuity throughout the room.
Celebrating craftsmanship and collaboration
A standout feature is the hand painted Wilding corner and border tiles, chosen for their nostalgic charm and artisanal finish. The slightly uneven surface complements the rustic textures of the cottage walls, while the diagonal shower tiles and bath border add subtle visual interest and craftsmanship.
Holly worked with several British artisans to bring the bathroom to life. Cutting Edge Joinery crafted the bespoke vanity with barley twist legs and Rutland supplied the tapware using traditional and contemporary techniques. These details, alongside natural materials and heritage textures, balance rustic charm with refined elegance.
The result reflects Holly’s design philosophy: a space that feels grounded, joyful, and full of quiet beauty. Every element, from handcrafted joinery to artisanal tiles, creates a sense of harmony and connection to the home’s character.
Thank you to Holly Vaughan for sharing the story behind this transformation. Her ability to blend craftsmanship, history, and comfort is inspiring, showing that thoughtful design is as much about feeling as it is about form. Explore more of Holly’s work by visiting her on Instagram @vaughan_d_d
Discover the Wilding collection here.
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