Location Bolton, Manchester
Background
In Louise’s 1930s semi-detached home in Bolton, the bathroom was due for a rethink. It had started to feel flat and lacked any real presence. She dreamed of a bathroom worthy of a boutique hotel and wanted to introduce character without going over the top, something that felt grounded but had detail. Her approach blended classic elements with modern touches, choosing green tiles, gold accents, and underfloor heating to bring a fresh energy to the space. To tie it all together, she added two carefully chosen plaster pieces, a small swan neck cornice and a plain spun ceiling rose.
A Closer Look at Louise’s Journey
What inspired your home renovation project, and what vision did you have in mind for the space?
Our bathroom was feeling a bit tired and lacked personality, so we wanted to inject some life into it with colour and detail. The idea was to create a space that felt fresh and modern but still had classic character. We went with green Onyx Esmeraldo porcelain tiles, large round LED mirrors, underfloor heating and gold fixtures. To give it a bit more depth we added a simple but elegant ceiling rose (MPR073) and swan neck coving (SPC070) for a subtle decorative touch.
What made you choose plaster ceiling roses for your property, and how do you feel they’ve enhanced the overall look?
We liked that plaster ceiling roses come in such a wide range of styles from different eras and they’re surprisingly affordable. The fact that they deliver across most of the UK made it even easier. Our bathroom is quite small and has an average ceiling height but we wanted a short coving profile that goes more across the ceiling rather than down the wall - to make the room appear taller. Their website made it really simple to narrow down the right option for the space.
Can you describe the style and period of your property?
It’s a 1930s pre war semi-detached.
Were there any particular challenges you faced during the renovation process, and how did you overcome them?
The bathroom is quite compact so we had to be careful with proportions. We didn’t want coving that felt oversized or heavy. The one we chose works well because it extends more across the ceiling than down the wall which helps the room feel balanced. The walls were also far from straight which is typical of older homes so having a professional installer really made a difference... he had to add quite a lot of filler in some areas, but the finished installed job looks perfect!
PCR were extremely helpful in putting me in contact with an independent local fibre-hand who works in my area. G J Draper & Sons combine traditional and modern day methods to provide exceptional services and bespoke finishes, ranging from installation to full restorations of damaged existing coving. They were very professional - they made it look so easy.
What made you choose our products?
We wanted something clean and timeless that would work with both modern and traditional elements. The swan neck profile struck the right balance. It’s a classic design and also happens to be one of their most popular which gave us confidence in the choice.
We installed the coving first before tiling or fitting any bathroom furniture… And wow, the transformation was immediate. I would highly recommend everyone to add coving and a ceiling rose, my bathroom feels more luxurious now… In my opinion a room doesn’t look finished without it.
Before & After
The original bathroom felt functional but flat, without any defining features. Post renovation, the space has a much stronger identity with green tiled walls, antique brass finishes, and crisp white plaster details with a bespoke porcelain counter top that lifts the room without crowding it. The coving and ceiling rose add just enough structure to frame the space without pulling focus.
I think lighting can make or break a bathroom’s atmosphere, it’s why hotel bathrooms always seem to make you look better. The secret lies in strategic layering; I chose two large LED mirrors with touch sensors and de-mister pads. When illuminated these also enhance the detail in my coving choice beautifully.
Plaster Products Used
• Plain Spun Plaster Ceiling Rose Diameter 600MM (MPR073)
• Small Victorian Swan Neck Cornice Drop 80mm (SPC070)
Final Thoughts
This project is a great example of how even small rooms can benefit from thoughtful architectural details. The addition of coving and a ceiling rose added a quiet richness that balances well with the bolder modern finishes. With the right proportions and an experienced installer, even older properties with uneven walls can take on new character without compromising on function or feel.
Do you know we deliver across the UK?
Our experienced drivers will make sure you get your plaster mouldings quickly and safely. For sales and general enquiries please call 0333 043 1471 or email service@shawfieldpark.co.uk.
Coving fitters: G J Draper & Sons (North West) T. 07880 907449
Bathroom Design: Swerdlow Interiors