Our Story
Our Story So Far
We started life off as a simple eBay store in 2006 and have skyrocketed from there! Since then we have gone from a one man band to a dedicated team of over 20 employees, moved headquarters twice, welcomed Ruby the dog into the fold, celebrated our 20,000th order and opened two state-of-the-art showrooms; all whilst providing our customers with the best possible bathroom buying experience.
Humble Beginnings
Every great design starts with a single idea. For us, it began in 2006 when founder Sam Colwill launched BathroomsByDesign as a modest eBay store. With just one employee and a vision to make luxury bathroom design accessible, we started small but dreamt big. Those early days were defined by a hands-on approach and a deep commitment to customer service—values that remain the heartbeat of our business today. It was here that we learned the importance of listening to our clients, a lesson that would guide every step of our journey.
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The Team Begins to Grow
Growth begins with people. Just a year after launching, we took our first major step from a solo founder’s vision to a shared mission by hiring our first employee. This wasn’t just about getting an extra pair of hands; it was about building a culture. It marked the moment we stopped being a one-man operation and started becoming a team dedicated to a common goal.
Putting Down Roots in Richmond
We needed a place where clients could see, touch, and believe in our products. Opening our first flagship showroom in Richmond was a transformative moment. It gave us a physical presence on the high street and a dedicated space to meet our customers face-to-face, laying the foundation for the personal, consultative design service we are known for today.
A Creative Home at The Bottle Factory
As the team expanded, we needed a space that matched our creativity. Moving into the historic Bottle Factory in Richmond gave us exactly that. This character-filled building became our new administrative 'home,' providing a vibrant backdrop for our growing operations and a headquarters where our ideas could really start to flow.
Evolving into BathroomsDirect.com
In 2011, we expanded our horizons by launching a dedicated online store: BathroomsDirect.com. This pivotal moment marked our transition from a local specialist to a national supplier. By embracing the digital revolution, we were able to offer our curated range of high-quality products to homeowners across the entire UK, giving everyone access to premium bathroom design at the click of a button.
Ruby the Dog Joins the Family
Every office needs a heart (and a mascot). In 2011, we welcomed Ruby, our beloved office dog, to the team. More than just a pet, Ruby became a key part of our daily life, bringing morale, warmth, and a wagging tail to every meeting. She reminded us that while we are a professional business, we are also a family.
A Milestone of 10,000 Orders
Trust is earned one order at a time. By 2013, we celebrated a massive milestone: shipping our 10,000th order. This number represented thousands of renovated homes and happy customers. It was proof that our commitment to service and quality was resonating with the market, fuelling our drive to keep pushing forward.
Scaling Up to Brentford HQ
We eventually outgrew our Richmond roots. To support our increasing stock levels and logistics, we relocated our headquarters to a massive facility on Amalgamated Drive in Brentford. This strategic move to a 12,000 sq ft distribution centre allowed us to take control of our supply chain, ensuring faster delivery times and better availability for our clients.
Changed Our Name to BathroomsByDesign
We realised that we were doing so much more than just 'supplying' products—we were helping people create their dream spaces. To reflect this consultative approach, we rebranded to BathroomsByDesign. This wasn't just a new logo; it was a renewed promise to put design expertise at the very centre of everything we do.
Doubling Our Impact
Momentum builds fast. Just two years after hitting our first big milestone, we doubled our volume, celebrating our 20,000th order. This period of exponential growth was a testament to our hardworking team and the loyalty of our customers, solidifying our position as a serious player in the UK bathroom industry.
Strengthening Our Leadership
To build a company that lasts, you need strong leadership. In 2016, we restructured and brought in a highly experienced Senior Management Team. This move was about professionalising every aspect of the business—from finance to operations—ensuring we had the robust infrastructure needed to support our ambitious future plans.
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Opened Our Innovative Showroom in Brentford
We didn't want just another showroom; we wanted a landmark. We unveiled our unique Brentford showroom, a striking architectural project built from repurposed shipping containers. This innovative space broke the mould of traditional bathroom retail, offering a quirky, modern, and inspiring environment that perfectly showcased our cutting-edge collections.
A Digital Leap Forward
Recognising that the modern customer wants flexibility, we launched a fully bespoke Ecommerce platform. This digital leap allowed customers to browse our curated collections, access technical specs, and place orders 24/7 from the comfort of their homes, seamlessly blending our online convenience with our showroom expertise.
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Begin your bathroom design journey
Take the first step toward your dream bathroom with our design experts by your side.
Or call us directly at 020 8619 8899