Sophisticated Family Bathroom │ re-vision

The brief

An Initial Consultation with these clients, revealed a desire to find a way for the family home to reflect their bohemian tastes, have striking elements and remain elegant.

We began a process of spatial planning and provided both 2d & 3d images for 3 bathrooms and a laundry room.

The Master Ensuite has a unique and stunning view from the shower of the ocean and Rangitoto Island. The natural inclination would be to have nothing detract from the view
and work with a neutral palette. My proposal was to create a dramatic shower area, that encased and enveloped while framing the spectacular view.

There was also a tall order to respect. No marble or stone tiles. How to create texture and interest without these classics?

This bathroom on this level is for the family, but also any guests. Having designed and renovated the Master Ensuite together we already had a great working relationship and I understood the client’s preferences and the outcome they desired.

We recommended repeating the overall Ensuite palette to provide cohesion, but to alter some elements given it is a different space.

The bold dark emerald tile is featured in the shower and softened by light grey tile on the floor. Marble and jade finger tiles are installed vertically on the opposite wall above the bath to balance the space and create a unique waterfall-like feature.

A white vanity was requested and I recommended that against a white background tile that we ensure the vanity had some texture by selected a vertical groove detail. Further that we add some contrast by choosing a dark grey benchtop.
Black would be too harsh and white would blend in with the tiled wall.

The renovation specialists we recommended assisted with useful ideas like a waterproof heated towel rail that could be installed at the end of shower. Towels are close, and it frees
up other wall space. They did a fantastic job, our client is thrilled and guests get to enjoy the serene space.

Project designed and implemented by Cathryn Davey | Design Contractor to The Style House.

The method

The design process is a case of getting the layout right, then allowing space for things to change and evolve when looking at the materials and these clients fully invested in the discussions and there were many visits to the tile shops and palettes put together.

The front runner for the shower tile became this dramatic dark emerald green with subtle copper tones. Now that we had the “hero” piece, we could get to work on resolving the rest of the scheme.

Putting together 4 tiles in one bathroom, is not for the feint hearted and these clients challenged the thinking and crucially, also listened. Scale of tile, grout colour, the vanity finishes, lighting and tapware are selected as a whole.

The result

Connecting this client with our bathroom renovation specialist meant that they got the right professionals and trusted trades, who were also grateful that all tiles and overall scheme was selected before work began.

The result is magical.