Striking a Balance
A selection of bathrooms of different shapes, sizes and styles to capture one's imagination.
FRESH
This retrofit of an existing apartment called for inserting a new layout into the original shell that better met the needs of a growing family. Accordingly, materials were chosen that could withstand “the bumps and knocks of daily life” while ageing gracefully. Also crucial was engaging with local fabricators and craftsmen, the fine work of whom is not least on display in the bathroom. A soothing combination of greens and blues with timber and touches of brass suggest enduring sophistication.
Specs
- Tiles INAX Yohen Border from Artedomus
- Tapware Astra Walker “Eco Brass” finish
- Vanity unit European oak panels produced by Charles Sandford Wood Turning & Joinery
- Basin Rogerseller handmade over counter top basin
HOMAGE
Belonging to a Victorian beach property, this bathroom is inspired by its coastal context. The tight master ensuite space is softened by green handmade tiles that reference the bedroom’s treetop lookout and show-stealing curved vanity beneath a custom mirrored cabinet. In this bathroom space, functional pieces are made impactful and memorable by reflecting the home’s location.
Specs
- Basin Rogerseller “S-Line S20 Under Counter Basin”
- Tapware Brodware City Stik • Custom mirrored cabinet Designed by Studio Esteta
- Tiles Fossil Man Gloss from Urban Edge Ceramics
SERENITY
An outdoor beach shower attached to a home on a remote Queensland beach, this space epitomises indoor/outdoor living with an emphasis on natural materials. A spotted gum hardwood batten screen wrapped around the shower area offers bathers glimpses of the surrounding bushland; filtered ribbons of sunlight liven the space and an integrated seat offers the perfect spot from which to drink in the sights. Here, the outdoor shower – a staple of the Australian beach house typology – is elevated with an architectural twist.
Specs
- Screen Spotted gum hardwood batten screen finished with Cutek “CD50” preservative oil
- Shower rose Sussex Monsoon “MSHAHSS” in stainless steel
- Gate hardware Designer Doorware
CRISP
Mindful of the fabric of the historic South Yarra area, Hecker Guthrie formulated a modern design rooted in local context. A clean, elegant palette of grey brickwork, white accents and touches of black follow through to the bathrooms and powder room, which appear minimally-appointed, but finely detailed. Given the overarching minimalist aesthetic, the fixtures and fittings in the bathrooms are allowed to take centre stage.
Specs
- Mirror Blu Dot “Hang 1 Round Mirror”
- Tapware Brodware City Stik
- Lighting La Lampe Gras from Luke Furniture
SPIRIT
Hearth Studio reorganised the kitchen and bathroom of a small Victorian cottage by adding a new bathroom to its existing footprint where once were lean-tos and sheds. The result of this re-jigging is a boon for the clients, who are now treated to an uncensored view of their ever-so-lush garden. Tranquil, it sure is – but this had to be a functional space that met the needs of a family, too. To that end, a wet area combining shower and bath was the go.
Specs
- Bath Caroma “Sunstone”
- Basin Vitra Memoria “Round”
- Tapware Astra Walker “Eco Brass” finish
MOSAIC
WOWOWA approached the refurbishment of a 60s double-storey property with not only respect for its architectural integrity, but a desire to celebrate it by opening up its interior layout and splashing exuberant, bright colours throughout. The bathroom absolutely tows the line: boisterous shades of pink, orange and green are offset by the neutral tones of terrazzo and white tiles to create a dynamic space.
Specs
- Paint Dulux “Tinge” (door), Dulux “Green Paw Paw” and Haymes “Tom’s Run” (ceiling)
- Tiles Fibonacci “Rocketman”, white satin from Johnson Tiles and “Glazed Orange” Penny Rounds from Academy Tiles + Surfaces
- Drawer unit Custom in Laminex “Olympia Green” and brass knob handles from Superfront
GRAND
“The brief required a simple and unfussy solution that married sophistication with informality,” elaborates Carole Whiting. This family bathroom walks the line between handcrafted luxury and functionality through its clean palette of timber panelling, large format porcelain tiles and refined fixtures. The hero of this space is the bath, a reference to old tin bathtubs, which looks out to courtyards on either side. A touch of intrigue comes from a secret door concealed behind a mirrored panel that leads to the study.
Specs
- Bath Agape “Vieques” from Artedomus
- Bench, shelf and panels Admonter oak
- Tapware Brodware Yokato in “aged bronze”
- Lighting Vibia Pin from Koda Lighting
SURPRISE
Brunswick, Melbourne-based multiplicity reflects on its project, the ‘great australian bight’: “Our desire, our aim, our journey, our need is to produce beautiful, creative and explorative architecture.” This bathroom in the home certainly marks no exception; its unique sloping form imbues the space with a sense of adventurousness. Bold textures and colours like the corrugated Ampelite roof, Laminex-clad walls and vibrant tiles are woven together to give the compact space big visual impact.
Specs
- Tiles Artedomus INAX Biyusai “BYA 5”
- Basin Omvivo “Neo 1000 Offset iBasin” from Reece (left-hand basin – wall mounted)
- Towel/shower rail Custom design by multiplicity
- Shower rose Abey Gareth Ashton Fontana Round Horizontal “Black” finish
- Shower wall mixer Abey Gareth Ashton Lucia “Black”
