@ susan_66 ..precisely my thoughts on revisiting this forum! Just purchased a soft rubbery head rest designed to fit over the edge of these 'modern' baths...so have a headrest that is softer. On revisiting the PICS...YES that metal bath does look creepy and institutional-like but suppose somebody would think it the epitome of class.. PIc No 4...still reminds me of our half-a-wine barrel-tub we had as a make do as kids but the nostalgia would still not make me buy one. Am somewhat perplexed with some of the design features or lack of that are presenting to house-makers as the ultimate in style and trend. I think that some younger people with the idea of being "with it" and having perhaps little experience and more money than sense would go for any of these bath tub ideas. Whatever constitutes comfort to me...I'm all for it ! I really like the look of some of those free standing tubs with the high backs, many with rolled edges...that to me resemble ornaments. I wonder if they would also be comfortable...some seem very short and I like to be able to stretch out in the bath and relax. @ Luke Buckle...with susan_66...I do not like any of these tubs and would not trade my long, heavy enamelled cast iron tub set up against the wall looking out to the plants arranged on the northern veranda for any of these.

Your mockup scheme is similar to our master bathroom we just completed - photo below. I know you mentioned storage being a concern - our mirrored cabinet has offered an amazing amount of storage in a very small space and also helps bounce light around. I was worried about black taps etc too so we kept chrome fixtures but added in a matte black candle and black potted orchid to create a similar effect which we can change out later on. Our floor tiles are dark but because they are semi-polished they actually bounce around a lot of light and don't make the room feel dark if that is a concern. We also have a huge fiddle leaf fig in the corner (not pictured) which adds a really nice feel to the space - a plant like that could help bring in the outside greenery in your bathroom. Instead of the storage tower you have to the left of the vanity could you do say some floating wood shelving, possibly with baskets added for more hidden storage? You could also bring in the 60s theme with what you displayed on there eg. photos as you mentioned? In regards to the window - a previous house we lived in had a window at about shoulder height in the shower - as well as letting in heaps of light it was amazing for storing toiletries etc!

Hi oklouise, thank you again so much for your suggestions to help me reflect on my choices! The great thing about this whole process is that it has really helped me clarify my must haves/dealbreakers and nice to haves. Key elements that I don't want to forego are: 1) a "master suite" with large WIR + private ensuite+ direct private garden access/views. The current northern bedrooms are elevated and do not allow these elements and better suited to small kids as no external doors and can be eyeballed from the kitchen. 2)The kitchen must be the heart of the home and connected to all living spaces so the host never feels disconnected from guests & can watch kids from almost any living space.I attended a party last weekend which had the kitchen blocking the living room from the outdoor space and the host commented they regretted it after renovating. 3)The dining room must be an end destination vs a corridor so it does not become a dumping grounds for bags, mail & everything else as the nearest flat surface to the entry point. 4) All new bedrooms must also be min 3 -3.2M wide on the narrowest side for me to justify them. 5) I reviewed all my lookbooks and tear sheets pulled to date and its a clear pattern that I want my 'adult' living and dining/entertaining spaces connected to the rear garden preferably wrapping l-shape round a deck or courtyard garden. In a sense 'broken' vs open plan but still visible through glass etc. 6) I would not be prepared sacrifice the prime N/NE aspect with utility rooms. 7) I don't wish to place a verandah at the front as it will never be used except extra maintenance and can create shading in summer via other methods. 8) capacity to rent out room with private living quarters. There are many splitter blocks in my area and I don't need it to operate as legal dual occupancy. 9) single level living -no second story bedrooms etc. 10) separation of main bedrooms when renting out section of house Phew....I think thats most of the checklist criteria I have been working to. Still think tanking the street appeal/front facade style but its probably leaning toward lux byron bay beach cottage meets modern coastal with some retro elements to hint at the history of this 1950s house!

We had a very similar arrangement as OKLouise's first design, and it worked a treat when the kids were little. 3 kids, so one could be in the toilet, one could be cleaning his teeth, and one could be in the bath. The vanity being seen from the living area was not a problem - made me keep it tidy, and it was big enough to have a plant, etc to make it pretty. When the guys were teenagers, they would have liked a vanity in the bathroom to give them privacy. Then we understood why the architect wanted to have a cavity slider into the wet area... Cavity sliders are great for giving extra space, but not as good at locking as a swinging door.