Room Of The Week
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Room of the Week: A Tiny Heritage Ensuite Made Modern
Striking Art Nouveau windows informed the dramatic colour palette for a small bathroom renovation in an Edwardian home
In a Q&A format, we talk to the designers – and examine the creative thinking – behind some of Houzz’s most loveable rooms.
Brief
The client recently moved into the home and requested an upgrade to the downstairs bathroom to accommodate the varying needs of two energetic young boys and their own busy lifestyles. The client is a chef, who is used to working in hospitality spaces with bold design choices. He had already purchased the stunning terrazzo flooring, which he requested we incorporate into the new bathroom design.
The design was an organic collaboration with the client, which further evolved during the design process. The brass plinth under the vanity was his suggestion and became a standout feature of the space.
Find a bathroom designer near you on Houzz to transform your home
The client recently moved into the home and requested an upgrade to the downstairs bathroom to accommodate the varying needs of two energetic young boys and their own busy lifestyles. The client is a chef, who is used to working in hospitality spaces with bold design choices. He had already purchased the stunning terrazzo flooring, which he requested we incorporate into the new bathroom design.
The design was an organic collaboration with the client, which further evolved during the design process. The brass plinth under the vanity was his suggestion and became a standout feature of the space.
Find a bathroom designer near you on Houzz to transform your home
What wasn’t working for the client in the original bathroom?
The original layout included an oversize vanity that crowded the small bathroom and made it feel cramped. It was also situated off the master bedroom and had swing doors, which did not allow sufficient privacy and impeded access to the shower/bath.
What were the client’s must-haves?
The existing shower/bath was too narrow and by modifying the entry doors to a single sliding cavity door, we were able to accommodate a wider bath. They also sought more bathroom storage, which we created with a tall shaving cabinet.
Pro Panel: Biggest Bathroom Blunders
The original layout included an oversize vanity that crowded the small bathroom and made it feel cramped. It was also situated off the master bedroom and had swing doors, which did not allow sufficient privacy and impeded access to the shower/bath.
What were the client’s must-haves?
The existing shower/bath was too narrow and by modifying the entry doors to a single sliding cavity door, we were able to accommodate a wider bath. They also sought more bathroom storage, which we created with a tall shaving cabinet.
Pro Panel: Biggest Bathroom Blunders
What was your starting point?
The stunning terrazzo flooring, which the client had already purchased. We also wanted the Art Nouveau windows to be acknowledged in the design and to become an important feature. The colours in the stained glass informed the dramatic choice of colour for the vanity and upper walls.
Did you keep anything from the original bathroom?
The leadlight windows, the terrazzo flooring that the client previously bought, and the large mirrored niche on the wall opposite the beautiful stained-glass windows – although we modified the size slightly to be more consistent with the new design.
Where did most of the budget go?
On the gorgeous Astra Walker Eco Brass fittings and matching shower hardware.
The stunning terrazzo flooring, which the client had already purchased. We also wanted the Art Nouveau windows to be acknowledged in the design and to become an important feature. The colours in the stained glass informed the dramatic choice of colour for the vanity and upper walls.
Did you keep anything from the original bathroom?
The leadlight windows, the terrazzo flooring that the client previously bought, and the large mirrored niche on the wall opposite the beautiful stained-glass windows – although we modified the size slightly to be more consistent with the new design.
Where did most of the budget go?
On the gorgeous Astra Walker Eco Brass fittings and matching shower hardware.
What was your thinking behind the arrangement of fixtures?
Due to the limited floor space, the existing layout was the most practical use of the space. However, the scale of the fixtures was inappropriate, with the vanity in particular dominating spatially. We replaced it with a smaller vanity and added in a smaller bath. We also replaced the original swing doors with a cavity slider to maximise floor space.
By consciously reducing the size of the vanity and designing it to be semi-floating with a reflective brass kicker, we were able to give the impression of a larger floor space.
Due to the limited floor space, the existing layout was the most practical use of the space. However, the scale of the fixtures was inappropriate, with the vanity in particular dominating spatially. We replaced it with a smaller vanity and added in a smaller bath. We also replaced the original swing doors with a cavity slider to maximise floor space.
By consciously reducing the size of the vanity and designing it to be semi-floating with a reflective brass kicker, we were able to give the impression of a larger floor space.
The internal volume of the space, with three-metre-high ceilings, was not being addressed. Introducing a tall mirrored shaving cabinet enhanced the proportions of the architecture, while increasing storage. We used mirrors to reflect the light and windows, adding drama and boosting the sense of space.
The windows were not being acknowledged in the original design, which was such a shame. We chose a colour that fell between the different greens of the terrazzo flooring and the leadlight windows to resolve this transition and give equal voice to both.
The windows were not being acknowledged in the original design, which was such a shame. We chose a colour that fell between the different greens of the terrazzo flooring and the leadlight windows to resolve this transition and give equal voice to both.
What were the main challenges?
While the home has beautiful Edwardian features, the client has a clean, contemporary aesthetic, so it was important to update the space with a sophisticated simplicity. Choosing luxurious finishes ensured the finished space has a rich textural palette that works well on both levels.
Why do you think this room works?
A small bathroom has been utilised to maximise functionality in a contemporary and stylish way. Balancing the twin demands of toddler bathing and an elegant sanctuary for the adults meant choosing fixtures that were both functional and stylish, which were then elevated with the patina of aged-brass tapware.
The juxtaposition of the luxurious fittings against the moody dark green colour punctuates the space with interest and character. The result is a space that is as unapologetically individual as its owners, and sits cohesively within this beautiful Edwardian home.
My Houzz: 1940s Glamour in 21st-Century Melbourne
While the home has beautiful Edwardian features, the client has a clean, contemporary aesthetic, so it was important to update the space with a sophisticated simplicity. Choosing luxurious finishes ensured the finished space has a rich textural palette that works well on both levels.
Why do you think this room works?
A small bathroom has been utilised to maximise functionality in a contemporary and stylish way. Balancing the twin demands of toddler bathing and an elegant sanctuary for the adults meant choosing fixtures that were both functional and stylish, which were then elevated with the patina of aged-brass tapware.
The juxtaposition of the luxurious fittings against the moody dark green colour punctuates the space with interest and character. The result is a space that is as unapologetically individual as its owners, and sits cohesively within this beautiful Edwardian home.
My Houzz: 1940s Glamour in 21st-Century Melbourne
Key design aspects
Colour palette: Teal, brass and white. The vanity, shaving cabinet and upper walls are painted in Dulux Microwave Blue.
Materials palette:
Your turn
Do you love this bathroom makeover as much as we do? Tell us in the Comments, like this story, save the images and join the conversation.
More
Missed last week’s Room of the Week? Catch up here with Room of the Week: A Sexy and Sophisticated Main Bedroom Makeover
Colour palette: Teal, brass and white. The vanity, shaving cabinet and upper walls are painted in Dulux Microwave Blue.
Materials palette:
- Terrazzo floor tiles supplied by the client.
- Stoneworld Paradigm White 600 x 600mm porcelain tiles.
- Caesarstone Snow vanity benchtop.
- Timberline Plume basin.
- Astra Walker Eco Brass tapware.
- Caroma Luna bath.
- Turner Hastings Grange toilet.
- Showers For Sure shower-screen doors.
Your turn
Do you love this bathroom makeover as much as we do? Tell us in the Comments, like this story, save the images and join the conversation.
More
Missed last week’s Room of the Week? Catch up here with Room of the Week: A Sexy and Sophisticated Main Bedroom Makeover
Answers by Sharon Harper, interior designer at smarterBATHROOMS+
Who lives here: A couple with two young boys
Location: Caulfield East, Victoria
Room purpose: An ensuite used by the whole family
Room size: 4.3 square metres
Budget: $45,000
Designer: smarterBATHROOMS+