Bathroom with hexagonal cement tile floor, white oak vanity and marble tile walls. Photo by Dan Arnold

Chipper Hatter Photography

CTP Photography

HIA 2016 New Bathroom of the Year ($35,000-$45,000)

Photography by Patrick Brickman

This large bathroom remodel feature a clawfoot soaking tub, a large glass enclosed walk in shower, a private water closet, large floor to ceiling linen closet and a custom reclaimed wood vanity made by Limitless Woodworking. Light fixtures and door hardware were provided by Houzz. This modern bohemian bathroom also showcases a cement tile flooring, a feature wall and simple decor to tie everything together.

Chris Snook

Nathalie Priem

Stéphane Vasco

Project Description Set on the 2nd floor of a 1950’s modernist apartment building in the sought after Sydney Lower North Shore suburb of Mosman, this apartments only bathroom was in dire need of a lift. The building itself well kept with features of oversized windows/sliding doors overlooking lovely gardens, concrete slab cantilevers, great orientation for capturing the sun and those sleek 50’s modern lines. It is home to Stephen & Karen, a professional couple who renovated the interior of the apartment except for the lone, very outdated bathroom. That was still stuck in the 50’s – they saved the best till last. Structural Challenges Very small room - 3.5 sq. metres; Door, window and wall placement fixed; Plumbing constraints due to single skin brick walls and outdated pipes; Low ceiling, Inadequate lighting & Poor fixture placement. Client Requirements Modern updated bathroom; NO BATH required; Clean lines reflecting the modernist architecture Easy to clean, minimal grout; Maximize storage, niche and Good lighting Design Statement You could not swing a cat in there! Function and efficiency of flow is paramount with small spaces and ensuring there was a single transition area was on top of the designer’s mind. The bathroom had to be easy to use, and the lines had to be clean and minimal to compliment the 1950’s architecture (and to make this tiny space feel bigger than it actual was). As the bath was not used regularly, it was the first item to be removed. This freed up floor space and enhanced the flow as considered above. Due to the thin nature of the walls and plumbing constraints, the designer built up the wall (basin elevation) in parts to allow the plumbing to be reconfigured. This added depth also allowed for ample recessed overhead mirrored wall storage and a niche to be built into the shower. As the overhead units provided enough storage the basin was wall hung with no storage under. This coupled with the large format light coloured tiles gave the small room the feeling of space it required. The oversized tiles are effortless to clean, as is the solid surface material of the washbasin. The lighting is also enhanced by these materials and therefore kept quite simple. LEDS are fixed above and below the joinery and also a sensor activated LED light was added under the basin to offer a touch a tech to the owners. The renovation of this bathroom is the final piece to complete this apartment reno, and as such this 50’s wonder is ready to live on in true modern style.

ON-TREND SCALES Move over metro tiles and line a wall with fabulously funky Fish Scale designs. Also known as scallop, fun or mermaid tiles, this pleasing-to-the-eye shape is a Moroccan tile classic that's trending hard right now and offers a sophisticated alternative to metro/subway designs. Mermaids tiles are this year's unicorns (so they say) and Fish Scale tiles are how to take the trend to a far more grown-up level. Especially striking across a whole wall or in a shower room, make the surface pop in vivid shades of blue and green for an oceanic vibe that'll refresh and invigorate. If colour doesn't float your boat, just exchange the bold hues for neutral shades and use a dark grout to highlight the pattern. Alternatively, go to www.tiledesire.com there are more than 40 colours to choose and mix!! Photo Credits: http://iortz-photo.com/

Blake Worthington, Rebecca Duke