Bathing beauties
Bathrooms that reflect and complement the period style of a home are more than functional they're aesthetic links to a bygone era
Like most subjects dictated to by the whims of taste, the history of architectural and interior design is peppered with a few aesthetic disasters. Renovating a period property though, gives you the opportunity to improve upon the original.
The property on this page is a 1970s home. The owners decided to stay in keeping with the era of the home, but with a modern twist, says Yellowfox designer Andrea White.
"Certain elements, such as geometric accents, have remained, but gone are the orange, brown and avocado colours in favour of neutrals."
The home's main bathroom reflects this amalgamation. New circular wall tiles play off the existing floor tiles, as do the curved mirror and basin. The timber veneer cupboard and storage unit hark back to 1970s wood grain panelling, but have a contemporary Scandinavian feel that lightens the overall aesthetic. They're also examples of designing to maximise space, says White.
The other bathrooms featured on these pages are the main bathroom and master ensuite in a renovated villa.
The owners of this home, turned a bedroom into the bathroom and ensuite, again with an emphasis on retaining character while updating the overall effect, says Claire Bruford, Yellowfox designer.
"In the main bathroom, cabinetry has a traditional feel, yet stainless steel hardware is a modern touch. The walls are lined in Hardigroove and painted white both practical and character-laden. The exposed timber floor creates a continuous link with the hall."
For the ensuite, the most important factor was maximising space. Again, built-in storage behind the mirror, and an in-wall cistern allowed for a period-style free-standing vanity basin, says Bruford.
For further information, contact Yellowfox, 49 Main Highway, Ellerslie, Auckland, phone (09) 525 3450. Email: design@yellowfox.co.nz.
Story by: Trendsideas
Home kitchen bathroom commercial design
