Bathing beauty

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A sculptured bathtub takes pride of place in this master bedroom

View of this out-of-it bathroom ceramic, furniture, interior design, product design, purple, room, table, gray — View of this out-of-it bathroom

View of this out-of-it bathroom - View of ceramic, furniture, interior design, product design, purple, room, table, gray

View of the basin room - View of bathroom, bathroom accessory, bathroom cabinet, floor, interior design, plumbing fixture, room, sink, tile, window, gray

View of the bathroom - View of the bathroom, bathroom accessory, bathroom cabinet, floor, interior design, plumbing fixture, room, sink, gray

If a bathtub is more akin to a work of art than a piece of utility furniture, why hide it away behind a bathroom door?

This ivory bathtub for instance, is made from crushed almond shells. Rather than being found in the bathroom, it has taken up residence in the master bedroom of a home designed by Glenn Holmes, of Design Department.

"The homeowners are parents to three lively children and their master suite is their sanctuary. Enjoying a bath at the end of the day is one of those indulgences that they couldn't bear to consign to a small attached bathroom," he says.

Elevated on a teak platform, the bath is positioned directly opposite the bed. From its curvaceous form, the bather has a view out the window that takes in a picturesque harbor.

View of the basin room bathroom, bathroom accessory, bathroom cabinet, floor, interior design, plumbing fixture, room, sink, tile, window, gray — View of the basin room

The teak platform serves a number of purposes. Practically, it ensures the carpet isn't destroyed by bath water there is a stainless steel tray beneath the tub to collect water that is easily accessible for cleaning. Aesthetically, the teak platform evokes a nautical theme that is prevalent throughout the home's interior design.

Behind the tub, the walls are painted white to provide a blank canvas for artwork and to offer a light backdrop for the bathtub during the day.

"It's about providing a bathing experience that includes a stunning view. A comfortable place to soak where you can either relax or converse with your partner without interruption," Holmes says.

To complete the picture, the bedroom is fitted with a state-of-the-art sound system.

A separate attached bathroom is reserved for daily cleansing rituals and includes a shower and toilet. Twin basins are separated by a central pedestal which houses linen and toiletries.

The porcelain bowl and timber vanities echo the bathtub and platform in the bedroom. The tumbled marble floor has the same depth and variety as the bedroom carpet, but is a more practical surface for a bathroom floor.