Bathroom design brings in more space and storage

Bathrooms today have to tick several boxes and, for this project, designer Darren Genner, of Minosa, had to address everything from the modest available space and a lack of natural light to a need for privacy. The owners also wanted a two-tone look that offered warmth. As is often the case, a master design stroke made the difference.

“Essentially, there had to be a complete change and from the outset it was clear the bathroom’s small window had to greatly increase in size,” says Genner. “Luckily, with a disused garden bed beyond the exterior wall, we were able to add a full height window in a metal box extrusion to cantilever out over the disused garden.

To provide privacy and further an outside connection, Genner designed external steel screens for the cantilevered element. They feature an organic motif, while the steel’s developing patina adds natural warmth to the bathroom.

For the layout, the owners’ requests for a large shower, a freestanding bath and a vanity that was easy to access all had to be met in what was still quite a small space.

“To maximise space, we positioned the tub centrally within the cantilever. This enabled a large shower and toilet to be introduced on the opposite wall.”

With this arrangement the vanity could sit between the two areas with a large round mirror above, and be the feature upon entering the bathing space.

To add storage – another owner request – the designer built out the vanity wall to allow for discreet drawers and open storage niches behind.

To create the black and white theme, Genner ran black marble slabs across the floor and 1200mm high around the walls. And, to complete the look, white Corian was introduced on the walls above.

The large-format black stone sheets and white tiles were able to be laid grout-free to soften the overall effect, while white mosaic tiles were added to define the vanity area. These bring texture and depth to the space. The black European fittings contribute to the two-tone theme.

As well as the wealth of natural light from the new, almost room-sized window, downlights were employed to make the expansive glass surface mirror-like at night. Plus, vertical LEDs either side of the built-out vanity wall cast light outwards, also lighting the niches and side drawers.

“Between the cantilevered window over-looking the garden, the organic-patterned screens and the softened two-tone theme, the bathroom now exudes a sense of calm.”

Story by: Charles Moxham

Photography by: Nicole England