Bush sanctuary

Designed by Leanne Harley, Leanne Harley Design

From the designer:

This bathroom transformation took place on Auckland’s rugged west coast, in a bush-clad location near Karekare Beach. 

The homeowner – a single man – needed a well-designed bathroom that would suit both his day-to-day needs and the family visits, especially when the grandkids came back from the local surf beach.

The original bathroom was dark, dated and poorly laid out. 

The shower-over-bath setup had been sunken below floor level, creating both a visual and functional hazard. 

Two adjoining spaces – including a separate toilet – were small and awkwardly configured.

My proposal: open up and combine all three rooms to create one generous, light-filled bathroom with an open-plan layout.

A key feature is the 'wet zone' – a fully tiled, level-entry area housing both the shower and freestanding bath. 

A custom floor gradient channels water into a full-length linear drain, seamlessly integrated between the two areas. 

Tiling the floor and walls added texture and a soft natural finish, echoing the home’s bush setting.

A floor-to-ceiling window at the rear of the space brings the outdoors in, framing lush native bush and reinforcing the sanctuary feel. 

A skylight was also added to boost natural light throughout the day. 

No window coverings were required due to the home’s secluded location, allowing uninterrupted visual connection to the landscape.

The colour palette – deep green cabinetry, quartzite with soft white, green and black veining and black and brass accents – strikes a modern yet timeless balance. 

I designed a custom vanity that combines open shelving with ample storage to suit the owner’s needs.

The tapware was selected to suit an all-pressure water system, allowing flexibility in case the owner decided to upgrade to mains pressure. 

Midway through the renovation, the decision was made to proceed with the upgrade, and thankfully, the tapware we had chosen was already compatible – avoiding any need for changes.

Ambient lighting, underfloor heating, a shower niche and a backlit mirror all contribute to the overall comfort and usability of the space.

Every detail was considered – layout, drainage, ventilation, natural light and finishes – to create a functional, luxurious bathroom that feels both calm and connected to its unique location.

I was the sole designer on this project.

Story by: Trendsideas