Calm waters

The words feng shui translate as water and wind, so it is not surprising that the bathroom plays a large part in a modern Feng Shui design. The placement of fixtures and choice of materials, as well as lighting and ventilation levels, are carefully considered when creating a harmonious bathroom space.

Designer Lorna Wallace has a special interest in the principles and practice of Feng Shui, and she wanted to create just such a space in this master suite. Before renovating, the home had one bathroom that was small and unattractive, she says.

"The new bathroom was placed next to the existing master bedroom. The aim was to create a room where the homeowner could not only feel clean, but also enjoy a sense of being in their own space."

Italian marble walls allude to opulence, yet also contribute a cool and refreshing sensation to the room. Feng Shui calls for light grey tones in bathrooms, and the silver grain of the marble fulfils this ideal. Mirrors are placed to reflect light and increase the feeling of freedom and space.

"The bathroom is lit from several sources. Candle-style lights on marble sconces create soft light for bathing and relaxing. A skylight provides natural light over the vanity, and a small window in the toilet space brings light to the shower via an opaque wall, like a Japanese shoji screen, between the rooms," says Wallace.

The toilet door is also shoji style. This brings in an element of timber, which links the bathroom with the adjoining dressing room and adds visual warmth to an otherwise sleek, cool room.

Story by: Camille Butler

Photography by: Andrew Ashton