Divide and rule – modern bathroom features tiled zones

Even when you can see at a glance what’s what in a bathroom, having zones denoted by tone or tile adds to the overall visual aesthetic.

This modern master ensuite by Michael Folk forms part of the architect’s comprehensive refurbishment of a classic, double-storey federation home with spectacular harbour views.

“The bathroom replaces a smaller ensuite added in the late 1980s that had been showing its age in terms of finishes and wear and tear,” says Folk. “The owners’ brief was to replace this with a contemporary and luxurious retreat.”

In response, he played with the linear layout of the available space, delineating various zones by a different choice of wall tile.

Entry into the ensuite from the also reworked master bedroom is directly opposite the central double vanity. The latter features sculptural, two-tone basins which are offset by the dark charcoal-veined Caesarstone benchtop atop a charcoal timber veneer floating vanity cabinet.

Mirror-fronted cabinets above the feature vanity are interspersed with chrome Art Deco-style wall lights. The two wall cabinets, sconces and vanity are set off with elegant hand-made cigar-shaped white tiles with aged grey edges.

To the right of the entry – at the rear of the bathroom – is the generous twin shower zone, clad in large-format, metallic charcoal wall tiles. To keep this area clean-lined, crisp and modern, the shower stall has inbuilt recesses for soaps, frameless glass screens and no door.

Looking the other way, the black and white freestanding oval bath matches the basins and  takes pride of place under the window, which accesses water views.

The matt black tiles behind the curvaceous tub help delineate the bathing area and bookend the dark tiles at the opposite end of the room.

The balance of the wall tiles are in the same flannel toned, travertine-look tiles as the floor. This tile offers the luxurious look of stone without the upkeep that comes with natural stone.

“Essentially, the palette of white, grey and metallic charcoal tiles is warmed and anchored by the taupe tones of the benchtop,” says Folk.

“The stone-look benchtop also complements the home’s beautiful timber floors, which we varnished as part of the renovation.”

The adjacent master bedroom was reworked, too, with the addition of niche daybeds, a walk-through wardrobe and a change to high ceilings.

Story by: Charles Moxham

Photography by: Carla McNab (BWRM), I Pistone and M Dorin