Dramatic interplay of texture and tone play a leading role in this pared-back master bathroom

Contrary to the saying, sometimes it's the big things, not the little things, in design that count. For this bathroom, by designer Davinia Sutton, it is the larger, more dynamic strokes that set off the otherwise minimalist master ensuite.

The bathroom's two-tone look is a continuation of the pared-back black and white palette in other areas of the home, says Sutton.

"As well as this, the owner wanted the bathroom to have good spatial layout, strong clean lines, textured finishes, a walk-in shower zone, a freestanding bath and privacy for the toilet."

Sutton's design presents a bold statement on entry, with a large freestanding bath under the window the first thing on view.

"We lengthened the windows in this area to make the most of natural light and to optimise views out to the garden from the tub."

Set opposite the bath is a double vanity with mirror-fronted wall cabinets above.

"The vanity is wall-hung to add to the overall sense of space and also to make it easier to keep things clean. Round-cornered basins contrast the wider emphasis on straight lines and work with the flowing lines of the bathtub."

Together, the vanity drawers and mirrored cabinets provide ample storage for the ensuite bathroom. Sutton underlit the mirrors to highlight the form of the design and this strip lighting is recessed so when the operable left and right mirror doors are opened the light isn't directly on show. And the dark-stained vanity with white engineered stone countertop is underlit, too. The latter lighting works on motion sensors and acts as a nightlight for the bathroom.

Round the vanity wall is the private double shower zone, complete with a rainhead shower and two wall- and hand-spray showers. This tucked-away zone also includes a soap ledge and a lower foot rest for leg shaving. The other component of the master ensuite, the toilet, is unobtrusively positioned to the left just inside the entry, providing a degree of privacy.

"Together with the space-efficient layout, the material palette is a hero of the design, with the mix of finishes providing sharpness and personality," says Sutton. "Porcelanosa Samoa Anthracita tiles with the look of a veined dark stone were chosen for the floor while the stone-look wall at the entry and back of the bathroom is in a highly textural Mini-strip Bhutan, in a deep charcoal similar to the floor tones."

To play up these strong hues and textures, the designer chose smooth white Marmi China tiles for the balance of light-toned surfaces.

"This particular tile is extremely crisp and clean-lined, which meant we could use a minimal amount of grouting and, as a result, create a more monolithic look for these walls the perfect contrast to the expanses of dark grey on other walls and on the floor."

In a bathroom that celebrates strong, simple design strokes, the sleek vanity tapware, low wall lights and chrome heated towel rails offer sparkling highlights.

Story by: Charles Moxham