Fisherman's friend

Designed by Donna Hunter, Hunter Anderson Architecture

From the designer:

This major renovation of a tiny 1880s fisherman’s cottage provided a challenging brief which included a main bathroom and my clients desire to have an en-suite, if possible.

By redesigning down one half of this dwelling, relocating rooms and encroaching into the master bedroom, I was able to achieve a large combination bathroom-ensuite that covered both scenarios.

The bathroom was to include a freestanding bath, shower, toilet, wall hung vanity, heated towel rail, underfloor heating – all with a slightly modern twist, while keeping the cottage look.

To recreate the era of the cottage, I started with some hand-painted small patterned floor tiles which had just the right look.

And for the in-keeping paint finish, I colour-matched to Resene Bounty. This became the colour basis throughout the bathroom-ensuite, kitchen and laundry/guest bathroom.

Chestnut tones were highlighted by the wall-mounted wooden vanity along with the varnished recycled cavity slider, the latter becoming the ensuite door through to the master bedroom.

The deeper tones worked with the cherry-stained wood flooring in the adjacent living and dining room.

Larger subway tiles suited this era and are a feature throughout the home. In the bathroom, they run mid height around the entire room including the freestanding bath. They also rise up to form the rear of the glass shower stall.

Curves are another feature of the space, seen with the shower, double-ended bath, toilet and vanity ceramic basin.

The soft grey concrete drop light completes this bathroom, while paying homage to the original heritage of the cottage.

Replica wooden windows were handmade for the space, while half-height etched glass doors provided light and sun through to the adjoining living rooms.

My client is thrilled with this renovation and is especially delighted to have her biggest wish – her very own ensuite.

Story by: Trendsideas

Photography by: Jamie Cobel