Hidden treasure
Customised detailing, aged brass inclusions and concealed features take this powder room to the next level – but first guests have to find it
Designed by Leonie Hamill, Cube Dentro
From the designer:
The owners of this new build in Auckland invited us to provide the design for their guest powder room.
This was a complex brief because of its location near the front entrance of the home and, understandably, the homeowners did not want a utilitarian room to be visible upon arrival. The idea of distracting the eye from their extraordinary home was not appealing.
Our owners requested a discreet design solution, without compromising on elegance. They also wanted the powder room to express their preference for a monochrome aesthetic.
Otherwise, the way was open to create something memorable, striking and practical, too.
Our design has embraced a fully integrated room, that when enclosed becomes part of the modern vernacular of the home.
Unbeknown to guests, a dynamic powder room sits behind a beautiful timber clad entrance.
Underpinning this project was a commitment to an efficient layout.
A confined room requires innovative thinking around how to create the illusion of space and maximise heavily used areas such as the shower.
The opening feature to this remarkable room is a concealed, handcrafted cavity sliding door.
On the exterior it is clad in American Oak with a customised stain to perfectly match the surrounding interior timber panelling.
On the inside, the door has been tiled to mimic the walls and floor and create a seamless aesthetic when closed.
A strong design hallmark in the room is a feature wall which doubles as a concrete tilt panel (on the exterior) and a soft polished concrete wall inside.
An aged-brass chain hanging curtain creates a division between the shower and toilet area but also looks incredible in its execution.
The use of oversized ceramic floor tiles extends to the ceiling and creates the ambience of a luxe hotel.
Visually, they also help to blur the distinction between the floor and walls – adding to the sense of space.
A custom-made vanity unit in American oak veneer has a generous vessel basin positioned in the sunken countertop.
Sufficient storage keeps bathroom items hidden from sight while discreet aged-brass tapware in a playful shape adds further personality without overshadowing the room.
The floor mounted, matt black toilet makes for a bold statement and holds contrast between the lighter tile work.
A bespoke, custom wall light and mirror with a built-in demister pad completes the picture of a functional and easy to clean room.
Customised detailing, aged brass inclusions and concealed features take the overall wow-factor of this powder room to a perfect 10/10. Our homeowners couldn’t be more thrilled with their hidden treasure.
Credit list
Designer
Shower fittings
Accessories
Drapes
Awards
Home kitchen bathroom commercial design
Cottagy entwines contemporary
Yellow wattle blooming
Homely, inviting – and lived in
