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.
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Home kitchen bathroom commercial design
