In balance

Designed by Catherine de Meur Interiors

From the designer:

The main bathroom in this home has been transformed from a dated, compartmentalised space into a calm, refined retreat for a family with four young children. 

Located in the original 1920s section of the home, the bathroom had needed to feel consistent with the architecture of the front of the house, while delivering the functionality, flow and finishes expected in a contemporary renovation.

At the heart of the design success was the complete reconfiguration and expansion of the layout. 

A disused linen alcove was removed, and the bathroom was pushed out, creating a larger, more usable footprint. 

The new layout placed the freestanding bath under the window, the vanity on a central wall, and the toilet discreetly out of sight – dramatically improving circulation, sight lines and zoning. 

Plumbing and drainage were upgraded throughout to suit the revised layout.

Respecting the home’s history, original doors and architraves were retained and restored, preserving the architectural integrity of the space while pairing beautifully with modern inclusions like mosaic tiling, brushed nickel tapware, and soft, tonal finishes. 

While not reused within the bathroom itself, the original cornice was removed, repaired, and reinstated along the exterior of the bathroom extension to ensure visual continuity throughout the hallway and entry sequence.

Storage was a priority. 

A custom vanity with deep drawers and a continuous benchtop was designed to support family life, complemented by mirrored cabinetry and a tiled nib wall behind the bath for display and everyday essentials. 

A hidden cavity, discovered during demolition, was repurposed into an in-wall niche – a clever moment of added function and visual rhythm.

The material palette blends timeless texture and warmth. 

Mosaics, gloss tiles and soft tones offer a neutral but layered base, while the thoughtful detailing, such as mitred tile corners and brushed metal fittings, elevates the design without overwhelming it.

Lighting and ventilation were carefully resolved. 

Wall sconces, LED strip lighting and overhead illumination provide layered light sources, while mechanical ventilation is concealed for a clean finish. 

Ergonomics were finely tuned, with towel rails, hooks and storage all designed for ease of access and real-life family use.

This bathroom is a case study in balance – heritage and new, softness and function, beauty and practicality. 

It celebrates the home's architectural legacy while giving the family a space that feels elegant, generous, and built for daily rituals.

Story by: Trendsideas