Indian culture is celebrated in an opulent bathroom with gold mosaics, gold accents and marble and wood finishes

Balance is a key factor in designing a great bathroom but achieving this can be tricky when a strong cultural accent is part of the mix. Here, vibrant feature elements are balanced by cool marble wall tiles and the warmth of wood.

The owners’ brief to TIDA award-winning designer Davinia Sutton for this master ensuite in a contemporary architectural home was for a bold design that would sit centre stage in their master wing. It needed to offer a wow factor and pay homage to their Indian culture and background, in a modern context.

“As the ensuite was to integrate seamlessly into the modern architecture and the overall feel of the master wing – a private zone in which to linger and restore – it was imperative that the design was clean lined,” says Sutton. 

While the overall result is both restrained and modern, there are elements of boldness and vibrancy seen throughout.

The practical layout includes a double walk-in shower space at one end of the footprint. This is fitted with a slide and rainshower head as well as body jets to provide a full shower experience. A separate toilet space is set between two walls, providing a degree of privacy for the user.

“To enhance the sense of spaciousness and create the wow factor the ownerswanted, we positioned the vanity at the entry into the bathroom, and designed it as a piece of furniture.

“The dark oak, engineered veneer finish sets the stage for the contrasting Crema Marfil polished marble top and the stunning blown-glass, hand-painted gold relief vanity bowls. This, in combination with the gold plated, contemporary wall-mounted tapware, makes strong reference to the owner’s Indian cultural ties, with an element of sophisticated bling.”

And the vanity is as practical as it is dramatic. The substantial piece offers plenty of storage, with further cabinet capacity behind the custom steel-framed mirrors above. The latter include handy concealed powerpoints together with the luxury of mirror-demisting heat pads.

The freestanding stone bath was selected for its simplicity and restrained form, and nestles theatrically within three walls.

The bathroom’s main wall tiling is a 600mm x 600mm modular Crema Marfil polished marble tile for a simple, contemporary look. However, the large-format tile also celebrates by contrast the glittering Atlas Concorde Bronze Luxury mosaic tile seen behind the bath and repeated on the side walls of the shower stall.

“Together, the two wall surfaces provide a layered depth of form, enhancing the feeling of space. The tile selection also provides a strong cultural reference, albeit in a modern context.”

Lighting was carefully selected to enhance and accent the lustrous bathroom space. Careful consideration of placement creates an effect that enhances the textures and finishes in the room.

“While the design utilises all the available space, the mix of selected fittings and fixtures, materials and palette, ensures the desired sense of luxury,” says Sutton 

“The master ensuite’s serene feel belies its extensive functionality and reference to a strong cultural background.”

Story by: Charles Moxham

Photography by: Anthony Turnham