Large master suite with glass wall, natural palette and atmospheric lighting

When a master bedroom is positioned to take in spectacular views it makes sense to share the outlook with the master bathroom behind. One way to achieve this is to retain an open visual connection between the rooms. However, with this approach issues of decor continuity, privacy, and moisture control have to be addressed.

This large master suite with outlooks to the river and city forms part of a high-endresidence by designer and builder Steve Gliosca of Urbane Projects. The owners gave Gliosca free rein for the bedroom. Their only request was that the room have the feel of a plush hotel.

The bathroom and adjoining dressing room are located to the rear of the suite, says Gliosca.

"We decided early on to keep the bathroom open to the bedroom visually, so someone showering or bathing can look through the bedroom to the generous deck and scenic outlook. However, with acoustics and moisture as two potential issues we chose to design a glass box insertion to separate the two areas."

This not only makes the scenery accessible from the bathroom, it also allows natural light to penetrate the rear spaces. At the same time it provides a dramatic, modern feature.

Gliosca's strategic placement of the bathing area, shower and dressing room provides a degree of privacy from the bedroom and also within the bathroom itself.

The half-wall between the bedroom and bathroom brings privacy to the tub, and forms the headboard on the bedroom side. The generous shower stall has one blade wall in black satin glass on the bathtub side, and is screened from the vanity on the other by a wall in textured tile. Another bank of cabinetry shields the vanity from the dressing room, which can also be entered from the other end of the suite.

"Storage was important but we didn't want a cluttered effect," says Gliosca. "To avoid this, cabinetry space is seamlessly built into the timber veneer vanity and the wall separating the dressing room from the bathroom."

The same timber finish also runs across the ceiling formwork at the end of the bathroom, framing the floor-to-ceiling mirror behind the vanity, and helping to draw the room together.

"While the glass walls and large expanse of mirror optimise light play, we also added recessed lights along the top of the cabinetry. These create a light, airy feel, and with only glass separating the two rooms, they double as subtle glowing nightlights that won't disturb anyone sleeping in the bedroom.

With the two spaces open to each other in visual terms, overall harmony was important.

"One strong connection is the use of the same wood veneer in both rooms," says Gliosca. "The rooms also share a common tonal palette of warm hues, such as browns, taupes, white and greys. The overall feel is refined and relaxed, with an emphasis on nature. The tub's stainless steel base, the square basins and the glass walls offer crisp counterpoints."

Story by: Trendsideas