Larger than life

This powder room/guest bathroom offers a sense of space and sanctuary despite being drawn together within a constricted setting

The custom-made timber clad veneer wall acts as

The design reflects a contemporary ‘wow’ factor on

Frosted glass panes admit light while preserving occupant

The channel drain set into the one-piece, solid

The hidden light detail to the shower recesses

The wood-finish wall panels serve several tasks, including

Where's the soap? A black soap holder disappears

Designed by Davinia Sutton, Detail by Davinia Sutton

From the designer:

The brief

Our homeowners wanted to achieve a spacious feel for their guest dual purpose powder room and guest ensuite, despite it being in a confined space which is positioned centrally within the home.

They wanted the design to reflect the home’s modern architecture but at the same time offer a private sanctuary for their guests.

They requested a design with a ‘wow’ factor, modern surfaces and attractive fittings and fixtures.

Design response

Due to the spatial limitations, the set out of the bathroom was restricted to utility elements at each corner of the space.

While the layout forms a practical solution to a restricted space, the chosen finishes provide a special feature creating the perfect place for guests to restore and refresh.

The design reflects a contemporary ‘wow’ factor on entry with the solid surface, freestanding vanity basin, portrayed as a sculptural element.

The custom-made timber clad veneer wall acts as a natural backdrop and forms a solid juxtaposition for the feature vanity bowl, positioned as an art piece.

The veneer wall adds a sharp contrast to the dark tone and moodiness of the background walls.

The vanity basin and bespoke mirror pinned to the wall above, provide ample hidden storage and functionality for guests during their stay with power and mirror de-mister included.

The expanse of mid grey wall tiles that clad the entire bathroom provides the room with a sense of contemporary serenity and modern form.

The dark grey tinted frameless glass shower screen makes the room feel more spacious while continuing the wider look.

As well as utilising all the available space, the clever mix of selected finishes and fixtures provides the room with a sophisticated sense spaciousness.

Careful use of lighting, with a recessed strip light set behind the vanity wall, running the length of the space adds a subtle warm glow and features as a sensor light at night to add drama.

The hidden light detail to the shower recesses highlights the volume of the space and plays on the moodiness of the dark palette, further enhancing the atmosphere.

Attention to detail can be seen in the smallest elements – from the custom-made black steel soap stand and aged dark moody liquid metal set into the timber wall in a negative detail, and the glass cut out handle detail to the shower door, through to the hidden towel and bathroom storage on the feature wall. In addition, there is the hidden door which is worked into the fixed panel set out.

The result, a small bathroom space that reflects a contemporary ‘wow’ factor, a space for guests to refresh, linger and restore.