Light-filled master bathroom with patterned tile, freestanding tub and floating vanity

Designing the master bathroom to be a spa-like retreat relies on more than the selection of high-end fixtures and materials. The most important design elements are intangibles that subtly invoke a feeling of wellbeing.

Here, an ensuite bathroom and a children's bathing space form part of a home by architect Craig Rossetti with interior design by Doherty Lynch. For the combined master ensuite bathroom and walk-in wardrobe, the owners wanted a refined, spa-like air, says Rossetti.

"Several approaches were taken to achieve this. We chose a sculptural tub and set that at one end of the space, with a textured tile wall behind. A shower is set discreetly on the other side of the wall, with a small window in this area looking out to the front veranda.

"The wall disappears into a ceiling niche," says Rossetti. "This conceals lighting that washes the tilework, accentuating its texture.

"Addressing perhaps the most important creature comforts, I wanted to make the ensuite bathroom as spacious and light-filled as possible. To achieve the former, a large mirror doubles the size of the bathroom visually and the floating vanity adds to the sense of space. For the latter, a skylight floods the room with natural light, supplementing several floor-to-ceiling narrow windows that deliver strips of sunshine, views and privacy. The understated color scheme adds to the calm, natural ambience."

Tall wood wardrobes extend the natural feel and tie in with formwork elsewhere in the home. Their warm tones complement the walls and present an understated appearance when viewed from the master bedroom.

"We chose a similar light, welcoming color scheme for the other bathroom," the architect says. "The design request for this space was simply for a roomy, fun space for the owners' two children. To achieve this, playful round mirrors were introduced that correspond to the different heights of the children. They continue a circle motif seen elsewhere in the home.

"A honeycomb tile features on most of the wall surfaces in this room. The uniform look makes the space appear simple, friendly and bigger than it actually is."

A bathtub takes center stage here, too, with frosted windows bringing privacy. The wood vanity with recessed handles connects with a similar piece in the other bathroom.

Story by: Charles Moxham