Masculine meets mixed use

Designed by Sean Monk, Rarebirds Interiors

From the architect:

A pared back architectural design that responds to a limited spend level is always a challenging brief. 

In addition, this guest bathroom renovation also needed to function as the first floor powder room and as a shower room for when pool goers wanted to wash off. 

This family of boys was happy to include minimal feminine detailing but overall wanted a masculine edge to the bathroom space. 

The original foot print of several disjointed and functionally challenged areas needed considered spatial planning to create the modern addition required for the home.

The challenges of budget and spatial planning required our design team to create intelligent, considered solutions – removing various walls and closing off superfluous doorways to create a spacious blank canvas to work from.

The concrete slab foundations and externally exposed plumbing meant there was could be little movement of sanitary fittings – the design solution was to create a raised separate shower area that plumbing could easily run through. 

Plus, creating a generous shower room provided separation to the remaining floor area and resulted in a bathroom that could be used by several pool users at once.

With the owner adamant about not including a space-hogging bath, we placed an emphasis on texture and a juxtaposition of a cool and warm colour palette to reduce the expansive bathroom floor's sense of vastness. 

Tile Depot Kit Kat tiles in the colour Curry provide interesting vertical texture, wrapping around the dividing shower wall and achieving a look almost like timber or bamboo panels. 

These tiles were a key design selection, chosen to complement the authentic terracotta floor tiles seen throughout the home. 

Their warm, earthy colour and module size also create a playful contrast to the stone grey, large format tiles on the floor and remaining walls.

Classic brush nickel Reece Mizu tapware and accessories lean into the requested masculinity and add a timeless element to the design. 

The choice of a timber-look St.Michel vanity enabled us to achieve a polished, elevated design outcome without challenging the owner’s spend level. 

The brushed nickel Heiko towel poles from Heirloom provide clean vertical design lines. 

Kohler metal framed mirrors are paired with glowing orb pendants, from LightCo, providing essential facial lighting and adding a hint of elegance by stretching the materiality mix.

The design outcome of this understated yet punchy bathroom whispers of an international feel, appropriate for this family’s cultural heritage.

Story by: Trendsideas