Modern history

The great thing about renovating is the freedom it gives you to put your own stamp on the home in which you live, regardless of whether you choose to contemporise or keep to the existing style.

The owners of the HIA award-winning bathroom featured on these pages had very definite ideas about what they wanted included in the bathroom, and how it should look, says Royston Wilson, principal of Royston Wilson Design.

"As well as a wish list to include a double shower, the owners wanted a bathroom that was in keeping with the traditional design of the home, but one that had clean lines and wasn't fussy."

Typical of residences from this era, the home is an amalgam of Queen Anne, Californian mansion, and Art Deco styles, says Wilson. The owners decided to take this Art Deco influence through into the bathroom.

Wilson's design method is to provide one major feature and then build from there. In this case, the custom-made vanity is that feature.

Based on the designs of French and Manhattan Art Deco of the 1920s, the vanity stands alone as both an artistic and functional piece of furniture.

Originally, the bathroom was incorporated into a long, narrow space that included a storage area, and was accessed from the end. For the new bathroom, Wilson repositioned the door to the side, which then meant the double shower could be easily accommodated.

"Aside from making it possible to install the double shower, the re-siting of the door also meant that the toilet suite could be positioned behind it. Should the door be left ajar, all that would be visible is the vanity, sitting proudly in its symmetrical position," says Wilson.

The ceiling was lowered more than a metre to make the room appear less narrow and the vanity is offset with a design scheme that is simple in colour and tone.

An in-line ducted system activated by a steam sensor replaces the usual ventilation fan, while a new radiator suits the overall aesthetic.

Story by: Trendsideas