Open invitation

Soft curves, matt surfaces and neutral tones bring a soothingand relaxing warmth to this family bathroom

The vanity shelf is cantilevered, for an open, architecture, bathroom, bathroom sink, ceiling, ceramic, floor, flooring, home, interior design, plumbing fixture, product design, room, sink, tap, tile, wall, orange — The vanity shelf is cantilevered, for an open, minimalist feel.

A warm and relaxed ambience has been introduced bathroom, ceiling, floor, interior design, lighting, plumbing fixture, product design, room, sink, tap, tile, wall, orange

The freestanding bath functions as a piece of bathroom, bathroom sink, bathtub, ceramic, floor, flooring, interior design, plumbing fixture, product design, sink, tap, tile, toilet seat, wall, orange

Architects have to make a choice when designing a bathroom: either to complement the colours, textures and lines of the rest of the house, or veer away from the overall aesthetic for an element of surprise.

This bathroom clearly follows the home's overall design, which helps to make it a familiar and inviting space, says designer David Ponting.

"Its clean design and use of stone and wood mirror the rest of the house, which has a warm minimalist feel," he says. "People can feel exposed in the bathroom, so I set out to create a secure and relaxing sanctuary a place where people could feel enveloped and pampered."

Large tiles of limestone, rumbled for a pitted and aged appearance, have been used to clad the walls and floor. The effect, says Ponting, is of walking into a cave.

"The stone tiles bring a sense of solidity and permanence to the room, while the light natural tones introduce softness and light," he says. "The vanity counter and halogen lights have been cantilevered, so they appear to float off the wall, and the curved lines of the bath, sink and tap introduce a feminine, friendly feel."

Bathroom fixtures, such as the bath and vanity sink, have been treated as individual objects, rather than as integrated units.

"This gives them a sculptural quality, and adds to the spa-like ambience of the room, says Ponting.

During the day, a large skylight brings natural light into the room. At night, halogen lights introduce a warm yellow glow which casts shadows on the textured surfaces of the limestone walls and floors.