Open invitation

Help

Soft curves, matte surfaces and neutral tones bring a soothing and 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, floor, glass, interior design, plumbing fixture, product design, room, shower, tile, wall, orange

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 colors, textures and lines of the rest of the house, or veer away from that 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."

Limestone tiles, with 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 natural tones introduce softness and light," he says. "The vanity counter and lights above have been cantilevered, so they appear to float off the wall, and the curved lines of the bath, sink and faucet evoke a feminine, friendly feel."

The bath and vanity sink have been treated as objects, rather than as integrated units. This gives them a sculptural quality, and adds to the ambiance.

A skylight brings natural light into the room. At night, halogens introduce a warm yellow glow which casts shadows on the textured surface of the limestone.