Soaking in the view

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Located on the uppermost floor and overlooking the harbour, this marble-clad master suite has a sense of quiet serenity

View of the master bedroom suite which features bedroom, condominium, daylighting, door, estate, house, interior design, penthouse apartment, property, real estate, room, window, window covering, wood, gray — View of the master bedroom suite which features glass doors, bedroom furnishings, linen, carpeted flooring, lighting.

View of the master bathroom with floor-to-ceiling marble, bathroom, cabinetry, countertop, interior design, kitchen, room, gray

View of the master bathroom with floor-to-ceiling marble, bathroom, ceiling, countertop, floor, flooring, home, interior design, real estate, room, sink, tile, wall, gray

View of the master bathroom with floor-to-ceiling marble, bathroom, ceiling, countertop, estate, floor, flooring, home, interior design, real estate, room, sink, tile, wood flooring, gray, brown

View of the master bathroom with floor-to-ceiling marble, bathroom, countertop, floor, interior design, room, sink, tap, tile, gray, brown

View of the master bathroom with floor-to-ceiling marble, bathroom, floor, flooring, interior design, room, tile, wall, gray, brown

Privacy is key to creating feelings of relaxation especially important in a master suite. Sometimes the best way to ensure a sense of escape and calm is to place these rooms on the upper floor, away from the bustle of family life.

This is the approach Matt Chaplin from Sumich Architects has taken with the design of this master suite, which along with a study and walk-in wardrobe takes up the entire upper floor of the house. A feeling of being able to overlook the world below is furthered by the position of the bathtub in front of a tall window with sea views, says the architect.

"Gazing out over the neighbouring roofs and watching the boats in the harbour is a very calming experience. Also, the windows in front of the tub slide open to allow a breeze into the room, which is especially refreshing on a sunny day."

The materials used in the bathroom lend a sense of opulence that also contributes to the serenity of the room. Floor-to-ceiling Piel Serp marble is offset against the white porcelain bathtub and basin. The vanity was chosen to counteract the perceived weight of the marble, says Chaplin.

"The vanity has a furniture-like appearance, with narrow stainless steel legs. The countertop features the same marble as the walls and floor. The drawers are white lacquer to match the basin. Stainless steel framed mirrors on pivoting poles are tall and narrow, to avoid blocking too much light from the window behind."

A minimal colour palette prevents the room feeling busy, despite the texture of the marble walls and floor. Aside from the marble and white tones, the silvery-grey of stainless steel plays a large part in the design. It is used for the framing on the vanity, and for the fixtures and fittings throughout.