Spa-like chic

Designed by Hayley Rodgers, Melanie Craig Design

From the designer:

Overview

This project involved the complete transformation of a tired, outdated guest bathroom and separate WC – giving them both a luxury retreat vibe that offers the ambience of a high-end hotel suite for the enjoyment of the guests who use them. 

The homeowner’s vision was to create a restorative, spa-like experience that celebrated the property’s unique natural outlook over a private kanuka garden.

Owner requirements

• A spacious, guest shower with a rain head
• A private in-room sauna to promote relaxation and wellness
• Garden connection through existing window
• Bespoke, tactile finishes with a palette rooted in nature
• A separate guest WC with refined fittings and a distinct, cohesive style

Guest bathroom challenges

The existing space felt cold and enclosed, and was poorly configured, with outdated fixtures and a fragmented layout. 

Achieving a sense of luxury and openness within the footprint required careful spatial planning. 

Balancing privacy with the desire to open the space to the garden outlook was also a key design consideration.

Guest bathroom solutions

The reimagined layout centres around a curved, fully tiled shower alcove in rich terracotta hues, creating a cocooning sensory environment. 

The rain head, inset niche lighting, and seamless wall-to-floor tiles enhance the sense of calm and immersion.

The adjacent sauna was crafted with a timber-lined interior and integrated softly backlit shelving. 

Clad in the same warm tile as the shower, the continuity of materiality supports a cohesive, spa-inspired atmosphere.

A key feature is the large picture window over a neolith top, framing the kanuka garden while maintaining privacy. 

A concealed recess in-ceiling blind allows for complete privacy if required while a fluted basin with deck mounted mixer creates an elegant bathing experience. 

Textural contrast is introduced through custom dark stained cabinetry and curved tall cabinetry – allowing shelving for guest toiletries, and stone ceramic floor tiles. 

Ambient LED strip lighting reinforces the architectural forms and adds a warm, inviting glow.

Guest WC

The separate guest WC continues the refined palette with vertical stone tiles in a rib texture, a reeded cylindrical basin, wall-mounted tapware, and sculptural lighting. 

The floating timber drawer brings both balance and contrast while providing valuable storage.

Features of Interest

• Curved shower in terracotta tile with integrated lighting and rain head
• Private sauna with matching materiality and warm timber interior
• Picture window overlooking lush native planting
• Seamless integration of lighting, finishes, and form for a calming experience
• Elegant, modern WC with sculptural basin and refined material choices

In summation

This project redefines the guest bathroom as a place of retreat, aligning craftsmanship, materiality, and landscape in a uniquely tranquil way.

Story by: Trendsideas