Splashing out

A desire for intimate spaces that suggest intricate worlds led to the decor of these guest bathrooms, finished with Chinese motifs and furniture

The detail of a vanity unit bathroom, interior design, lighting, room, window, black — The detail of a vanity unit

The detail of a vanity unit - The bathroom, interior design, lighting, room, window, black

View of the entrance to this bathroom - door, home, house, interior design, light, lighting, red, room, red

View of the guest bedroom - View of interior design, room, suite, black, red

View of the bathroom - View of the bathroom, home, interior design, plumbing fixture, room, sink, black, gray

View of the bathroom's shower - View of bathroom, door, floor, flooring, interior design, plumbing fixture, property, room, shower, tile, wall, window, black

View of the bedroom - View of the bed, bed frame, bedroom, ceiling, four poster, furniture, home, interior design, lighting, room, suite, window, black

Few things are quite as luxurious as using a guest bathroom that caters not only to comfort, but also to a sense of drama and creativity.

The owners of the home featured here, weren't shy about splashing color throughout every space, and they didn't skimp on style when it came to their guest accommodation. Interior designer Thomas Plominski says his clients wanted to feature chinoiserie or Chinese motifs and furniture in both guest bathrooms.

For the first bathroom, Plominski took his design cue from a Chinese antique day bed that takes center stage in the guest bedroom. He was looking for an elegant foil to the silky red and yellow scheme and so he covered the bathroom walls with charcoal Venetian stucco.

"I chose the Venetian stucco for its rich deep color and its smooth surface. It's very labor intensive as it is all hand-trowelled, left to set and then hand-polished to a designated gloss," Plominski says.

View of the bedroom bed, bed frame, bedroom, ceiling, four poster, furniture, home, interior design, lighting, room, suite, window, black — View of the bedroom

On the bathroom floor, the white Carrara marble tiles are inset with a line of black tiles about 8 inches from the parameter of the room.

"This thin black line is an elegant way of framing the bathroom fixtures, such as the shower and vanity," he says.

For the light fittings, Plominski sourced highly polished silver lamps made in the early 1900s. They complement the mirror frame which is decorated in antique white gold leaf.

These lamps are also in the purple bathroom, which has also been influenced heavily by Chinese design. Perhaps the most striking aspect of the decor is the hand-blocked wallpaper with animal motifs including butterflies and deer.

View of the guest bedroom interior design, room, suite, black, red — View of the guest bedroom

The sense of activity suggested by these small and intricate figures is echoed by the mosaic tile floor. The glass tiles have a scattered design and possess an iridescent quality, Plominski says.

The bathroom's aubergine tones and the accompanying bedroom's rich purple color scheme express the owners' bold taste and complements the overall style of this vibrant beach house.

"As purple flatters everyone's skin tone, it is kind to your guests to ensure that they look their best while staying in your home," Plominski says.