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Robust teenage-proof functionality meets a sanctuary for adult family members in this design – a solid oak vanity, dramatic artwork and feature mosaic wall are stand-outs

Designed by Phil Judd, Workshop

From the designer:

The renovation of this family bathroom in the existing part of a 1950s rural Martinborough bungalow required a hybrid solution of firstly high use, robust teenage functionality and secondly (with a glass of wine in the freestanding bath with the windows open) as a sanctuary for the adult family members.

Brief

The owner brief was for a family bathroom that is predominantly used by three children (two teenage and one near teenage) on a rural Wairarapa property with a passion for motocross, fishing, and everything ‘outdoors’. 

This called for a space that had to be robust in materiality and colour selections, ensuring durability and ease of maintenance. 

The family bathroom has the only bath for the property so also required a touch of sophistication and elegance for the adult members of the family to enjoy, too.

Functional and aesthetic considerations

  • Space utilisation – The layout of the bathroom has been carefully planned to maximise functionality while maintaining an open and airy feel – the placement of the freestanding bath, vanity, and shower ensures easy movement and accessibility.
  • Material durability – High-quality, durable materials such as Dekton Grafite and solid white oak have been chosen for their beauty and longevity – these materials ensure that the bathroom remains elegant and functional for years to come.
  • Lighting – A combination of natural light from the windows and carefully placed artificial lighting creates a bright and welcoming space – the feature wall sconces add warmth and enhance the luxurious feel of the bathroom.

Key design elements

  • Large-format Dekton tiling – The bathroom features large format Dekton Grafite tiles on the floor, walls, and vanity, providing a sleek and cohesive look – the integrated basin within the vanity continues the Dekton surface, ensuring a seamless, clean appearance that is both striking and easy to maintain – Dekton skirting adds further durability in a considered way to align with cabinetry and feature wall panelling.
  • Feature scalloped wall panelling – The wall behind the freestanding bath is adorned with feature scalloped wall panelling painted to match the deep Resene Blue Bark wall colour – this design element adds a tactile, visual interest and a touch of elegance to the space, contrasting beautifully with the smooth surfaces of the Dekton tiles.
  • Solid white oak timber vanity cabinetry – The custom-made vanity unit is crafted from solid white oak timber, featuring push-to-open drawers and slatted towel shelf below – the warm tones of the oak add a natural, inviting feel to the bathroom, complementing the modern aesthetic of the tiles and fixtures.
  • Petroleum mosaic gloss tile feature wall – A striking petroleum mosaic gloss tile feature wall runs next to the toilet into the shower enclosure, adding a pop of colour and texture to the bathroom and a warmer tone to wall surfaces people will be closest to – this bold design choice enhances the visual depth of the space, creating a luxurious and contemporary feel.
  • Brushed brass tapware and accessories – The bathroom is fitted with brushed brass finish tapware and accessories, adding a touch of opulence and warmth – these fixtures provide a beautiful contrast to the cool tones of the Dekton tiles and the rich colours of the mosaic feature wall.
  • Dekton stone shelf – A Dekton stone shelf abuts the vanity and runs seamlessly into the existing window sills, extending to the opposing wall to rejoin the Dekton wall tiling upstand behind the toilet – with the combination of a matching stone upstand element above the shelf, this detailing was used to unify the space and bring the separate vanity, bath and toilet together visually – this integrated design element not only adds a functional wine glass shelf for the freestanding bath but also enhances the cohesive and streamlined look of the bathroom.
  • Feature vanity wall sconce lighting – Elegant wall sconces are placed strategically around the vanity, providing warm, ambient lighting – these fixtures highlight the textured finishes and add to the overall luxurious atmosphere of the bathroom.

The bathroom has successfully navigated and proven ‘in use’ the combination of high use practicality while retaining an undertone of luxury in a way that enhances the owners' daily routine.

Credit list

Designer
Builder
DRD Builders
Vanity benchtop, integrated sink and upstand, flooring
Dekton – Pietra Kode, Grafite, from Cosentino, fabricated by Wellington Granite
Bath
VCBC – Harmony, freestanding, from Plumbspec
Shower stall
Atlantis – Seychelles, from Plumbspec
Toilet
Caroma – Liano, wall faced close coupled toilet suite
Artwork
'Sophia' by Sofia Minson
Wall tiles
T Brick (installed vertically), colour – Petroleum Glossy, from Artedomus
Lighting
Vanity lighting – Code Zero wall sconce; wall light – So Sconce, both from Nightworks Studio
Awards
Trends International Design Awards (TIDA) Bathrooms – Highly Commended
House architect
James Mackie, Mackit Architecture
Vanity cabinetry
Bespoke integrated cabinetry by Workshop; solid oak timber with satin Osmo oil finish; carcass – Melteca, Anthracite
Cabinetry hardware
Blum Legrabox drawer system – Orion Grey
Taps
Caroma – Liano ll wall basin/bath mixer, rounded cover plate, from Plumbspec
Shower fittings
Caroma – Urbane ll Rail Shower with overhead, from Plumbspec
Accessories
Vanity mirror cabinet – St Michel Dante 3D; heated towel poles – Heirloom Heiko
Feature wall panelling
Sage Optidoor – California, Scallop profile, paint finish to match wall colour, from Sage Doors
Paint
Walls – Resene Blue Bark; ceiling/architraves – Resene Half Blanc
Underfloor heating
Hotwire, installed by Wairarapa Tiling, JB Electrical
Photography
Olivia Atkinson

Helpful links

Windows and Doors
Cabinetry Hardware
Home Builder
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Heating
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