Surface attraction

Designed by Olivia Cirocco, GIA Renovations

From the designer:

This home was purchased by the homeowner with the intent of renovating prior to moving in. 

However, the existing ensuite had been bland, boxy and cold, not in style with the rest of the home. 

The overall layout of the bathroom was not to be drastically changed, due to budget constraints.

However, in its current state, the ensuite did not enhance the liveability of the home nor add value to the master suite as it was disjointed and merely functional. 

The investment in this renovation was to be in elements that could be seen and enjoyed day to day – to this end, natural stone, heating and a freestanding bath were a must. 

Plus, the new ensuite was to feel spacious and luxurious, while essentially remaining private.

Essentially, the transformation of this bathroom was largely in the material selections – this was how I planned to turn the bathroom into something spectacular to wake up to. 

To add dimension to the bathroom, I played with levels and organic shapes. 

The terrazzo plinth was added with a curved edge, so the bath was highlighted. 

This feature is what you see as you enter the master bedroom, leading you on into the ensuite. 

Locating the bath under the window felt romantic and adds a layer of luxury to the master retreat – this aesthetic is enjoyed from both the bedroom and bathroom blurring the lines between the two. 

The mirror propped on top of the vanity unit replicates the shape of the bath plinth and effortlessly invites the bedroom into the bathroom, with shared natural light.

We didn’t need to alter the layout to create a spacious and luxurious retreat, however we did need to make the bathroom private, so a partition of glass – replicating the shape of the vanity unit mirror – was designed to hide the shower and toilet. 

A colour palette was selected to bring warmth, texture and depth into the bathroom and tie the courtyard and bathroom together. 

The selection of the terrazzo and wall light brings through the cream tones of the Bessa blocks. 

However, the real hero in this space is the marble selection – Arabascato Rosso. 

A level of uniqueness and a layer of grandeur sweeps this bathroom, the colour blend in the marble's dramatic veining informing the overall palette as well as adding individuality the space. 

The pairing with rich Kalamata laminate custom joinery, draws out the burgundy hues in the rich stone. 

This natural marble selection was a match made in heaven – the tones of the brick tiles used across all the walls, enrich the marble surfaces and vice versa. 

The earthy terracotta tile was selected to pull tonal connections from the other materials chosen and so ground the space.

To ensure the ensuite is enjoyed as a retreat year-round, heated towel rails and under-tile heating were added – this design move also ensures the bathroom floor is an easy continuation underfoot from the bedroom's warm wool carpet.

Story by: Trendsideas