The captain's quarters

Designed by Natalie du Bois, Du Bois Design

From the designer:

The renovation of this upstairs bathroom serves as a dedicated bathroom for one, within a century-old home.

Owner's wish list & design challenges

• Retain and restore the original rimu timber wall panelling and dado rail.
• Maximise benchtop surface area, ensuring no sharp edges.
• Highlight bespoke craftsmanship reflective of the home’s historic character.
• Incorporate polished brass fixtures and fittings of superior quality.
• Address limited subfloor space to avoid a raised lip in the shower area.
• Maintain original plumbing positions to minimise structural changes.
• Include undermounted basins for a seamless, sophisticated finish.

Design statement

Sustainability and historic integrity are thoughtfully woven into every aspect of this bathroom renovation. 

The original rimu timber wall panelling, carefully retained and restored, honours the home’s heritage and significantly reduces material waste. 

Meticulous detailing ensures the vanity height perfectly aligns with a full-height subway tile, offering harmonious visual continuity. 

Upmarket polished gold heated towel rails – positioned strategically on each side of the bathroom – enhance functionality and comfort.

The 22-carat gold Dornbracht tapware was selected not only for its luxurious aesthetic but also for its exceptional longevity. 

The refined taps pair effortlessly with the navy subway tiles and intricately patterned floor tiles, evoking a refined maritime elegance. 

Striking natural stone surfaces showcasing bold gold and black veining infuse drama and luxury, fostering an atmosphere of sophisticated adventure.

The floor and shower area feature individually laid 150 x 150 mm Portuguese patterned tiles, arranged to create visual interest and offer a balanced harmony with the room's dimensions.

Thoughtful detailing addressed the limited subfloor depth, cleverly incorporating a subtly raised shower base to ensure adequate drainage without creating an inconvenient step-up. 

Half-height navy blue subway tiles complement the richness of the timber above, gracefully meeting the restored original bullnose dado rail.

An oval bevelled-edge mirror, designed to tilt, optimises lighting and usability – this is paired with period-inspired Art Deco wall sconces for optimal looks and illumination. 

The resulting bathroom combines practical solutions, superior craftsmanship, and characterful detailing, truly embodying the allure and sophistication one might expect in the quarters of a distinguished captain.

Story by: Trendsideas