The look of marble and actual marble dovetail in this exotic bathroom

When the owners have been dreaming of their clifftop apartment for three years, it’s likely that nothing will be left under-considered at the design stage – with the master suite an important case in point.

This was the story for this master bedroom, ensuite and dressing room, created by designer Jennie Dunlop. 

The wider project comprised a luxurious three-level seaside apartment complex, so making the most of the views was naturally right at the top of the owners’ master suite wish list.

They wanted the ensuite itself to have a resort-look aesthetic, with twin basins, a freestanding bath and a generous shower.

“However, we exercised restraint with the styling to ensure the bathroom exuded a subtle warmth,” says Dunlop. “To this end, we chose rich milk chocolate-toned tiles with soft grey/white veining to set the tone for a relaxed and luxurious vibe.

“Layering a floating, light-hued vanity with a marble top, discreet basins and mirror wall cabinets over the backdrop of veined brown tile on the floors and walls created the soft look we wanted.”

“We decided to pull the vanity back from the ensuite entry as the substantial recessed slider opened directly on to it,” says Dunlop.

Undermount basins and wall mounted tapware add to the vanity’s sleek lines.

A freestanding curvaceous tub is set on the opposite side to the entrance and as such is a focal point. The tub’s position also means the owners can bath and take in the garden views from the full-height shuttered window to the right of it.

“To optimise both space and storage, a return wall was added at the entryway, perpendicular to the vanity wall. This allows the long mirror-fronted cabinet to continue beyond the length of the vanity.”

Story by: New Zealand TIDA Bathrooms

Photography by: Jamie Cobel