Warm metallics meet the cool look of dark stone in this balanced, spa-like bathing retreat
Dark-toned and atmospheric with glittering touches of brass and copper, this exotic bathroom is an exercise in sheer escapism
Once a home’s interior focus was to a large extent about the kitchen, but now it’s the bathroom’s turn to feel special – like a private, luxurious sanctuary. And this atmospheric bathing space, by designer Julie Cooper, is definitely no exception.
“The owners wanted the bathroom to have a moody ambience,” says Cooper. “To achieve this we chose a dark-toned, large-format porcelain tile in the colour Concrete Graphite for the floor and two walls. A third wall has the same tile but in a contrasting Concrete Ice white.”
The rear wall of the space is finished in a copper-plated tile laid in a chevron pattern and this feature surface is repeated in the wall niche beside the freestanding bath. The niche is internally lit to further accentuate the copper tilework.

Accentuating the play between black and gold-toned metal, the designer also introduced brushed brass plumbing and brushed brass handles on the vanity. The vanity mirrors also have brass frames.
A floor-standing Black Cactus heated towel rail completes the design picture.
Credit list
Designer
Vanity handles
Bath
Taps
Toilet
from The Tile WarehouseAccent wall
Lighting
Heating
Awards
Vanity
Vanity benchtop
Vanity basin
Shower fittings
Floor and wall tiles
Shower wall and bath wall niche
Ventilation
Accessories
Story by: New Zealand TIDA Bathrooms
Photography by: Jo Smith
For more than 30 years, Trends has promoted great home design ideas through its print, digital and online media.The Trends International Design Awards – TIDAs – take that involvement to the next level with the search for the best kitchens, bathrooms and homes across a number of the countries where Trends has a presence.
Rose gold and penny rounds bring this renovation to life
A practical yet pampering bathroom
One sleek bathroom, three uses
Home Trends Vol. 36/1
While a bathroom may no longer be regarded as 'the smallest room' in a home, the extra space now allocated to it doesn't necessarily make the design process any simpler. That's because we want so much more in a bathroom these days, as well as retaining+ the sense of space needed for it to be a relaxation zone. So how do you fit everything in to your new bathroom?