Wave-textured tiles and sandy colour scheme match home’s seaside setting

Together with the architectural redesign of a space, the choice of feature surface can have a defining impact on a renovation.

This serene bathroom is in a seaside home located just metres from the beach. The existing bathroom had a shower over a cast iron tub and needed renovation, says owner and architect Wayne Houston.

“For the renovation, we wanted a bath positioned with a view to the bush and a nearby stream as well as a separate level-entry shower with a niche recess.

”To achieve these goals, Houston pushed out the footprint of the existing room and introduced floor-to-ceiling louvres on one wall in the newly gained triangular space. These offer privacy or private views as required and capture the late afternoon sun.

“When choosing tiles for the bathroom, we wanted something that linked to the beach house ambience and these wave tiles were the perfect fit,” says Houston. 

“The soft, sandy colours and wave texture evoke the beach and sea environment, as do the floor tiles in a similar tone.

”As well as connecting with the setting, the bathroom achieves a sculptural appeal, in part through the architect’s choice of freestanding tub and freestanding basin. 

“The stone bath and stand-alone basin are beautiful shapes in their own right and their flat finishes match the smooth stool.

”The wall-hung vanity cabinet provides storage without taking up floor space. At the same time, the extension allowed room to accommodate the tub – making space for the walk-in showerstall behind.

Recessed LED strip lights provide the general lighting for the transformed space.

Story by: New Zealand TIDA Bathrooms

Photography by: Ben Levy