White bathroom with lead light window and undermount basins balances modern with traditional

A key factor in a great design is collaboration getting the homeowner involved early on, with guidance, says designer Leonie von Sturmer.

"For this bathroom, in a renovated bungalow, the owner had wanted a traditional look with modern convenience," says von Sturmer. "Some things were predetermined, like the tongue-and-groove wainscoting, and the leadlight window.

"The owner commissioned the new feature leadlight window with a Pacifica motif in one of the smaller panes."

The window then influenced other aspects of the detailing, such as the slender black-steel rim around the mirror above the vanity, and the group of three small pendant lights hanging to the side of the bathtub,

Besides the wainscoting, other traditional influences include the re-surfaced claw-foot bathtub and the furniture-look vanity. But the in-wall spouts and mixers provide a modern accent and ease of use.

"The under-mounted basins add to the clean look, but the porcelain bowls and granite top have classic roots. It's about achieving balance."

The fully tiled shower is located in an alcove.

Story by: John Williams

Photography by: Jamie Cobel