White surfaces and subway tiles complement wood floors in a new bathroom in a classic villa

Good bones and fresh features come together in a light, airy and timeless family bathroom

For this new bathroom in a traditional villa architecture, bathroom, timber floor, basin, subway tile, bathroomware, Chris Holmes, CAAHT Studio Architects — **For this new bathroom in a traditional villa by architect Chris Holmes, the modern blonde vanity matches the light-toned decor, while the countertop basin has a classic air.**

Designing a new main bathroom for a classic villa doesn’t have to be an exercise in stand-out contrast. Making the most of the good bones of the existing interior dove-tailed with sympathetic new elements is another appealing, enduring way forward.

This bathroom, along with an adjacent master ensuite, was designed as part of a larger alteration and addition project to an Auckland villa, says architect Chris Holmes of CAAHT Studio Architects.

“The owners wanted a family bathroom suitable for bathing young children. They also wanted it to include a generous shower to provide convenience for future teenage years,” says Holmes.

Due to spatial constraints within the home they were also keen to include a concealed laundry within this bathroom.

Now and then – on this future-proofed bathroom, bathroom, timber floor, shower, glass, plumbing fixtures, subway tiles, Chris Holmes, CAAAHT Studio Architects — **Now and then – on this future-proofed bathroom, the tub is ideal for bathing the owners’ young offspring while the walk-in shower will get more use during teenage years.**

Holmes repurposed part of the villa’s existing living room to form the new bathroom. To anchor it comfortably within its villa context, the architect retained and restored elements of the original space. These included maintaining the polished wood floor, the double-hung window and the original high, board & batten ceiling.

“We introduced a complementary palette of lightly blonded birch plywood cabinetry, along with subway tiles, glass and chrome, for a light, clean, in-keeping aesthetic."

“Even the modern, chunky countertop basin harks back to the sink styles of old and, of course, is an ideal basin for kids.”

The required laundry is set behind unobtrusive flush, floor-to-ceiling white bi-fold doors. High cupboards were also included to provide further storage without adding clutter.