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](https://res.cloudinary.com/trends-publishing/image/upload/dpr_1.0,g_center,w_1280/f_auto,q_auto:best/NZ3405CAAHT%E2%80%93268578008-02.jpg)
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](https://res.cloudinary.com/trends-publishing/image/upload/dpr_1.0,g_center,w_1280/f_auto,q_auto:best/NZ3405CAAHT%E2%80%93268578008-04.jpg)
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.
![Always-current subway tiles offer elegance and low-maintenance surfaces architecture, bathroom, timber floor, plumbing fixtures, sink, basin, subway tiles, plywood, Chris Holmes, CAAHT Studio Architects](https://res.cloudinary.com/trends-publishing/image/upload/dpr_1.0,g_center,w_1280/f_auto,q_auto:best/NZ3405CAAHT%E2%80%93268578008-05.jpg)
Credit list
Architect
Vanity and countertop
Taps
Shower fittings
Hot water systems
Ventilation
Story by: Charles Moxham
Photography by: Dave Olsen Photography
Home kitchen bathroom commercial design
Building on a fine pedigree
Slender meets stylish
Natural connections
Home Trends Vol. 34/5
When you start your next home design project – whether it's a new build or renovation – you'll probably have an idea of ...
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