Nature retreat Modern magic in a sumptuous soak zone
SLEEK LINES COMBINE WITH TACTILE FINISHES TO GIVE A CONTEMPORARY BATHROOM A STYLISH LOOK
1 TIMBER TREATMENT
Designer and builder Zaher Khalil of Zaas Homes chose whitewashed oak-look ‘Timber Brown’ 900mm x 150mm tiles from Western Distributors for Melbourne homeowner Yolande’s bathroom, colourmatching an epoxy grout with the timber grain. “By keeping the filling lines narrow, it looks like timber panelling,” says Zaher.
Yolande’s attention was grabbed when she spotted the unique bathroom of this newly built property in Melbourne’s northern suburbs. “It was one of the features which prompted me to buy it because it was just so different,” she says of the space on the upper level of her modern home, built by Zaas Homes. And the finishes really struck a chord. “Initially, I thought the timber on the walls was real, but when I touched it, I discovered that it was tile and was amazed by the effect,” says Yolande. “It’s an incredibly warm space with simple clean lines.” Although the bathroom has no windows, an abundance of natural light streams through a skylight above the freestanding bath – and without the distraction of the outside world, this truly feels like a spa-like sanctuary. In keeping with the natural colour palette and organic feel, a custom vanity mirror is framed by plants that stand out against the timber-look walls. Sharp black Phoenix tapware adds plenty of drama. “Since moving in late last year, I use the bath all the time,” says Yolande. “It’s lovely being under the skylight, particularly in summer when I open it up and see blue sky above. It’s a really special part of my house.”
3 SPACE ODYSSEY
If, like Yolande, you don’t have the luxury of space, you can always create the illusion of it. Choosing the right glass is one trick. “Even though it’s more expensive,
I went with a single fixed panel of Starphire super-clear glass from IL Building Services for the shower [above right] as it’s ultra-clear and looks virtually invisible,” says designer and builder Zaher Khalil. He also angled the ceiling to enhance the volume (opposite) and allow more light to bounce around the room.
size of tile “THE CAN MAKE A DIFFERENCE. THESE LONG, RECTANGULAR TILES LAID IN A BRICK PATTERN VISUALLY elongate THE ROOM” ~ ZAHER KHALIL, DESIGNER & BUILDER
4 TEXTURAL TACTICS
Contemporary spaces can feel stark and cold, so it’s vital to balance minimalist lines with textural finishes. Rather than opt for glossy surfaces, a ‘Riva’ 1700mm back-to-wall freestanding bath from Allure Bathrooms was selected for its softer, acrylic matt finish. Its gentle curves instil an organic feel, too, in keeping with the room’s tranquil quality. Laminex ‘Impressions’ in Domain Nuance on the custom vanity also has a lovely tactile feel and boosts the sensory appeal of a zone grounded by ‘Gun
Metal’ 600mm x 300mm floor tiles from Western Distributors.