PAST PERFECT
ART DECO AND ART NOUVEAU INFLUENCES COMBINE TO STUNNING EFFECT IN THIS LAVISH FAMILY BATHROOM
The golden eras of art deco and art nouveau inspired this exquisite bathroom that echoes its building’s illustrious heritage
The decoration of this bathroom in Malta’s landmark Balluta Buildings was always going to be heavily influenced by the property’s illustrious history.
It is one of the few surviving examples of art nouveau architecture on the island and, when it was built in 1928, was revered as one of the largest and most luxurious apartment blocks in Europe. For the first apartment to undergo major renovation in recent years, the owners were keen to honour the building’s past, without creating a pastiche. A few mod cons, such as good water pressure and heating, were also welcomed.
Local design studio Rebirth at Cuschieri Architects undertook intensive studies of the art deco era, in which the property was built, and the preceding art nouveau period that inf luenced its exterior design. The research informed this bathroom’s grand coffered ceiling, marble panelled walls and bespoke furniture. The large window at one end is elegantly dressed with floor-toceiling curtains in the softest grey, colour-matched to the marble.
Drummonds fittings were chosen for their traditional design and grand proportions, which were essential to stop everything feeling Lilliputian against the room’s soaring height. Inspired by the classic French bateau, the imposing custom-painted Humber bath makes a striking focal point, while the Brushed Brass finish of the taps and cabinetry hardware provides a warm contrast amid the art deco-led monochrome palette. The bespoke vanity unit and adjoining tall cabinet provide ample storage for towels and toiletries, without taking up excessive floor space, and their black satin finish allows the beauty of the woodgrain to shine through – a signature art deco move. Harnessing the high impact of three-dimensional pattern, the geometric floor tiles give this bathroom a modern twist, along with underfloor heating, naturally.