REAL-LIFE GLAMOUR
Clever design makes an almost-impossible brief work – a family bathroom for four boys and guests
Asoothing sanctuary is not usually the case with a family bathroom, as mountains of bath toys and other kiddie paraphernalia take the ‘bliss’ out of blissful bathing.
But this is what Lucy and Matthew wanted in the main washroom of their home in NSW’s Hunter Valley. “When guests stay – and Matt’s parents often come from England and stay for a few weeks at a time – they use this bathroom, so we wanted it to look nice,” says Lucy of the space that was redesigned as part of a whole-house renovation.
To create a wet zone that could proudly be displayed while still catering for the needs of their boys, Oliver, seven, Harry, five, and nine-month-old twins, Alfie and Angus, the couple joined creative forces with interior architect Sally Rhys-Jones. “We worked really well together,” says Lucy. “I don’t really have any design nous, but I know how I use a home, so that’s what I brought to it.”
More than just prettying-up the process, Sally helped to meet the family’s needs with clever cabinetry tricks and masterful material choices that give a glamorous veneer to what is primarily a very practical space. “I wanted that beautiful, classic look – Perrin & Rowe tapware and marble – but we have young children,” says Lucy. “We didn’t have the money. Sally basically created that look while fitting into our budget.” FINISHING TOUCHES With four active boys, Lucy spends more time in the bathroom than she ever could have imagined – but with a few gorgeous details to focus on, she’s happy to linger. The Bastow ‘Georgian’ lever basin mixer and wall bath set from Reece (opposite) deliver a ritzy look at a budget-savvy price. Greenery is also a must – in addition to the camellia bushes and buddlejas visible through the window, Lucy has filled every empty corner with ferns and other moisture-loving pot plants (opposite & top left).
LOW-LYING LUXURY
A Decina ‘Uno’ 1700mm drop-in acrylic bath (try Tradelink) was chosen to save money, plus its oval shape affords a lovely softness to the space (left). The choice of tiles lifts the look, with interior designer Sally sourcing 150mm x 75mm subway tiles for their enduring appeal and marble-look porcelain ones for a luxe appearance without the functional drawbacks of real stone (for similar, try ‘Gastone’ 450mm x 450mm porcelain tiles in Carrara White from Beaumont Tiles). “A porcelain tile is more practical to look after in a kids’ bathroom, but this one still looks like marble so it’s a great option – and much more affordable, too,” says Sally. The same tiles were used to enclose the bath, but in a larger format.
SHOWER SENSE
The bathroom’s generous dimensions allow for a separate shower, which is a blessing for Lucy having to wash four boys at once – her eldest sons take the shower while she concentrates on the twins in the bath. The biggest win here has been an elevated shower shelf (above left). “I know the boys can’t get up to mischief, squirting shampoo everywhere, because they can’t reach that shelf!” she says.