FIVE-STAR LUXE
Crisp lines and a sophisticated palette set the scene for a chic bathing retreat
Style and functionality were equally important for savvy Melbourne property developers Caroline and Tony when they set about designing a family bathroom for their three young girls: Maia, nine, Hana, seven, and Lili, three. “Being in the industry and having lived in a few different houses we’ve built or renovated, I’ve found that simplicity really works,” says Caroline, who drew design inspiration from their home’s contemporary architectural extension.
Boasting a pared-back palette, the space features a luxuriously large shower and vanity paired with striking black accents, plus a freestanding bath set against a dramatic feature wall of black penny rounds. “I wanted to achieve that hotel feel – and I think the combination of finishes is just right,” says Caroline.
The generous proportions enable her daughters to happily shower or bathe together while they’re young, with enough storage and basin space to suit three soon-to-be teenagers. “I grew up in a large family and know how siblings compete for the bathroom mirror, so we went with an extra-long vanity,” says Caroline, with a laugh. “The problem is, we might never get them out of there!”
THE LIGHT FANTASTIC
An absence of windows adds to the bathroom’s wonderful sense of seclusion – yet to avoid the space becoming too dark, an open-able Velux skylight was added and is coupled with clever lighting solutions. Subtle downlights have been grouped in sections to enable different areas of the room to be lit as required. “To create a tranquil feel in the bath [previous page], we chose not to add a light above it,” says Caroline. “Instead, we just turn on a vanity light and the effect is perfect.”
SEAMLESS APPEAL
Clean lines and minimalism combine to create a shower (below) that is both classy and practical. The floor tiles flow through to form a niche-style seat, with the wet zone defined by a glass screen and pivot door. “This seat is one of my favourite features, and is so handy when showering the kids,” says Caroline. “One of them can be sitting on it and there is still enough room for all their stuff.” DUAL FIXTURES
For a full immersive shower experience, a Phoenix ‘Lexi’ shower rose is matched with a Phoenix ‘Vivid’ rail shower, both from Bourne (above). It allows the flexibility to control the intensity and direction of water, just the ticket for showering children. “Because it’s a big shower, all three girls can be in there at the same time – and with two outlets there’s plenty of water to splash around,” says Caroline. The vanity tapware, Phoenix’s ‘Rush’ wall mixer from Bourne, completes the list of black items.