Family wonder A touch of luxury transforms this wet zone

IT’S ALL ABOUT TEXTURE, LIGHT AND LUXE FINISHES IN THIS SUBLIME NEW FAMILY BATHROOM

There wasn’t much to love about the only bathroom in Lucy and Ben’s Melbourne home. Situated at the back of the 1894 property, the room was slated for a full rebuild – but at a later date. In the meantime, the couple chose to re-purpose one of the four centrally located bedrooms to create a large, bright, beautiful pamper zone. Engaging designer Kat Siketa of Smarter Bathrooms to take charge of the project, Lucy and Ben were thrilled to see their vision take shape. In next to no time, a light-filled sanctuary, complete with a sculptural Apaiser stone bath, heated towel rails and splashes of texture was ready. Having since welcomed their first child – daughter Violet – into the family, the couple appreciate the transformation. “It’s a practical and elegant space that brings us joy every day,” says Lucy. Original room: An unused 3m x 4m bedroom in a Victorian home. Time frame: Three-and-a-half months from design to completion. Why the makeover? Homeowners Lucy and Ben wanted a stylish and practical central bathroom in keeping with the heritage property while reflecting their tastes.

The works: “The old bedroom had a very high ceiling, so we lowered it to make the room easier to heat, and also to set it apart from the adjoining bedrooms,” says designer Kat Siketa.

major changes: A clever nib wall was fitted on both sides of the solid brick room to conceal plumbing and provide shelving space.

Lessons learned: Look to the future. “We knew we were going to be starting a family very soon, so we made sure that the fixtures were kid-friendly,” says Lucy. “For instance, the basins had to be deep enough for small children to use without splashing water everywhere.”