BATHED IN LIGHT

A DARK AND MOULDY BATHROOM WAS GUTTED AND REIMAGINED AS A LUXURIOUSLY DECADENT ENSUITE

“I LOVE THE LARGE FORMAT WALL TILES WHICH LOOK SEAMLESS AND CONTEMPORARY” - SALLY WILKINS, INTERIOR DESIGNER

When Ana and Ben bought their dated 1980s home in the NSW Southern Highlands, they knew years of renovating would ensue. “We could see potential, but it needed a complete revamp,” explains Ana. Staging the project over five years, the final room to tackle was the ensuite, which, she says, was just too awful to even use. With visions of a chic retreat, interior designer Sally Wilkins created the space the couple longed for. Serene and fresh with giant slabs of marble, abundant natural light, storage, twin sinks and a cast-stone bath tub, Ana reflects that good things come to those who wait. “We’ve gone from having an ensuite we couldn’t bear to go in, to a luxurious space which is a joy to use every day,” she says.

Original room: A 1980s mouldy, leaky bathroom in a complete

state of disrepair.

Time frame: Three months from design to completion.

Why the makeover? “The space was just awful,” says Ana. “The cabinets were all water damaged, the pipes leaked, the ceiling was black with mould, we just couldn’t use it.”

The works: Everything was removed from the existing space to make way for new finishes, lighting and bespoke cabinetry. An existing window was also closed up and a new skylight installed to enhance natural light.

Major changes: The space is now light, bright and functional with the addition of a double vanity, abundant storage and the luxury of under-floor heating. The toilet is now semi-concealed and a generous freestanding bath was added.

Lessons learned: “Don’t be afraid to get rid of a window,” says Ana. “Removing it meant we could have the layout we wanted and the new skylight means the room gets more natural light than ever.”