TOUCH OF RAFFLES STYLE

Emily Long and her family lived in Singapore for seven years and, when she returned to New Zealand to this villa in Remuera in mid-2015, the home included a bathroom that reminded her of that time. “We lived in a colonial house that had black and white f loors in the utility areas,” she said.

Before she moved home, Emily worked via Skype and email with Nadia Sakey, aka The House Doctor (thehousedoctor.co.nz) on the bathroom makeover, which was inspired by her favourite hotel, Raffles, in Singapore. A poky bedroom was transformed into a light and lovely bathroom that included a wet area with a shower and roll-top bath behind industrial glass sliders. The original clawfoot bath was refurbished and classical tapware added. “I love the two shower heads,” says Emily.

The repurposed vanity began life as a timber dresser. The upper part was removed before it was spray-painted black and a marble top added. The finishing touch is an old poster from Raff les, framed and hung above the towel rail.

Achieved long-distance, the result is just what Emily wanted. “It’s not just perfunctory, it’s a really pretty space.”

ART DECO ACCENTS

The black and white floor in this bathroom is typical of art deco style – if you’re looking to add some art deco impact consider:

• A listello or border to add some decorative punch to the walls.

• A free-standing wooden vanity with turned legs and exposed plumbing.

• Framed vintage posters of the era (stylised images of cruise ships, skyscrapers and cars) are an appropriate and artful way to dress the space.

• Mirrors with the characteristic stepped or zigzag design and a bevelled edge are a good fit.

DETAILS

Vanity: Repurposed by Wayne Church of Neo Design and painted Aalto ‘Black Tie’. Carrara marble top and backsplash

Basin and tapware: Plumbline

Floor tiles: Caprice Nero Notte Taco and Caprice Bianco Octagonal from Tile Space. Seda black gloss borders the floor tiles

Wall tiles: Seda white gloss from Tile Space

Bath: Renovated by Great Baths and painted Aalto ‘Black Tie’

Lighting: Acid round pendant and wall lights from Firefly Light and Design

Accessories: LED round mirror from Plumbline

Sliding door: Made by Euroglass