Photography: Pablo Veiga
Tessellated tiles aren’t the only heritage feature to get a fresh and modern take in this bathroom in Sydney’s Inner West. Vibrant swathes of Dulux Soft Fresco coat the door, setting the tone for the colour and charm to come. With nods to the Federation architecture of the home alongside modern twists, the room’s style doesn’t belong to any singular decade – an intentional move from interior designer Brett Mickan.
The homeowners, a couple with two teenagers, wanted the space to belong in their period property, yet still feel modern. As such, “Fresh Federation” was Brett’s guide as he created the bathroom, originally a bedroom, from scratch.
Bathroom storage is maximised with a mirrored cabinet and vanity, both custom-made by Euro Kitchen Design. A sleek basin ensures there’s as much usable space as possible on the Elba White marble vanity top from Granite & Marble Works.
Flourishes of colour and pattern delight, with the vanity in Dulux Sage Monica and Roman blind featuring Jasper Fabrics ‘Malmaison’ in Fontaine from Coco’s Soft Furnishings. The owners adore the result. “They never thought a bathroom could be so colourful and functional at the same time,” says Brett.
“The owners didn’t want to recreate a period bathroom.”
Brett Mickan, interior designer
What are tessellated tiles?
Tessellated tiles feature a geometric pattern which then creates a larger pattern when laid together. They are especially popular in heritage homes and are often used on verandah flooring. In this bathroom, ‘Pattern Ischia’ floor tiles from The Art of Tiles were chosen as they are reminiscent of Federation-style tessellated tiles. The half-circle and quarter-circle pattern, in a fresh palette of green and white, creates a more modern approach to tessellated tiles.
Square tiles from The Art of Tiles are used elsewhere in the bathroom, with two thirds of the wall height clad with ‘Polo’ tiles in Gesso. Below this, a border of ‘Polo’ tiles in Turchese creates a skirting board-effect that bridges the walls and tessellated floor tiles. The uppermost third of the walls, including the room’s cornices and ceiling, is painted in fresh Dulux Lexicon Half.
How to blend traditional and modern styles
The modern open wet-room layout meets the brief for a separate shower and freestanding bath. The Caroma ‘Urbane II’ tub has a contemporary, oval shape that complements the Brodware ‘Yokato’ tapware and heated towel rail in Roma Bronze. Over time, the natural patina of the finish will create a sense of maturity well-suited to the 1900s home. On the joinery, ‘Sovereign’ knobs in Polished Gold and Crystal from Castella complete the heritage look.
Interior design: Brett Mickan Interior Design, bmid.com.au.
Source book
The Edit: Shop the timeless bathroom look
01
‘Alicante’ matte cushioned edge porcelain tiles in Eton
$89/sqm, The Blue Space
This range has all the old world charm of traditional tessellated tiles but all the modern practicalities of glazed porcelain. It is available in six different patterns and colour palettes but we love the pop of blue in ‘Eton’. It is suitable for application on walls and floors but has a high slip risk, so if you are using on floors then restrict these tiles to dry areas. The dimensions are 31.6cm x 31.6cm.
02
‘Elysian’ minimal mixer and spout set in Brushed Brass
$299.80, ABI Interiors
This tapware has an innovative and versatile secret. You can change the finish and handle style of your mixer and spout set after installation, without compromising on waterproofing and existing tiling. This is perfect for those of us who like to update our interiors frequently. That being said, we love how the modern form of the ‘Elysian’ mixer and spout set blends with the more traditional brushed brass finish.
03
Sanderson ‘Passion Vine’ fabric in Sage
$339/m, Wallpaper Direct
The ‘Passion Vine’ fabric is part of Sanderson’s ‘A Celebration of the National Trust’ collection. This range features botanical prints that are sure to transport you to the countryside. The composition of this fabric is 45% linen and 35% cotton, making this suitable for blinds, curtains and soft furnishings. The cream background with sage vine detailing introduces subtle and soft colour without overpowering the interiors.
04
Santa Maria Novella ‘Gelsomino’ eau de parfum
$449/100ml, Myer
Styling your bathroom vanity can be as simple as a chic soap dispenser and a fragrance in a gorgeously detailed bottle. This fragrance has top notes of bergamot, tangerine and pink pepper, with sambac jasmine and geranium, then cedarwood and musk in the base notes. It is at once floral, spicy and woody. The bottle itself, with a gold lid and golden detailing on the label, is beautiful.
05
Caroma ‘Urbane ll’ 1500 corner back-to-wall bath
$2,238 (was $2,797), The Blue Space
This is the modern bathtub that Brett Mickan chose for this Sydney bathroom. It has a modern design that combines the luxury of a freestanding bath with the practicalities and easy cleaning of an island bath. The design suits corner placements. This specific bath has the corner side on the right but this product is available with the corner on the left hand side as well. The material is high quality, durable acrylic and is stain resistant.
