Photography: Nat Spada / Styling: Laura Rees
Over the past few years, colourful interiors have swept the internet and our homes, from unexpected red to unexpected blue and even butter yellow. But there’s one hue that is standing the test of time, in kitchens, lounge rooms and especially in bathrooms. That colour is green. From emerald, to mint and forest green, this colour can be calming or vibrant but it always has an organic appeal and plenty of natural beauty. That’s especially true of sage green, the hero colour in this bathroom.
Inside a sage green bathroom
In this sage green ensuite, situated in a new build in Sydney’s Lower North Shore, you can bathe and bask in nature simultaneously. Home to an executive couple with two young children, the owners wanted a bathroom that would serve as a relaxing retreat at night, but also a functional setting for their busy routines in the morning hours.
Naomi Nimmo, founder of interior design studio Naomi Nimmo Collective, was tasked with the job. “They wanted their ensuite to feel luxurious yet grounded and restful; a calm oasis, with plenty of natural light,” she shares. To achieve a balance of pretty and practical, Naomi divided the space with a nib wall, creating a wet zone for the shower. Beyond that, a Gareth Ashton bath, supplied by Just Bathroomware, takes pride of place beneath a large north-facing window.
What materials were used?
A skylight brightens the vanity and white accents, such as the textured ‘Piketto’ mosaic tiles in White Gloss from Surface Gallery and ‘Duomo Piccolo Stem’ sconce in Matte White from Nightworks Studio. Neutrals appear in the large ‘Pietra Sofia’ tiles from Surface Gallery, which cover the floor and walls, reaching up to the ceiling. The sage scheme is soothing, with an Emerald Green vanity top and splashback, and ‘Arch Green’ feature tiles, both from Styled In Stone. “We chose green to bring the outside in; the brass inlay creates depth and highlights the outline and shape of the fan design,” says Naomi.
While the materials are durable and the layout is functional, the renovation result is undeniably beautiful, with colours that evoke a sense of calm and stillness, especially hero colour sage. “The bathroom style is very day spa-like, epitomising luxury and relaxation,” says Naomi.
How to create height despite a sloped ceiling
“A two-metre vanity ensured plenty of storage, as well as recessed mirrored cabinets above, with power inside for keeping charged shavers and toothbrushes on hand,” shares Naomi. She also created a tall run of open shelves in Polytec Prime Oak, which is set into the vanity side of the new nib wall. “It’s perfect for keeping perfume bottles displayed and at easy reach,” says Naomi. A ledge beside the bathtub serves a similar function.
To create a spacious look despite the sloped ceiling, Naomi slightly reduced the height of the Polytec vanity in Prime Oak, which has slim Shaker profiles. She also opted for Studio Bagno undermount basins. These design decisions helped create a comfortable amount of space in between the mirrored cabinets and vanity top for the Faucet Strommen ‘Pegasi’ tapware in Brushed New Nickel.
Interior design: Naomi Nimmo Collective, nncollective.com.au
Joinery: MS Interiors, msinteriors.com.au
Source book
The Edit: Shop the sage green bathroom look
01
‘Imari’ speckle finger mosaic tiles in Gloss White
$12.50/sheet, ABI Interiors
These finger tiles are constructed from a highly durable porcelain that is resistant to stains and scratches. Inspired by Japanese tiles, they have a gloss finish that is sleek and modern. Each tile has a unique textured and speckled design, alongside a rectified edge, in neutral tones that suit any interior style. They are mounted on mesh sheets for easy installation and, unlike square tiles, these mosaics can wrap around curved walls. Dimensions are 29.3cm (H) x 28.7cm (W) x 0.7cm (D). You need 12 sheets per square metre.
02
‘Elysian’ minimal mixer & spout set in Brushed Nickel
$244.80 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 (or are a little commitment-phobic). That being said, the Brushed Nickel finish on this tapware is absolutely timeless and well worth investing in.
03
‘Odelia’ solid surface freestanding bath in Matte White
$4,499.90/180cm, ABI Interiors
A freestanding bathtub is a highly coveted bathroom fixture. As well as serving a functional use, freestanding bathtubs can act as a decorative centrepiece in your bathroom. ABI Interior’s ‘Odelia’ bath in Matte White has a beautiful and gently curved oval shape, perfect for spending hours luxuriating in. It is large enough to fit two people and has a capacity of 375 litres. Dimensions are 180cm (L) x 80cm (W) x 60cm (H).
04
‘Aria’ towel collection in Sand
$27.99 (was $39.99), Linen House
The ‘Aria’ towel collection comes with a bath towel, hand towel and fash washer, with the option to add on a bath sheet ($34.99, was $49.99) and bath mat ($27.99, was $39.99). These towels are made from 550GSM cotton bamboo (while the bath mat is 800GSM), with stylish and delicate fringing at either end of the towel. This range also has antimicrobial properties, making it a favourable option for allergy sufferers.
05
‘Marin’ porcelain mosaic tiles in Gloss Green
$125/sqm or $80/pack, Temple & Webster
One of the most striking and beautiful aspects of Naomi Nimmo’s sage green bathroom is the feature wall of arched green tiles. These porcelain tiles have a fan shape to help you recreate that look, reminiscent of art deco style. The tiles are available in Black, Pastel Pink, Water Green, Denim Blue, Reef Green and White. There are nine mosaic tiles per pack with dimensions of 25.9cm (H) x 27.3cm (W) x 0.7cm (D).
06
Wooden sisal bath brush
$9.95, Pillow Talk
Body brushes have seen a striking raise in popularity in recent years, as dry brushing has taken the internet by storm. The aim is to gently rub the brush along your skin before showering. This removes dead skin cells and exfoliates your body. This brush was made from natural bristles with an ergonomic wooden handle. Even if dry brushing isn’t your thing, these small wooden brushes serve as a stylish accessory in any bathroom.
07
Urban Nature Culture ‘Sculptural’ side table in Natural
$420, Trit House
A side table is the perfect accessory to a freestanding bath. It provides you with somewhere to place a glass of wine, good book or small plate of nibbles. This striking silhouette is inspired by diabolos and hourglasses. It’s at once geometric and balanced. The side table is handmade in Portugal, using ceramic as the source material. It has a high gloss finish and the dimensions are 30cm (W) x 30cm (D) x 35cm (H).
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