Bathroom renovation: Matt Magic
Pale and shiny was not on the radar for this bathroom. Instead, it took a leap of faith into the dark.
Concrete connection
Custom-made in a charcoal-coloured resin and composite stone from Natural Stone Bath Factory, the concrete-look bath and matching vanity top with integrated moulded basins work in perfect harmony.
Wonder wall
The striking blue-tiled wall introduces much more than an enchanting burst of colour to the ensuite. “It serves three key purposes – privacy for the shower, space for storage recesses on either side, and it also means you don’t have to have a shower screen,” says the bathroom's designer Carmel Wylie of GIA Bathrooms & Kitchens.
"People rarely opt for dark bathrooms, but they can be so relaxing and the ideal space for downtime at the end of the day."
Carme Wylie
Palette with punch
Hexagonal ‘Esagono Nero’ 266mm x 230mm tiles in Charcoal from GIA Bathrooms & Kitchens line the shower, while GIA’s own 600mm x 300mm tiles in Modern Grey anchor the floor. The ‘Blue Sunflower’ 100mm x 100mm tiles from Jatana Interiors on the dividing wall create even more drama.
Mood lighting
An existing skylight invites dappled natural light into the bathroom, while integrated sensor lights under the mirror cabinet illuminate the vanity when the sun goes down.
"Open your mind to a dark bathroom, especially if the room is already a little dark. It can be more effective to play on that and create a moody space to take time out in. Not all of the house needs to be white.”
Carmel Wylie
Natural ambience
Custom-made by Antic Cabinet Makers in New Age Veneers’ ‘Navurban’ veneer in Abbeywood, the bathroom’s timber-look vanity cabinet and mirror frame work a treat with the raw aesthetic. “I drew inspiration from retreats and day spa treatment rooms, which are always low-lit with natural stone and timber elements,” says Carmel.
Into the dark
The simplicity and stark beauty of Mizu’s ‘Bloc’ matt black tapware from Reece, with a custom-made backing plate for the bath – is noteworthy. “The black is grounding and doesn’t play a big role in the space, which chrome tapware would have done,” says Carmel.
Clean living
Keeping this bathroom fresh and sparkling has turned out to be a breeze. “It’s easy to clean as there’s no shower screen, there’s an all-in-one basin and benchtop with wall-mounted basin mixers and the grout is dark,” says Carmel. “Run a towel across the benchtop and in one wipe you’re done.”
Bathroom details
Designer: Carmel Wylie, GIA Bathrooms & Kitchens,1300 442 736.
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