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When a family of six returned to Sydney after a stint abroad in Hong Kong, they realized their former home was due for a much-needed upgrade. The late-19th-century space, which boasts million-dollar views of Sydney Harbour, had become lackluster inside; the 1980s-era renovations were in dire need of a facelift.
The first order of business: the master bathroom. The room’s small footprint and awkward angles could easily have deterred anyone, but interior designer Lynne Bradley was up for the challenge. “It was imperative to maximize the illusion of space and work with the architecture, not against it,” she explains. On the wish list: a functional space that could accommodate two people and details that paid homage to the the historic neighborhood of Kirribilli, where the house is located.
To maximize storage and square footage, she designed a custom double vanity and added plenty of shelving, hooks, and towel bars. But the transformation really took place in the standout finishes she chose: a pink pavé marble wall that resembles terrazzo, Kit Kat tiling, blush penny-round tiles, and rosé-colored bathroom sinks. Here’s how Bradley got it done.
Tackle a Tiny Room With a Maritime Eye
Because of its petite size, Bradley approached the layout as she would a ship’s cabin. “The previous en suite was completely demolished,” she says. “My clients wanted a double vanity so that they could be comfortable in the bathroom together, with ample space and a sense of personality and style.” To maximize storage, she designed a wall-hung four-drawer vanity and added multiple shower shelves and hooks.
Dial Up the Luxe Factor With Elegant Contrasts
For Bradley, the most important facets of a bathroom renovation are quality finishes. That includes statement tiles, great lighting, beautiful mirrors, and, most important, heated floors. “I combined a variety of surfaces, colors, and textures to create interest,” she explains. For example, black and white geometric hard lines against the soft, organic nature of the pink marble tiles. The charcoal-hued custom vanity is also softened with a white Corian countertop and aged brass fixtures—it’s all a balancing act.
Draw Inspiration From Your Neighborhood
The color palette in the room was no accident, either. The rose-hued sandstone foundation blocks of the property inspired the design. “I wanted to infer the historical maritime link and proximity to the harbor through color,” says Bradley. “The pink also represents the blush froth of the ocean’s waves, and can be seen on public benches and handrails throughout the Kirribilli neighborhood. It anchors the home to its surroundings.” Blush-colored tiles and bubblegum pink sinks may not be for everyone, but for this family it’s the palette that brings them a sense of comfort.
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