This project reimagines a standard Queenslander bathroom into a refined, highly functional retreat tailored for a busy family. The original U-shaped layout, comprised of a vanity, bath under the window, enclosed shower, and exposed toilet, was both visually disjointed and spatially inefficient. Through careful planning, the design shifts to a linear, gallery-style arrangement that improves circulation, enhances usability, and creates a more intentional spatial sequence. A key architectural move involved realigning the entry door with the hallway, eliminating an awkward vestibule and unlocking valuable internal space. This allowed for improved flow on entry, integrated heated towel rails, and a clearer visual axis through to a new shower window, which now anchors the room with natural light and a sense of calm.
Materiality plays a central role in shaping the experience of the space, drawing on a palette of warm neutrals and layered textures to reflect a contemporary take on a traditional Queenslander. Handmade-style off-white zellige tiles bring softness and variation to the walls, paired with a terrazzo-look porcelain floor and a restrained, sandstone-textured tile wrapping the built-in bath and adjacent wall. The repositioned bath becomes both a functional and spatial divider, subtly screening the toilet while incorporating a concealed laundry chute and integrated ledge for everyday use.
A fluted ADP vanity with softened edges introduces gentle curves to guide movement, complemented by chrome fittings that keep the overall expression timeless and understated. Lighting is carefully orchestrated throughout, featuring Robert Gordon wall sconces in Saltbush, concealed LED strip lighting, sensor-activated night lighting, and directional task lighting to create a layered and responsive environment. The result is a bathroom that balances practicality with atmosphere, delivering a calm, textural, and quietly elevated daily experience.
