How to add character and warmth to a new bathroom

Most people would assume this bathroom was part of a heritage home, but you’d be incorrect. Located in Sydney’s Maroubra, it’s actually part of a new build that manages to cleverly dance the line between modern and traditional. No mean feat!

“The owners love modern country, industrial, nautical as well as landscape elements so it was a very mixed brief. One of the design challenges was in paring things back but still giving the owners a home that had a strong sense of self,” says Randwick-based architect Sharon Campbell.

A mix of traditional and modern elements, the standout is the statement green textured subway tile from Amalfi. “You see them in pubs! But instead of doing a plain brick stack we did vertical, then stacked and then a traditional brick pattern to dado height,” says Sharon of the textured tiles that echo the face brick that appears elsewhere in the home. And while that tile design cost more to lay, it’s one of Sharon’s favourite parts of the space. “I love how it feels old world yet contemporary.”

The bathroom features Astra Walker brass tapware

Sharon Campbell — Reclaimed brick lines the nearby hallway. The brass wall sconce is from Creative Lighting Solutions.

Paired with the green tile, an eye-catching Zinnia palm wallpaper from Natty and Polly was chosen to reflect the owner’s love of plants and greenery. “It’s also a bit retro and has a 70s and resort feel. I think it gives the room a nostalgic, luxurious feel and it feels a bit like you’re in a holiday home,” says Sharon. The wallpaper was also a cost-effective way of adding another big feature to the space. “When it comes to bang for buck, the wallpaper has real presence and didn’t cost that much,” says Sharon.

Brass Astra Walker taps and Kethy handles are another highlight. “But while they are brass, luxe and traditional, the clean lines make them modern,” says Sharon. The custom vanity features black shaker joinery and a Corian benchtop while the floor is tiled in hexagonal carrara marble tiles from Terra Nova. An operable skylight bathes the bathroom in light.

Overall, Sharon is very happy with the result and mostly because her client was thrilled. “I’m always most proud of giving the client something they’re happy with and they absolutely love it!”

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