H&G Top 50 Rooms 2018: Bathrooms and laundries (2024)

‘View master’ by Christopher Elliott Design: From the outset, it was agreed that the view should inform the design of this Melbourne bathroom, so interior designer Christopher Elliott worked closely with landscape designer Nathan Burkett. “Mature trees were planted and will provide privacy and a lovely lush outlook as they grow,” says Christopher. “We maximised the view with a generous window and a simple roller blind for privacy.” The bathroom’s large-format limestone tiles flow right through the home’s ground floor. “I wanted the fittings and fixtures to be simple and subtle, and to evoke a sense of serenity,” he says. “My view is that bathrooms don’t require bling.” Photo: Jack Lovel

‘Hidden gem’ by Mikayla Rose of Heartly: The owners of this Melbourne apartment engaged Mikayla Rose of Heartly to fashion a laundry from the confined space next to their dining area and entrance. Mikayla fulfilled the mission with aplomb, altering the existing layout to create a fully equipped wet zone of surprisingly generous proportions. “The laundry is super-functional, with a large work surface and ample storage, yet it’s also discreetly positioned and completely concealed when not in use,” say the owners. When the concertina doors are closed, it blends seamlessly into the wall. Inside, laminate cabinets provide an earthy visual framework that teams effortlessly with the rugged nature of the concrete ceiling. Photo: Martina Gemmola

‘Practically perfect’ by Woods & Warner: The arrival of a baby helped inspire the design of this fabulous bathroom, part of a new build. The family wanted a generous extra amenity, for the little one’s eventual baths and to use as the main bathroom when guests come to stay. “Palm Springs contemporary” was the brief to Sonia Warner and Jacinta Woods. Teal and white mosaic tiles, a speckled grey Corian vanity, black light fixtures and tapware, and handsome glass-panelled doors deliver on the brief, with plenty of storage to keep clutter at bay. The owners, Mark and Jacinta, are rapt, saying, “It’s practical and relaxing, with lots of storage and plenty of flair.” Photo: Simon Whitbread

‘Labour of love’ by Lydia Maskiell Interior Collection: It’s hard to believe this bright and spacious laundry in Launceston was once a poky bathroom at the end of a gloomy corridor. An efficient galley layout accommodates integrated appliances and oodles of storage for linen and laundry essentials, while the new glass-panelled back door draws in natural light. The finishes are easy-care: Laminex cabinetry in eye-catching Dulux Submerge, an Essastone benchtop and Tasmanian oak for the open shelves and a handy bench seat. Direct access to the garden means the laundry can double as a mudroom – a bonus for the owners, Shane and Lydia, who have a young child. Photo: Anjie Blair

‘Material world’ by Madeleine Blanchfield Architects: The tying together of old and new elements in an elegant fashion makes magic in this guest bathroom in a Queen Anne-style Sydney home. Architect Madeleine Blanchfield worked hard to design a space that would fit like a glove as part of a huge renovation. Here, she has made splendid use of robust, deluxe materials, including marble, steel and, just out of sight, timber flooring. A custom-designed mirror in a fine steel frame, suspended in front of the textured-glass window, reflects the original door and adds depth and geometry to the room as it is viewed from the hallway. There’s a sense of geometric majesty throughout this space: everything is in proportion and finely balanced, with the subtle gleam of brass finishes. In short, it’s a room that sings. Photo: Prue Ruscoe

‘Balancing act’ by Decus Interiors: The starting point for this serene Sydney bathroom was an unusual one: the Art Nouveau-style aged-brass tapware and towel rack. It melded the homeowners’ respective desires for, on the one hand, traditional detailing and a soft colour palette and, on the other, an industrial edge. Designer Alexandra Donohoe Church dressed the room with masculine joinery and floor tiles balanced with touches of femininity in the glorious mother-of-pearl mosaics and pink suede stool. The curves of the bath, vanity and mirror and the use of marble are perfection. “I love how luxurious and textural the room is,” says happy owner Lucie. Photo: Prue Ruscoe

‘Stage presence’ by Coy Yiontis Architects: Designed for a Melbourne family’s teenage daughters, this bathroom has an out-of-the-box design. The physical limitations of the space inspired architect Rosa Coy to push the space out through an external wall; from outside it presents as a timber-clad box cantilevered over the garden. Inside, the layout is masterfully stage-managed. The plinth and dramatic marble wrap give the bath superstar status. Sun beams through the new skylight while understated tapware and a storage niche play supporting roles. The bath tray, made from an old cedar window, was a gift for the client from the project carpenter. Photo: Tatjana Plitt