The ultimate bathing experience comes by way of timeless design, flawless craftsmanship and a sense of luxury. Twelve beautiful bathroom designs that exude style.
1. (Above) Who? Tessa Proudfoot What? Eccentric elegance with European antiques. Why it works… A nickel tub and grey Carrara marble form a cool monochromatic base to which a French chandelier adds obvious glamour, while the Persian rug as a bath mat is offhand. ‘I love bathroom seating,’ says Proudfoot. ‘Also the shutters, which offer privacy, but also open to the view.’
2. (Below) Who? Craig Kaplan What? Deco drama on a grand scale. Why it works… Balance and composition is a big part of this room’s appeal — Kaplan has used curves and angles to harmonious effect. ‘It’s a long room so I created a procession toward the bath,’ he says. ‘The opulence I got through layering — mirror, marble, panelling and tiling — was important for that sense of ceremony.’
3. Who? Silvio Rech and Lesley Carstens What? A happy medium of modern African luxe and natural texture. Why it works… This open-plan bathroom’s crowning glory is a rammed-earth wall running its length. ‘The earth wall and the leadwood vanity ground the space and work well in contrast with the minimal lines of the architecture.’
4. Who? Monique Lion-Cachet What? Glamorous boudoir in gold and apricot. Why it works… The antithesis of hard and clinical, Lion-Cachet’s bathroom is über-decorated. ‘It’s more of a living room. I think the symmetry also gives it its sense of composure and continuity.’
5. Who? Maria Murillo Terre What? Polished Park Avenue-esque powder-room. Why it works… Murillo’s style signature — a mix of ladylike and up-to-the-minute — are apparent here. ‘I think what gives it its combination of sophisticated and cosy are the bespoke wallpaper, custom cabinetry and combination of patterned fabrics.’
6. Who? Tanya Sturgeon What? Moody Dutch nostalgia. Why it works… Sturgeon’s skill for using vintage pieces and talent for instilling atmosphere comes through in the details. ‘I love this bathroom because it’s beautiful as well as practical. The vanity (modified for plumbing), which has loads of storage, and pretty mirror give it a uniqueness. I also always enjoyed the dramatic light that floods in from the left.’
7. Who? Jacket Interiors What? Architecturally achieved bird’s-eye view. Why it works… Architect Don Alberts and Jacket Interiors created a space where the focus is ‘inside looking out; that feels private, yet open’. The interior works because it embraces its environment.
8. Who? Pezula Interiors and Dominic Touwen What? French-boho feminine. Why it works… The team softened the high volumes with blinds and art above eye level. ‘We used unique pieces to create a romantic and personal space,’ says Camilla Whiteman.
9. Who? Adèle Van Der Merwe and Sumari Krige What? Recycled chic — scaled-back and seamless. Why it works… Morukuru’s bush location lent itself to the use of natural and reclaimed materials — bark, linen, zinc, brick and wood. However, the design
duo interpreted these in a contemporary way, fusing rustic surfaces and minimal execution with ease. The industrial cool effect is nevertheless practical due to clever planning.
10. Who? David du Plessis What? Airy conservatory-cum-chateau setting. Why it works… Statement design is where du Plessis excels. This bathroom’s sheer scale and size — it is open plan so seems even bigger — make it a striking space. Add to that double tubs for couple’s bathing and over-scaled mirrors, and the effect is truly remarkable. The exposed brickwork adds ruggedness, complemented by lots of leafy plants.
11. Who? Stefan Antoni Olmesdahl Truen Architects (SAOTA) What? Minimal chic in an unusually shaped space. Why it works… A pale bathroom in lime-washed oak and marble by SAOTA has all of the firm’s signature slickness and its down-to-the-detail execution. ‘Well-planned lighting — recessed spots either side of the vanity and a striking chandelier — cover the bases of both ambient and feature lighting,’ says Stefan Antoni. Another clever feature are the screens either side of the mirror that slide open to reveal a view over the bedroom and to the sea.
12. Who? Michele Throssell What? Practical design with a modern Zen slant. Why it works… Throssell’s affinity for joinery, which she uses to great effect here, means her spaces are always pulled together. The screen was designed to make a graphic statement while dividing but linking the bathroom and bedroom, allowing light into the space. ‘I love the combination of organic and geometric elements — the leaves and flowers in the wallpaper contrast well with the screen,’ says Throssell.
