Our clients are a retired couple always on the go. They especially enjoy frequent travel and love the high quality ‘spa’ experience of the accommodations. This renovation sought to give them this experience at home as well.

The bathroom was dated in its design and its finishes. Situated in an older high rise condo created challenges for the new design; the location of plumbing items are not possible to significantly relocate in a slab, and the slab has the unique feature of hydronic heating. Fastening to the floor was impossible (except adhesives).

The critical client requirements for the project were:
- 2 sinks and good counter space.
- Large ‘spa’ shower with multiple shower systems.
- Efficient storage.
- Towel, toiletry storage and room for luggage for two.
- High quality fixtures and finishes.

Our design responded to these requirements with unique solutions and very careful attention to detail.

The new vanity was designed as a floating ‘element’ and used horizontal grain matched cabinets. This ‘horizontal’ theme would repeat in other parts of the bath. Sinks were sized to maximise counter space and faucets were wall mounted. Cabinets were all drawers with special cut-outs to allow for plumbing. The entire vanity element is surrounded by quartz wall paneling on the sides, top and bottom. A ‘floating’ mirror with lighting below completes the scale of this element.

The shower design called for the removal of the old tub in favour of an over-sized ‘spa’ shower. This ‘transparent’ tall element was balanced by the new tall storage cabinet. The shower was sized to accommodate the existing plumbing in the slab and would connect to the new linear drain. At 44” x 90” the new shower had a very linear quality to it. There is a linear niche for shower toiletries. The volume control is conveniently located in arms reach of the door instead of under the shower head. The ‘floating’ bench, is clad in quartz. The quartz was carefully planned to create a separation of the shower element from the vanity element, by using it vertically to finish tiles.

The old dingy shower was removed and replaced with an extra deep tall cabinet, featuring internal drawers and luggage storage.

Materials selected were primarily white and contrasted with walnut cabinets for warmth. Marble has always been a hallmark of luxury in bathrooms but has a bad reputation for maintenance. We selected a very good ‘marble’ porcelain tile, installed in a stacked pattern for contemporary character. The floor is Herringbone Carrara Marble.

The room has 3 lighting options all controlled by unique light switches with chromed edges. Attention to detail are also found in:
- Side of floating mirror, finished in cabinet material.
- Room base to match shower curb tile.
- Tall cabinet flush kick.
- Horizontal grain matched cabinets.
- Handle free cabinet using ‘push’ latches or push drawers.
- Under mirror lights, switched below.
- Vanity outlet under mirror.

The renovation was very successful, they really love the luxe character and how they feel using the space. It is so nice, they are travelling a bit less for now.