Stickybeak of the Week: From Awkward Nook to Stylish Family Bathroom
A bathroom is added to an upstairs addition, adding form and functionality to the home of a young growing family
Karen Enis approached her friend and former colleague Kate Connors to help her transform the upstairs extension of her family home in the Sydney suburb of Maroubra. One of the most important additions to the upstairs section of the house was the master bathroom. As the family bathroom, it required careful considerations to ensure it met both Enis’ aesthetic expectations, and the functionality necessary for her young family. The result is a clean and contemporary design combining concrete, subway tiles and veneered timber as its core materials.
Houzz at a Glance
Who lives here: Karen Enis, her partner, baby Molly and black labrador Dozer
Where is it: Maroubra Beach, Sydney, NSW
Size: 6.3 square metres
Houzz at a Glance
Who lives here: Karen Enis, her partner, baby Molly and black labrador Dozer
Where is it: Maroubra Beach, Sydney, NSW
Size: 6.3 square metres
The home was originally built in 1893. An extension was added downstairs in the 1920s, followed by a second storey in 1979. As it hadn’t been touched since, this entire level was in need of a complete overhaul. The bathroom was originally a small cavity in the wall, which the design team transformed into a 6.3 square metre room. Connors was in charge of all the finishes, fixtures, fittings and space planning.
Stool: Totem Road
Stool: Totem Road
The wooden vanity is American oak veneer and creates warmth in an otherwise restrained palette of greys and whites.
The use of concrete-look finishes in the bathroom was something Enis and her partner discussed with Connors from the inception of the project. “It was on the table from our very first conversation (over a beer at an Australia Day barbecue if I remember correctly!) Joel (Enis’ partner) was experimenting with making his own furniture from cast concrete, and we were all pretty excited about the possibilities of incorporating concrete into the scheme,” says Connors. The tiling, walls and benchtop each have this desired look.
Raw concrete benchtops: Caesarstone
The use of concrete-look finishes in the bathroom was something Enis and her partner discussed with Connors from the inception of the project. “It was on the table from our very first conversation (over a beer at an Australia Day barbecue if I remember correctly!) Joel (Enis’ partner) was experimenting with making his own furniture from cast concrete, and we were all pretty excited about the possibilities of incorporating concrete into the scheme,” says Connors. The tiling, walls and benchtop each have this desired look.
Raw concrete benchtops: Caesarstone
The hand-cut subway tiles were set in place with charcoal grout, which Connors says is to play up the wobbly lines. She also designed a small shelf on the wall of the bath so that items could be placed here. She reversed the direction of the subway tile from brick layered to vertical, in order to make a feature of it. The size and functionality of the bathtub is perfect for bath times with baby Molly.
Mirrored cabinetry provides the family with extra storage space, and the light from the horizontal window bounces off this reflection. A toilet was also added to the room, with the toilet roll dispenser attached to the vanity.
Black tapware: Astra Walker
Black tapware: Astra Walker
“We discussed adding quirky/handmade elements, creating a space which, like it’s owners, is a bit playful,” says Connors. One of these elements include the Mutto dots on the wall, which are a more casual alternative to the traditional towel rail.
Enis and Connors are very happy with the final product, but most of all, they were both thrilled they were able to work together again. “Karen is a close friend and an esteemed graphic designer, and we have enjoyed collaborating and working together in the past, but it was really gratifying to work with her on her own home,” says Connors.
TELL US
What do you think of this small but functional bathroom? Let us know in the Comments section.
Enis and Connors are very happy with the final product, but most of all, they were both thrilled they were able to work together again. “Karen is a close friend and an esteemed graphic designer, and we have enjoyed collaborating and working together in the past, but it was really gratifying to work with her on her own home,” says Connors.
TELL US
What do you think of this small but functional bathroom? Let us know in the Comments section.
So when Enis moved into her family home in Maroubra, there was no doubt in her mind who was going to help with the interior design and fitouts. Enis’ partner was also very hands-on, along with his father who is a master builder. The entire renovation began in September 2014 and finished in April 2015.