DESKTOP

MOBILE

Designed by: Natalie du Bois, Du Bois Design

Photography by: John Williams

The renovation of this upstairs bathroom serves as a dedicated bathroom for one, within a century-old home.

Owner’s wish list & design challenges

  • Retain and restore the original rimu timber wall panelling and dado rail.
  • Maximise benchtop surface area, ensuring no sharp edges.
  • Highlight bespoke craftsmanship reflective of the home’s historic character.
  • Incorporate polished brass fixtures and fittings of superior quality.
  • Address limited subfloor space to avoid a raised lip in the shower area.
  • Maintain original plumbing positions to minimise structural changes.
  • Include undermounted basins for a seamless, sophisticated finish.
A round mirror reminiscent of a porthole bounces natural light through the room.
A round mirror reminiscent of a porthole bounces natural light through the room.

Design statement

Sustainability and historic integrity are thoughtfully woven into every aspect of this bathroom renovation.

The original rimu timber wall panelling, carefully retained and restored, honours the home’s heritage and significantly reduces material waste.

Meticulous detailing ensures the vanity height perfectly aligns with a full-height subway tile, offering harmonious visual continuity.

Upmarket polished gold heated towel rails – positioned strategically on each side of the bathroom – enhance functionality and comfort.

The 22-carat gold Dornbracht tapware was selected not only for its luxurious aesthetic but also for its exceptional longevity.

The crafted wall-hung cabinetry follows the curvaceous cue of the sculpted vanity benchtop.
The crafted cabinetry follows the curvaceous cue of the sculpted vanity benchtop.

The refined taps pair effortlessly with the navy subway tiles and intricately patterned floor tiles, evoking a refined maritime elegance.

At the heart of the design lies the bespoke curved vanity, and double-rounded benchtop edging – a playful nod to nautical craftsmanship,” says Natalie du Bois, Du Bois Design.

Striking natural stone surfaces showcasing bold gold and black veining infuse drama and luxury, fostering an atmosphere of sophisticated adventure.

The floor and shower area feature individually laid 150 x 150 mm Portuguese patterned tiles, arranged to create visual interest and offer a balanced harmony with the room’s dimensions.

Thoughtful detailing addressed the limited subfloor depth, cleverly incorporating a subtly raised shower base to ensure adequate drainage without creating an inconvenient step-up.

The double bench edging on the wall-mounted vanity calls to mind skilled nautical joinery detailing.
The double bench edging calls to mind skilled nautical joinery detailing.

Half-height navy blue subway tiles complement the richness of the timber above, gracefully meeting the restored original bullnose dado rail.

An oval bevelled-edge mirror, designed to tilt, optimises lighting and usability – this is paired with period-inspired Art Deco wall sconces for optimal looks and illumination.

The resulting bathroom combines practical solutions, superior craftsmanship, and characterful detailing, truly embodying the allure and sophistication one might expect in the quarters of a distinguished captain.

Find more design ideas and inspiration at trendsideas.com

Credit List

Designer
Natalie du Bois, Du Bois Design
Vanity cabinetry
Cabinetry Interiors NZ Panels; Marine Ply crown cut board 19mm American Oak; clear polyurethane – 20% gloss level
Cabinetry hardware
Blum Movento Tandembox; Bespoke Oak sides with dovetail joins – 20% Clear Lacquer
Benchtop
Quartzite Dark Star 20mm thick Slab Black and Gold Finish Leathered, by CDK
Basin
Metrix Alape – Round Undermounted – in Deep White
Taps/shower fittings
Metrix Dornbracht
Toilet
Metrix Duravit D-Neo Rimless Toilet suite, back to wall, White, with Hygiene glaze
Accessories
Metrix Dornbracht Via Robe hook; Via Toilet roll holder in Champagne (22kt Gold), polished
Ventilation
Newtech Shadowline Square diffuse; quiet flow exhaust kit
Lighting
Snelling Studio Compact sconce – brushed brass and moke glass
Blinds
Timber venetians
Wall tiles
Porcelanosa Touch Navy (75x300x8mm) Deep Blue/Navy – various textures, gloss
Wall coverings
Existing – restored rimu wall paneling
Power points
PDL Schneider metal plate power points and switches in brass
Flooring
Carmen Lisbon Elvas White, Lisbon Taco White, Lisbon Cenefa white and Lisbon White (150x150mm) White and Charcoal – various patterns
Underfloor heating
Warmup
Awards
Trends International Design Awards (TIDA) Bathrooms – Highly Commended

The renovation of this upstairs bathroom serves as a dedicated bathroom for one, within a century-old home.

Owner’s wish list & design challenges

  • Retain and restore the original rimu timber wall panelling and dado rail.
  • Maximise benchtop surface area, ensuring no sharp edges.
  • Highlight bespoke craftsmanship reflective of the home’s historic character.
  • Incorporate polished brass fixtures and fittings of superior quality.
  • Address limited subfloor space to avoid a raised lip in the shower area.
  • Maintain original plumbing positions to minimise structural changes.
  • Include undermounted basins for a seamless, sophisticated finish.
A round mirror reminiscent of a porthole bounces natural light through the room.
A round mirror reminiscent of a porthole bounces natural light through the room.

Design statement

Sustainability and historic integrity are thoughtfully woven into every aspect of this bathroom renovation.

The original rimu timber wall panelling, carefully retained and restored, honours the home’s heritage and significantly reduces material waste.

Meticulous detailing ensures the vanity height perfectly aligns with a full-height subway tile, offering harmonious visual continuity.

Upmarket polished gold heated towel rails – positioned strategically on each side of the bathroom – enhance functionality and comfort.

The 22-carat gold Dornbracht tapware was selected not only for its luxurious aesthetic but also for its exceptional longevity.

The crafted wall-hung cabinetry follows the curvaceous cue of the sculpted vanity benchtop.
The crafted cabinetry follows the curvaceous cue of the sculpted vanity benchtop.

The refined taps pair effortlessly with the navy subway tiles and intricately patterned floor tiles, evoking a refined maritime elegance.

At the heart of the design lies the bespoke curved vanity, and double-rounded benchtop edging – a playful nod to nautical craftsmanship,” says Natalie du Bois, Du Bois Design.

Striking natural stone surfaces showcasing bold gold and black veining infuse drama and luxury, fostering an atmosphere of sophisticated adventure.

The floor and shower area feature individually laid 150 x 150 mm Portuguese patterned tiles, arranged to create visual interest and offer a balanced harmony with the room’s dimensions.

Thoughtful detailing addressed the limited subfloor depth, cleverly incorporating a subtly raised shower base to ensure adequate drainage without creating an inconvenient step-up.

The double bench edging on the wall-mounted vanity calls to mind skilled nautical joinery detailing.
The double bench edging calls to mind skilled nautical joinery detailing.

Half-height navy blue subway tiles complement the richness of the timber above, gracefully meeting the restored original bullnose dado rail.

An oval bevelled-edge mirror, designed to tilt, optimises lighting and usability – this is paired with period-inspired Art Deco wall sconces for optimal looks and illumination.

The resulting bathroom combines practical solutions, superior craftsmanship, and characterful detailing, truly embodying the allure and sophistication one might expect in the quarters of a distinguished captain.

Find more design ideas and inspiration at trendsideas.com

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Credit List

Designer
Natalie du Bois, Du Bois Design
Vanity cabinetry
Cabinetry Interiors NZ Panels; Marine Ply crown cut board 19mm American Oak; clear polyurethane – 20% gloss level
Cabinetry hardware
Blum Movento Tandembox; Bespoke Oak sides with dovetail joins – 20% Clear Lacquer
Benchtop
Quartzite Dark Star 20mm thick Slab Black and Gold Finish Leathered, by CDK
Basin
Metrix Alape – Round Undermounted – in Deep White
Taps/shower fittings
Metrix Dornbracht
Toilet
Metrix Duravit D-Neo Rimless Toilet suite, back to wall, White, with Hygiene glaze
Accessories
Metrix Dornbracht Via Robe hook; Via Toilet roll holder in Champagne (22kt Gold), polished
Ventilation
Newtech Shadowline Square diffuse; quiet flow exhaust kit
Lighting
Snelling Studio Compact sconce – brushed brass and moke glass
Blinds
Timber venetians
Wall tiles
Porcelanosa Touch Navy (75x300x8mm) Deep Blue/Navy – various textures, gloss
Wall coverings
Existing – restored rimu wall paneling
Power points
PDL Schneider metal plate power points and switches in brass
Flooring
Carmen Lisbon Elvas White, Lisbon Taco White, Lisbon Cenefa white and Lisbon White (150x150mm) White and Charcoal – various patterns
Underfloor heating
Warmup
Awards
Trends International Design Awards (TIDA) Bathrooms – Highly Commended

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