Image - Rock the Shack by S. Ehmann and S. Borges

Karen McCartney writes about the latest bathroom looks, and why they won't work in her 1960s home.

As part of the research for my ‘Iconic Australian Houses’ books, spanning the 1950s to 2000, I noted the significant shift in the way we use space in our homes. Back then, when floor plans were restricted in dimension due to the scarcity of building materials post-war, the majority of space was devoted to communal living and dining space, while bedrooms and bathrooms tended towards the small and functional. Over the decades bathrooms have crept up in size and now, in many instances, achieve spa-like proportions. With this increase comes a weight of decorative responsibility and due to the expense of renovations we now worry about such things as whether bench top basins are so last year and if brass is the new chrome (it is!).

The management of light in this long lean bathroom allows for shafts of sunlight to illuminate the space. The transition to pebbles by the exterior wall enhances the connection with the outdoors. Image - Sebastian Zachariah for Architecture Brio.

So what are the trends that, paradoxically, will give you decorative longevity? I am an unequivocal fan of the restricted palette, whatever that palette should be. Three key trends are as follows: Firstly, concrete, brass and timber, which embody a raw modernity that is about restraint (the concrete and timber stool) and luxury (generous brass fittings and a heated towel rail).

The combination of patterned tiles, a rustic exterior and elegant outdoor bath speaks of romanticism
and quiet luxury. Image - Morten Holtum

Secondly there is a version of ‘smart country’ which works best with a monochromatic palette that includes black and white patterned cement tiles on the floor and butcher’s tiles on vertical surfaces, black tapware and a generous freestanding bath that is vintage in shape and brand new in enamel.

While a neutral palette and sweeping form of a contemporary bath are seductive it is the natural beauty and form of the Japanese plant with its perfectly imperfect contortion and burst of colour that make this bathroom extraordinary. Image - @jebigadesign

The third option is a more luxe affair. Think mosaic gold tiles in a bold geometric pattern, Carrera marble and a bath that has the organic curves of a sculpture. Mirrors with a bit of attitude and wall scones, that have a ‘dim’ function add to the visible flamboyance of this look, gleaned from upmarket hotels.

Chateau chic indeed. Surely this is the most charming position for a freestanding bath - dusty pink in tone behind matching curtains, tucked away in a corner of a large French bedroom. Image via Pinterest (source unknown).

But as I am one of those people living in a 1960s house with small, functional bathrooms I will have to comfort myself with new accessories and I have a plan to edit out all towels that are not quite up to par and replace with a new set – possibly bamboo, possibly grey.

And rest assured there is still mileage in the surface mounted basin - but looking at the trends, it should be square and very possibly black.

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