Derby Street
Residential Fitout | Bathroom Renovation | Northcote
Before
After
Project Brief
DAME Build completed a thoughtfully executed home renovation on Derby Street. This project encompassed the transformation of two bathrooms and the installation of a custom built-in wardrobe, with a particular focus on enhancing the ensuite to create a more spacious and luxurious retreat. A unique feature of the renovation is the integration of a concealed door within the built-in wardrobe, leading to a beautifully designed ensuite, a true hidden gem within the home. The renovation demanded a high level of craftsmanship and attention to detail, incorporating structural beams and precise engineering to bring the design vision to life. The main bathroom was designed to serve both young children and guests, with an emphasis on functionality, comfort, and style. Thanks to abundant natural light and elevated ceilings, the space was transformed into an inviting and refined environment, blending practicality with a sense of understated elegance.
Client Brief
The client's brief was to modernise and elevate both bathrooms by introducing a calming and cohesive aesthetic throughout the home. The design intent was to create elegant, tranquil spaces through the use of natural materials, including timber vanities and open wooden shelving, complemented by touches of greenery to enhance warmth and serenity. A key priority for the clients was the inclusion of practical storage solutions. To address this, high-quality LED shaving cabinets were installed in both bathrooms, offering both illumination and ample storage to support a streamlined morning routine. The overall goal was to craft spaces that are refined, inviting, and well-suited to the demands of a busy lifestyle, balancing functionality with sophisticated design.
Design Stage
The project commenced with site measurements and detailed plans for both bathrooms, with particular attention given to the ensuite. While an existing ensuite was already in place, its size was insufficient to meet the clients' needs. To address this, the original walk-in wardrobe was removed, allowing the ensuite to be extended into the adjoining space. This thoughtful reconfiguration maintained ample room within the bedroom, enabling the installation of a custom built-in wardrobe that features a concealed door providing seamless access to the ensuite, enhancing both functionality and aesthetic continuity. The main bathroom presented a more straightforward layout, with the primary design request being the creation of a designated ‘wet area’ that would incorporate both the bathtub and shower within the same zone. A series of showroom consultations were undertaken to carefully select tiles, vanities, shaving cabinets, and tapware. As selections were finalized, the vision for both bathrooms began to materialize, transforming the plans into beautifully crafted and cohesive spaces.
Main Bathroom Renovation
The design intent for the main bathroom was to create a space that maximised its footprint while offering both practicality and visual appeal. High ceilings were emphasised to enhance the sense of openness, and a larger window was installed to flood the room with natural light. A key feature of the design was the incorporation of a dedicated ‘wet area,’ where both the bathtub and shower were positioned within the same zone. This layout was chosen for its practicality, particularly as the bathroom is used by young children and guests. An in-wall toilet system by Geberit was installed to achieve a clean, streamlined appearance against the large tiles, reinforcing the room’s minimalist and elegant aesthetic. To introduce warmth and texture, a timber-look fluted vanity with a curved design was selected as a striking statement piece. An LED shaving cabinet was also installed to optimize storage and provide additional lighting functionality. A seamlessly integrated LED strip light was added within the shower niche, enhancing the overall sense of luxury. Gunmetal tapware was chosen to complement the space, offering a refined contrast with a sophisticated, contemporary look.
Master Ensuite and Built-In Wardrobe Renovation
The design vision for the ensuite was to create a private, enclosed retreat, an unexpected and elegant space discreetly concealed within the bedroom. Following structural modifications, including the relocation of walls and the installation of support beams, a custom built-in wardrobe was constructed to sit in front of the ensuite. A flush, concealed door was seamlessly integrated into the wardrobe design, providing discreet access to the space and enhancing the overall sense of sophistication and surprise. To maintain cohesion with the main bathroom, the same high-quality materials and finishes were used throughout. A larger version of the curved, fluted timber-look vanity was installed, serving as both a functional and visually striking element. This was complemented by a generously sized LED shaving cabinet, contributing to ample and thoughtfully designed storage. Gunmetal tapware was selected to harmonize with the overall aesthetic, echoing the finishes used in the main bathroom and enhancing the moody, contemporary ambiance. Large-format 600 x 600 mm tiles were used throughout the space, reinforcing a sense of scale and continuity. A new window was added to increase natural light, while a recessed shower niche with integrated LED strip lighting further elevated the sense of luxury and attention to detail.
