Creating a beautiful, functional bathroom in a compact space is no easy feat. Yet it’s exactly what Kitty Lee from Kitty Lee Architecture achieved in this green grid bathroom.
Inspired by Japanese design, this clever new addition to a freestanding garage and studio space was designed with precision, purpose and plenty of personality. Let’s check it out.
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This bathroom project required careful consideration and a clever layout to work within some tight constraints.
“This project was a challenge because of council guidelines. It is part of a new freestanding garage/studio building at the back of the house, with direct access to a rear laneway,” Kitty explains.
“There are strict guidelines for laneway developments in a heritage conservation area. We were limited in the size and height of the studio so to maximise the studio space, the bathroom is located over the entry. The biggest challenge was achieving a full size shower while still allowing enough head room over the staircase.
“We used the sloped ceiling to our advantage. The toilet is located at the lowest point in the room and the shower is at the tallest. The added skylight above the shower also helps with the perception of extra height.
With height, wall, and ceiling restrictions tightly defined, every centimetre had to be carefully considered.
“I was inspired by the small bathrooms of Japanese boutique hotels. Highly efficient with a minimal and classic aesthetic. Every element has a purpose, yet the overall feeling is still beautiful and considered.”
The standout feature is, without a doubt, the gorgeous green grid tiles.
“I wanted to use a traditional Japanese square mosaic where the consistency in colour and size creates a seamless, almost endless surface,” Kitty says.
“Small tiles are perfect for small bathrooms. Not only do they make the space appear larger, but they also make it easier to neatly achieve the necessary falls for drainage.
“I chose tiles in sage green because of its calming and serene quality.
I love that the sage green colour completely encompasses the space. Even the ceiling is painted to match. It feels like being wrapped in serenity.
The green grid bathroom may be small in size, but it still manages to fit in some storage through thoughtful planning.
“There is a semi-recessed mirrored cabinet as well as a custom timber shelf for everyday items,” Kitty says.
“The timber adds contrast and warmth. In the shower, there is a recessed niche for bottles and soap. We also included a ledge above the toilet cistern. It’s the perfect place for a plant!”
Credits
Architecture and interiors — Kitty Lee Architecture
Builder — Geometric Construction
Photography — Nat Spada Photography
Stylist — Tilly Roberts
What a masterclass in compact design! We love the thoughtful planning and transformative power of colour this green grid bathroom showcases. Thank you so much to Kitty for showing us around.
You can discover more inspirational projects from Kitty Lee Architecture on their website or follow them on Instagram.
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