Girly, Fun, and Functional
A Bathroom Transformation in Summer Hill
At INSIDESIGN, we love a project that allows us to blend practicality with personality. This recent bathroom renovation in Summer Hill was just that – a chance to create a space that's both beautiful and perfectly tailored to its young users.
And, a special plus, it earned us the win in KBDI Designer Awards 2025 in category Small Bathrooms, NSW!
Photography by Sam McAdam-Cooper
The Project Brief
Our clients, a family with two growing daughters, were looking to reconfigure the upstairs extension of their Federation cottage. This involved creating two separate bedrooms for the girls from the existing master suite. As part of this, the original master ensuite needed a complete overhaul.
The "before" bathroom was functional but lacked character. It didn't reflect the vibrant energy of a family with young children. Moreover, it presented some challenges:
- Thermal Inefficiency:
The existing louvre windows were causing the room to become uncomfortably hot in summer and cold in winter. - Layout Issues:
The layout had to be overhauled, because the door's placement needed to be changed to serve the new bedroom configuration.
Our Design Solution
Our design focused on creating a space that was both playful and practical, with clever solutions to maximize the available area.
- Zoning with vanities:
The new layout is anchored by two symmetrical, bespoke vanities. This design choice was key, as it establishes distinct personal zones within the shared bathroom. Each girl has her own dedicated space, fostering a sense of ownership while still promoting sharing. - Clever storage:
The vanities themselves are a highlight. They feature a unique curved drawer design that not only looks stylish but is a pretty cool design feature and maximises space. The curve provides a perfect spot for small storage, keeping everyday essentials within reach. We also incorporated hidden storage: a compartment for sanitary items or toilet paper in one vanity, and a niche for a toilet roll holder in the other. - Addressing Challenges:
We replaced the inefficient louvre windows with smaller, thermally efficient units of toughened glass. This, combined with a specialized waterproofing solution, allowed us to relocate the shower while meeting building code requirements. - Playful Aesthetics:
The colour palette and materials were carefully chosen to create a fun and engaging atmosphere. - Tiles:
Eye-catching aqua blue terrazzo tiles with peachy pink, terracotta, and green aggregates create a vibrant base. To complement this, we selected soft pink, large-format, and extra-thin (3mm!) wall tiles that precisely match the terrazzo chips. - Cabinetry and Benchtops:
All cabinetry, including the vanities, was colour-matched to the wall tiles for a cohesive look. The vanities are finished with elegant Corian River Pearl benchtops. - Fittings:
High-end Faucet Strommen fittings in brushed brass were chosen for their quality and sophisticated design. - Mirrors and Lighting:
Whimsically offset round mirrors and wall lights enhance the playful and youthful feel. - Comfort and Functionality:
Beyond aesthetics, we prioritized comfort and practicality with features like underfloor heating, vertical heated towel rails and layered lighting.
The Result: A Bathroom That Delights
The transformed bathroom is both beautiful and functional, perfectly tailored to the needs and personalities of its young users and their parents. We're thrilled with the outcome and, most importantly, our clients and their daughters are overjoyed!
Would you like us to help you to create an award-winning bathroom? Book an introductory call for a chat.
Sari