When Priya and Daniel purchased their 1972 home in Mairangi Bay, the bathroom felt like a true time capsule. The original avocado-green suite was still in place, the walls were covered in pink floral wallpaper, and even the built-in soap dish beside the bathtub had survived the decades untouched.
The Brief
The brief was clear from the beginning: transform the dated bathroom into a calm, spa-like retreat while making the most of the existing 3.2m × 2.4m footprint. The homeowners had three must-haves — a separate shower enclosure, a soaking tub, and a double vanity — all within the same compact space.
The Challenge
One of the biggest constraints was the existing plumbing stack, which ran through the centre of the bathroom. Relocating it would have added approximately $8,000 to the renovation budget, so the design team took a smarter approach. Instead of moving it, they incorporated it into the design and turned it into a feature wall element that helps define the new layout.
The Design Solution
To create a bright and cohesive finish, Penny White marble-effect tiles from NZ Homeware were used floor-to-ceiling in the shower area and across the feature wall. This helped visually open up the room while adding a soft, elegant texture.
A frameless shower enclosure keeps the space feeling open, while the freestanding soaking tub introduces a sense of relaxation and luxury. The double vanity provides practical everyday functionality for the couple, without making the room feel crowded.
Matte black tapware from the NZ Homeware range brings contrast and definition to the light palette, giving the bathroom a modern edge without the premium price tag often associated with imported European fittings.
The Result
The final result is a bathroom that feels dramatically more spacious, calm, and refined than before. What was once a dated 1970s space is now a modern retreat designed for both function and comfort — proof that even a compact footprint can deliver a high-end result when every design decision is made carefully.