Modern bathroom with Carrara marble plinth achieves spacious feel

A freestanding tub, floating bathing zone and side hamper seat together create a light, contemporary feel in this master ensuite

Luxury surfaces, subtle layered lighting with dimmers and a floating shower and bath plinth come together to dramatic effect in this two-toned master ensuite by designer Darren Genner of Minosa.

Starting from a clean slate is the ideal for any project and such was the case with this ensuite by Darren Genner of Minosa.

"With one of the owners working in an award-winning design firm herself, our client had an astute eye for quality design and construction," says the designer.

Their requirements were for an edgy design, a restrained tonal palette with natural materials a feature, lots of storage and a sitting area – plus plenty of natural light.

"And finally, as parents of five, they wanted a place to relax and rejuvenate."

Genner's approach to the space was to set the room out into three zones: the shower and bath area, the vanity space and a storage-cum-seating area at entry.

"The clients' wish for a monochromatic space drove the material selections. The large-format dark grey tile specified early on meant we needed to balance this with a natural element to help warm the space up. Carrara marble was chosen for this."

To give the ensuite a modern design edge, Genner created a strong statement with the bathing section – introducing a raised platform for the bathing zone, clad in the richly grained marble.

"The platform was a way to deal with the change of material and we mitred the edges of the stone to accentuate this – bringing a block-like feel to the base and rear wall," says the designer. "Building up the back wall allowed us to introduce handy recessed storage niches and to house accent and room lighting."

The raised form also accommodates the sensor-activated night-light beneath.

The vanity, on the opposite wall, was custom-designed for the project and has a long bench with integrated basins.

Above the vanity, the touch-to-open, bifold lift-up mirror-fronted doors provide easy access to the recessed wall cabinets.

The bathroom's lighting is measured and layered – accent lighting runs through the niches and under the step and vanity unit, adding depth to the dark spots of the space and making the room feel larger.

Circular sky tubes set above the shower and to the side of the bath bring in more natural light and glimpses of the sky.