The family bathroom in this bungalow built around 1920 was last remodelled 32 years ago, by renowned architect Paris Magdalinos. Fast forward three decades and it was time for a total makeover.

The homeowner requested a new bath to replace the one that was removed in the previous renovation, along with a better quality of light. It was important to respect the style of the bungalow, which features a lot of native timbers. It also has an Art Deco heritage, as a result of work done following the Napier earthquake in 1931.

Oiled western red cedar, in irregular-depth shiplap, was chosen for its visual warmth, texture and similarity to native timbers in the house. The cedar forms a band around the top of the room, which is like an inverted version of the way wood panelling was used originally around the base of a room, and uplighting enhances the visual warmth of the timber.

The cedar is teamed with fresh white 100mm x 300mm tiles, which line the vanity wall and the wet area shower. Semi-freestanding walls separate the shower from the toilet, vanity and bathtub are clad in grey finger mosaic tiles.

A pared-back pedestal vanity with a chrome stand offers another link to the past, but it is teamed with contemporary tapware and a modern, wall-hung toilet.

An existing tall window, designed by Paris Magdalinos to frame a Norfolk pine view, extends to the ceiling bringing in plenty of natural light.