Restoration Cottage

A fresh bathroom and heritage interior design consultation An Elegant Carrara Marble Bathroom Built in the 1940s, this heritage-listed cottage in East Geelong, Victoria was already bursting with history charm. However, it was in need of a long-overdue refresh of the dated interior. Thankfully, the quality workmanship that is synonymous with WWII-era buildings meant the property was graced with great bones and a workable floor plate, enabling Studio aem to work our magic. With many rooms on their wish list to renovate, the clients decided to kick off this multi-stage project with a bathroom overhaul. As a base for the design, the first step was to reimagine the cramped space as a functional, modern bathroom with an open-plan shower and bath, making the room feel much more spacious, welcoming and efficient. When it came to selecting finishes, care was taken to respect the period of the home, while also injecting some modernity and ensuring durability in this frequently-use space. Elegant Carrara marble, coloured polyurethane and a breathtaking terrazzo feature floor tile in monochromatic tones took care of the hard surfaces, while aged bronze fixtures and fittings added a sense of luxury and timelessness. The end result is a finished bathroom which has preserved and honoured the original details of the property, while enthusiastically embracing a sleek, modern style. Upon completion of this room the delighted clients have engaged Studio aem to work on their next project, a kitchen revamp which will echo the minimalist chic of the bathroom and bring the workhorse of this character-filled home back to life. Photography: Jane Dunning Photography