In the heart of Victoria, British Columbia, Pamela Billinghurst of Pamela Billinghurst Interior Design transformed a penthouse on Yates Street, one of the city’s most historically significant thoroughfares, from a dated space into a contemporary sanctuary of purpose.
Reflecting on the project, Billinghurst said,”Typically, clients want more. In this case, though, the client wanted fewer but better bathrooms. We responded to this by merging the powder room and guest bathroom which were adjacent to one another to make one larger, more pleasing bathroom. In addition, the door from the principal bedroom to the ensuite was removed in order to make the transition from the bedroom to bathroom as seamless as possible.”
In response to the client’s request for a minimal palette and clean lines, the designer specified matte-white wall and floor tiles to establish a calm backdrop. White oak millwork introduces warmth to the space, while chrome plumbing fixtures and hardware serve as a subtle accent in the bathroom.
Within the primary bathroom, a new vertical storage unit features a blend of open and closed cubbies that can be accessed from both the vanity and water closet sides. Vertical slats enhance privacy around the water closet area.
Achieving a refined space requires attention to detail and close coordination between consultants, contractors, suppliers and trades. In this penthouse project, the designer points out it was important that the plumbing fixtures align perfectly with adjacent finishes.
“Working with manufacturers who share an appreciation for these details was critical,” she said. “Vola simplified this through the ordering process, which included a shop drawing of their towel rail that enabled us to specify the exact dimensions required between towel bars. This resulted in the ability to align each bar perfectly with the center of the wall tiles. It takes time and skill to design and build spaces that show only what is essential and hide everything else. This careful attention to detail adds harmony to a space.”
Billinghurst concludes, “Visually simple designs can be quite complex to construct, and although they require meticulous planning and precision, the resulting outcome is worth every minute spent.”
Sources for Penthouse Bathroom Sanctuary
Design: Pamela Billinghurst, Pamela Billinghurst Interior Design Builder: Aryze Developments Photography: Jody Beck Photography BATHROOM Cabinets: Coast Cabinets Countertops, Shower Tray: Cosentino Faucets, Shower Fittings, Towel Warmer, Tub Filler: Vola Lighting: Rich Brilliant Willing, U Technology Paint: Benjamin Moore Sink: Duravit Tile: Stone Tile Tub: Bain Ultra
