Photography: Louise Roche
An elegant parents’ retreat on the third level of this 1930s Brisbane family home encompasses not just one bedroom suite, but two bedroom suites. Each includes a king-size bedroom, ensuite, walk-in robe and a shared sitting room, study and terrace.
The couple engaged Leigh Boswell, director of design studio Highgate House, along with architect Ivan Gastaldon, who proposed adding the third storey. When it came to designing the spaces on the third level, Leigh was tasked with creating luxurious, high-end finishes and quality fittings. Here, one of the private ensuites has become a sophisticated sanctuary inside the bedroom suite, with elevated design flourishes, such as the exquisite custom-printed wallpaper that pairs beautifully with the pink quartzite vanity top.
“Our client loved blush pink, so we embraced it wholeheartedly – from the customised wallpaper with a soft metallic blush background to the bespoke floor tiles that tie the space together,” says Leigh. “We worked within the parameters set by the architect, and provided full-service interior design, from layout and finishes to custom elements like the wallpaper and floor tiles. It was a collaborative process that allowed us to bring our vision to life while ensuring the space flowed seamlessly with the rest of the home.”
Designer tips for styling an ensuite
“The brief for this space was to create a bathroom that felt luxurious, unique, and very pretty,” says Leigh, who advises personal touches in a bathroom. “Keep it practical, but don’t be afraid to add personality,” she says. “Beautiful trays, ceramic stools and tissue boxes, are functional, but they also add interest and texture. A statement mirror can also transform the space, creating a strong focal point while adding depth and elegance.”
Inside the pretty pink palette of the bedroom suite
Picking up tones from the Finestone Rose quartzite on the vanity and wall recess, is the detail in the Lewis & Wood ‘Jasper Peony’ wallpaper, from Elliott Clarke, and the custom ‘Vito’ marble and pink crystal quartzite floor tiles and ‘Vito’ marble shower wall tiles, all from Elite Bathware & Tiles. Finishing touches include warm brass hardware from Brodware and Axor, all from Elite Bathware & Tiles, and beautiful Visual Comfort wall and ceiling lights.
Sourcebook
Interior design: Highgate House, highgatehouse.com.au.
Architect: Ivan Gastaldon Architects, igarchitects.com.au.
Be the first to read this story by subscribing to Home Beautiful magazine.
