Thoughtfully Designed, Seamlessly Integrated
Often an overlooked utility space, the laundry in this apartment has been given equal design attention by Virginia Bishop Interiors, resulting in a room that is not only functional, but also highly considered for long-term usability. Previously a small under-sink cupboard with little room for storage, the laundry now carries the same design language as the kitchen, ensuring a cohesive and unified look throughout the apartment.
The cabinetry features the same Polytec Havana Oak Woodmatt finish, paired with engineered stone surfaces that offer strength and visual continuity. Updated lighting ensures the workspace is bright and functional, while thoughtful joinery maximises every available centimetre. Storage has been significantly expanded, with open shelving above the sink for easy access to frequently used items, and drawers below for concealed organisation.
A key feature of the redesign is the raised washing machine, positioned for easy access and to reduce bending. A pull-out shelf installed between the washer and dryer offers a practical landing space for laundry baskets, streamlining the transfer of clothes from wash to dry. This seemingly small detail has a big impact on comfort and convenience.
The client’s upright vacuum also has a designated charging area, a small but clever addition that ensures tidiness and efficiency. These touches demonstrate the thought that has gone into the redesign, not only for current needs, but also for the future.
While compact in footprint, the laundry feels open and purposeful thanks to its light finishes, consistent materials and clear organisation. What was once a cramped and underwhelming space has been elevated into a well-lit, efficient, and easy-to-use zone that simplifies daily routines and aligns seamlessly with the rest of the home.
An ensuite of comfort and consideration
Virginia Bishop Interiors has crafted an ensuite that balances modern elegance with thoughtful functionality, ensuring the space will remain beautiful and accessible well into the future. The original room suffered from dated gloss finishes and general wear, but it has now been transformed into a sanctuary that reflects the client’s personal style while addressing practical requirements.
The palette is serene and contemporary, with matt rectified grey floor tiles and matching gloss tiles that extend up the walls for durability and easy cleaning. A striking green feature tile introduces depth and warmth, with coloured grout adding texture and a sense of craft. Waterproof plantation shutters provide both ventilation and privacy, complementing the tiled surfaces with a natural touch.
Central to the redesign is a walk-in shower featuring a built-in bench seat and height-adjustable shower. Grab rails were strategically included, while a cleverly designed toilet roll holder doubles as a secure rail. These inclusions ensure safety and ease of use without compromising the aesthetics. The vanity offers ample drawer storage, reducing clutter and keeping essentials within easy reach. Above, flick mixers provide practicality, designed with elderly hands in mind. A night light has been subtly integrated into the wall for safe navigation after dark, a discreet yet important detail.
The wall-faced toilet suite brings a layer of innovation, with a heated seat, night light, rimless flush, and bidet functionality to simplify everyday routines. The swing door was replaced with a cavity slider, making the space more functional and spacious.
This ensuite is a perfect marriage of luxury and foresight, combining stylish detailing with practical, age-friendly solutions that ensure long-term usability. It is both a personal retreat and a space designed for the future.
Primary bathroom designed to last
The main bathroom in this West End apartment has undergone a complete transformation at the hands of Virginia Bishop Interiors, shifting from a dated shower-over-bath layout to a sophisticated, future-proofed space. Previously defined by purple cabinetry and tired fittings, it has been reimagined with a clean and contemporary palette that enhances both function and form.
Durability and accessibility underpin the design. Matt rectified grey tiles line the floor, paired with matching gloss tiles that extend to the ceiling for easy maintenance and a polished finish. A striking green feature wall tile introduces character and warmth, enhanced with coloured grout that subtly adds dimension and scale. This careful selection of materials ensures the bathroom is both low maintenance and long lasting.
The original bath was removed, replaced with an open shower with a more flexible layout, ensuring wheelchair accessibility if required in the future. A niche with mitred edges provides a dedicated spot for everyday products at an accessible height, blending style with practicality.
The vanity is designed with generous drawer storage, providing ample room for essentials while maintaining clean lines. Flick mixers and a handheld shower improve ease of use, catering to the client’s health needs and ensuring comfort as she ages in place. An in-wall sensor night light has been incorporated for additional safety, offering subtle guidance during evening hours.
Thoughtful detailing extends to every element. Grab rails were installed, with bathroom walls reinforced to support their use. Plantation shutters bring in natural light and airflow while ensuring privacy.
This bathroom balances style and practicality, achieving a look that is refined and enduring. It is a space that not only delivers on the client’s immediate wish for a fresh aesthetic, but also ensures she can enjoy it with confidence for many years to come.
Build: Aspect Living
Photography: Francois Baudet
KBDi – awards category: SMALL BATHROOMS QLD – LAUNDRIES
For more information
Virginia Bishop Interiors