3 elegant bathrooms by Luciana Borges of Borges Design

Known for her elegant and timeless style, we take a look at interior designer Luciana Borges best projects; a penthouse, an apartment and a Takapuna home

3 of interior designer Luciana Borges best projects

Vinegar Lane penthouse – ensuite

Luciana worked on the design of all five levels of the apartment development in Auckland’s Ponsonby, with the majority of her time invested in the penthouse. “With a timeless and elegant design concept, the result is both functional and luxurious,” says Luciana.

Freestanding custom basins and Italian travertine on the floors and walls give the room an increased sense of space. Matte-black Italian fittings bring a contemporary twist to the classic materials used. The double shower features bespoke ceiling-mounted showerheads and slides, with oversized recesses for storage.

Underfloor heating, individually heated towel rails, and extractor fans above the shower and WC ensure the room is constantly warm and dry. The layout makes excellent use of space and the palette provides a link with the rest of the penthouse home.

Remuera home – master ensuite and powder room

Large, concrete-like Italian tiles provide a timeless feel and work with the architecture of the home, says Luciana. There is plenty of modern interest to draw the eye, too. “To help create mood and add wow factor, we used a gorgeous pendant light, which was chosen by the home owners,” she says. The strategically positioned custom shower features a drop ceiling in dark charcoal with a hint of blue, a rain shower and mood lighting.

For the “modern, playful powder room” Luciana used dark tones to striking effect. Contemporary wall finishes are combined with the industrial characteristics of the pendant light, the clean look of a bespoke, natural-stone basin and the sharp lines of the wall-mounted spout. The large mirror and black oak shelf have LED lighting for softness.

Takapuna home – master ensuite

This residential project required reordering the layout to maximise space and views to Rangitoto and the Hauraki Gulf.

In this master ensuite and the home’s other bathrooms, Luciana applied calming tones in finishes such as the Carrara marble tiles. “We opted for a larger format in order to give an illusion of a cleaner and bigger space,” she says. The Perla bath by Casa Italiana is made of composite stone and has a soft, matte finish. The sculptural piece can be admired through the floor-to-ceiling glass panels of the double-shower enclosure.

The recess niches in the shower wall and above the bath add extra texture and detail to the luxuriously appointed ensuite.

Words by: Jo Bates. Photography by: Meek Zuiderwyk.