Eva-Marie Prineas’s background and passion for heritage conservation and sustainable design informs her design philosophy and is the grounding ethos for her eponymous studio. In each project, she seeks to understand and adapt places that are already very special, introducing layers of luxury and authentic delight. When it comes to bathroom design, Prineas applies this philosophy to exquisite effect, creating bathrooms worth lingering longer in. 

Australian Design Review: Can you describe your approach to bathroom design?

Eva-Marie Prineas: Our approach at Studio Prineas is to understand and adapt places that are already special in their own right. Bathroom design is an extension of this sentiment and feeds into the broader interior concept we design for each individual home.

ADR: How do you infuse the personality of your clients into the bathrooms you design for them?

EMP: There are many ways to incorporate personalised elements into bathroom design. However, we find the introduction of artwork is an excellent way to elevate the experience of the space and set the scene for a welcoming and considered interior.

ADR: Colour and materials play a significant role in expressing individuality in a home. Does this apply to bathroom design too?

EMP: As a practice, we take inspiration from the broader context of each project – be it the landscape, existing materials or features – to inform the colour palette internally. Colour choices in tiles, grout, paint and joinery provide us with an opportunity to bring a sense of surprise and joy to these spaces.

ADR: Given the functional and wet room requirements of bathrooms, there is only so far you can push individuality and customisation. How do you overcome the limitations that these requirements pose for bathroom design? 

EMP: Our approach to design addresses functional and emotional needs in equal measure, intuitively responding to the distinct lifestyle of each client with a vision for living. We believe the true value of architecture and interior design is expressed in problem-solving. We consider light, spatial planning, materiality, context and budget. As such, our design process seeks to marry existing parameters with the task at hand, balancing creative thinking with the individual needs of the client.

We’re currently working on a project called Montage, where we spent quite some time encouraging our clients to retain the existing Calcutta marble tiles and slabs which were in excellent condition. We implemented a minor yet highly impactful update by introducing cobalt blue tap fitting and brass accessories. This addition transformed their bathroom from what was quite a dated aesthetic to a vibrant and contemporary expression without the unnecessary landfill. Ultimately, we believe in the potential of architecture and interior design to have a positive impact on the world, and we carefully interrogate the choices we make on both a macro and micro level.

ADR: How can storage solutions be customised to meet the different needs of the various people who share bathroom spaces?

EMP: Joinery design forms an integral part of an efficient and practical space. Designing these elements as part of the concept at the early stages ensures that bespoke and individual design requirements can be accommodated.

ADR: How can art and decorative pieces be integrated into bathroom design to reflect individuality?

EMP: We often select artwork for powder rooms to help elevate the experience of the space and set the scene for a welcoming and considered interior. A uniquely placed wall light, which we often introduce in pairs, can also create an individualised resolution through a fairly light-touch method.

ADR: What are some tips for choosing fixtures and fittings that stand out yet complement the overall design?

EMP: We are heartened to see more energy-efficient fixtures and fittings available in a plethora of aesthetic forms and finishes, which broadens our options and allows beautiful design to sit alongside environmental responsibility.

ADR: When lighting goes wrong in a bathroom, there is nothing worse. How do you balance the need for bathrooms to provide bright focused task lighting as well as soft light for relaxation?

EMP: Natural lighting is equally as important to bring the joyous impact of sunshine into a bathroom, as artificial lighting is to create a calming evening mood.

ADR: Can you recommend any specific design features that can be customised for a more personal touch, such as bespoke tiles or custom cabinetry?

EMP: As we approach each project afresh, we discover the many ways of bringing individuality into each room. The bathroom has so many unique opportunities to explore through design, given there are numerous fixed elements within a relatively small space.

ADR: What innovations do you anticipate will become standard in future bathroom designs?

EMP: Environmental responsibility is rightfully guiding the future of all design, and bathrooms are a wonderful opportunity to embrace thoughtful more sustainable solutions. From selection of energy-saving fixtures, locally sourced and sustainably produced finishes and fittings. As always, the introduction of natural light and ventilation is key.

ADR: How has the concept of a bathroom evolved in recent years, and what do you think the future holds for them?

EMP: Bathrooms are a place for everyday ritual and have been elevated from a necessary function of the home to a place for respite and wellness. As we think about the impact our industry has on our planet, we believe the future of bathroom design lies in good planning and good design choices that foster longevity.

This month, we turn our attention to one of the most important rooms in any building designed for people to live, work, play or learn in: the bathroom. Once a purely functional wet room devoid of style, the bathrooms of today are anything but basic. We spoke with a select group of Australia’s leading and emerging interior designers to reveal what’s next in bathroom design.

Check out Laufen’s collection of bathroom products for more bathroom inspiration.