Melbourne-based interior designer Kate McCluskey Kyle has carved a niche in the industry as the go-to designer for restoring historic homes and commercial spaces. Her confident approach to colour, form and materiality, and fusing the old with the new underpins every project she works on. Thriving on creativity and collaboration, her design approach blends more than a decade of experience with empathy and genuine human connection, resulting in spaces that enhance and enliven the lived experience. Here, McCluskey Kyle shares her thoughts on the essential elements of great bathroom design.

Australian Design Review: Have you noticed any recurring themes or design directions when it comes to bathroom design?

Kate McCluskey Kyle: We are finding that clients are seeking a spa-like experience at home. For us, this translates into a mix of beauty, calm and function.

ADR: Colour forecasts are a big influence on the colours that find their way into product collections. Can you tell us which colour palettes are popular right now?

KMK: We’re seeing a strong desire for colour blocked bathrooms. Specific colour palettes are driven by the overall design concept and each individual client’s personality.

ADR: Beyond colour, texture and materials are important design elements. What role do textures and materials play in contemporary bathroom designs?

KMK: Quality materials and textures add to the overall user experience. Incorporating materials such as timber or honed natural stone creates a luxurious feel, warmth and calmness to the space.

ADR: How do you approach integrating a client’s personal style and aesthetics with the functional needs of a bathroom?

KMK: In all our designs, it’s important to seamlessly merge our client’s personal style with function. Once the layout and personal nuances have been captured, we turn to form and materials to achieve the overall feeling and desired experience.

ADR: Are there any emerging style and aesthetic trends that you’re really excited about?

KMK: We’re excited about working with opposing tones and colours, and experimenting with a mix of stone, timber and tiles.

ADR:  Can you tell us what trends you’ve observed for bathroom fixtures and finishes?

KMK: Neutral and refined fixtures and finishes, such as brushed nickel, are very popular at the moment. They are timeless too. 

ADR: Incorporating natural materials like stone and wood into bathrooms adds a layer of interest and is also sustainable. How do you incorporate natural materials into your bathroom designs?

KMK: As a studio, we are advocates for the use of natural materials. In a recent bathroom design, we specified a bold stone slab for the floor and walls — a strong statement that we are so glad our clients agreed to.

ADR: Storage is one of the biggest challenges in bathroom design. Can you tell us how you approach this challenge? 

KMK: Clever function is key within a bathroom design. When creating those luxurious moments, hidden storage is desired. Face forward, concealed, under bench or full-height storage, as needed and as space allows, is what we aim for.

ADR: Wellness is another trend we’ve seen emerging lately. Features such as saunas, plunge pools and other spa-at-home elements are appearing in bathrooms. What is your take on this?

KMK: For us, clean simple lines and taking a less is more approach will always be our mantra. 

ADR: We’ve also seen an increase in the integration of smart technology into bathrooms. How do you incorporate technology features into your bathroom designs?

KMK: Sensor lighting is becoming paramount in all our bathroom designs. It’s these considered touches that can elevate an experience both functionally and aesthetically. 

Alongside new lighting technologies is multi-functional lighting. While not a ‘new’ trend, it’s something we find ourselves considering more, especially within our heritage designs. Finding the right balance between aesthetics and function, from incorporating decorative and concealed lighting, to sconces and overhead. It’s all about creating a feeling, while also being practical.

ADR: How do you see bathroom design evolving in the next few years?

KMK: I expect the continuation of bathrooms and powder rooms becoming stand-alone, enjoyable spaces — with an equal emphasis on form, beauty and function  —  to continue gaining traction.

ADR: Making any space feel special and elevated can sometimes come down to budgets. How do high-end materials and finishes impact the overall budget?

KMK: We encourage our clients to consider the areas of the home that they spend the most time in. The volume of high-end materials and intricate details can be adjusted within any space to fit within desired budgets.

ADR: What elements do you consider worth splurging on for a luxurious bathroom experience?

KMK: A well-made, beautifully finished vanity mixer or floor-mount bath mixer. These touch points elevate the simplest of designs. When things are made well, you can feel the luxury. 

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.