Featured in Home Beautiful: A Zen-Inspired Bathroom Haven

WORDS CHRIS PEARSON | STYLING FIONA GOULD | PHOTOGRAPHY BRIGID ARNOTT

studio aem over the green hills bathroom hallway

East is Eden

A Zen-Inspired Bathroom Haven

This stunning ensuite serves as a serene parents' hideaway, blending Japanese-inspired tranquility with American warmth. Located in a new build in Sydney’s south, this top-floor sanctuary connects seamlessly to a front terrace, offering a soothing view of lush plantings.

studio aem over the green hills bathroom basins

The Design Brief

Designed by Alexandra Mason of Studio Aem, the space was created for a family of four—a Japanese wife, an American husband, and their two adult children. The owners requested a design that felt warm and textured rather than clinical. Key requirements included:

A freestanding bath
Two basins
A floating vanity
A steam room within the shower recess

studio aem over the green hills bathroom cabinets

Materiality and Character

To avoid a clinical feel, the design utilizes materials that provide movement, character, and warmth.

Flooring: Antiqued ‘Dover’ limestone from Eco Outdoor.
Walls: Glossy zellige ‘Igloo’ wall tiles from Surface Gallery, with penny rounds cladding the rounded walls and ceiling of the shower recess for a subtle shift in texture.
Joinery: American Walnut veneers from Briggs Veneers, featuring open shelves to display the client’s Japanese ceramics.

studio aem over the green hills bathroom bathtub

Designer Tips and Luxurious Details

Alexandra Mason emphasizes the importance of planning ahead if you desire built-in niches. In this space, niches in both the shower and beside the bath are crafted from the same marble as the vanity top and shower ledge, creating a cohesive design motif.