^{(6 minute read)}

^{Written by Melissa Stainwald / Photography by Rikki Lancaster}

^{Interior Designer - Druce Davey}

^{Builder - Zaleta}

---

It all started right here, the day we found the Mill Basin in Musk for our new Zaleta HQ powder room. We weren’t planning on falling in love with a basin, but yet here we are.

Sculptural, organic, hand moulded design. I was in love. I’m not even sure if we chose it or if it chose us - but either way, it just felt right. From here, everything else started to fall into place.

Designed with Emotion, Not Just Function

It was my absolute joy to work alongside Druce, our Zaleta Interior Designer, on this space. Lots of contemplative chats - it was a beautiful, fun collaboration from the start. Being able to draw on Druce's many years of experience in the interior design industry played an integral part of our HQ fitout.

We knew we wanted the style to complement the broader vision for our new HQ: minimal, organic, with Mediterranean glimpses. After a few seasons of observing very neutral bathrooms, Druce suggested the idea of bringing some strong colour to the walls. It took very little convincing - I was all for it!

How a space feels when you walk into it is very important to me. I love when each room in a home offers a little surprise, and bringing this strong colour into our new powder room created this unexpected feeling.

So often, I find a whole design can grow from one simple idea - something that feels like the story you want to tell. The Mill Basin in Musk gave us that emotional anchor. Earthy, grounded, and with a depth and warmth that reminded us of terracotta clay after rain.

Now that we had our start, it was time to make some calls on the overall layout of the room. It's a small space and given it's purpose, we knew we needed to maximise our design choices in order to make an impression. Keeping the space clear underneath the basin area gave each piece space to breathe.

Knowing that Shaynna Blaze was never going to see this powder room, and the fact we were just busting to incorporate a bottle trap waste, we really pushed the limits of minimalism with our vanity. I think the tiled bench top and the brass bottle trap makes up for the lack of storage. It’s a powder room – no allowance for teeth brushing necessary - win! Let’s choose form over function for this one and pray Shaynna never visits.

Design Insight: When you're designing a space, don’t be afraid to lead with one piece that makes your heart leap. Whether it’s a tile, tap, or even the waste plumbing! One piece can guide everything else and don’t be opposed for every now and then breaking some rules, it’s your home after all.

Colour Palette - Restraint, Romance, and a Hint of Drama

We were obsessed with the depth of colour in our basin choice - there was no need to look any further for palette inspiration. This was our hue. Locked in - let’s match her. Yes, a little colour-blocked moment... but why not?

• Walls in Taubmans Hazelnut Choc brought the warmth and depth we were craving. A bold move? Sure. But powder rooms are made for a little drama.

• Checkerboard Travertine Tiles from Sunshine Tile and Stone (in a Rosso palette) added rustic charm - like stepping into a villa in Tuscany. And the tones? They matched our hero colour beautifully.

• In the shower, Travertine Natural French Pattern from National Tiles gave us a grounding contrast. The way the tones sat against the Hazelnut Choc - it just worked.

Design Insight: Don’t be afraid of colour. Yes, you can still achieve a minimal look with a bold hue. It’s all about how you layer.

Letting the Shapes Do the Talking

Bathrooms are usually filled with hard lines - square tiles, boxy mirrors, straight vanities. We wanted to soften all of these elements. A custom mirror was the obvious choice. Instead of matching the mirror frame to the tapware, I wanted fewer visual interruptions. So, we colour matched the frame to the wall, letting it's organic shape sing without distraction. A subtle move, but one that added luxury.

Our selection of REECE - Milli Monument tapware played along - a little nod to Mediterranean vintage style with the gorgeous cross taps from Sussex meeting a more modern design.

Design Insight: Curves are more than a trend - they soften the edges, shift the energy, and
bring a sense of calm. Always welcome in a bathroom.

Lighting, Layers, and Little Things

Lighting was the final layer - and a critical one. Druce found a pair of perfectly suited ceramic sconces in White Ochre - from Robert Gordon. Sculptural, soft, and ambient - we found they cast interesting shadows and add that handmade layer we love.

And last, but not least there’s the little clay vase on the vanity. A beautiful gift from my daughter-in-law, Kristy. I’m all about adding soul to spaces, especially in new builds. It’s my way of bringing heart into brand-new rooms.

Design Tip: Choose styling pieces that carry a story. A piece of driftwood, a jug from
someone you love, even a tile offcut you found on holiday - they’re often what makes the
room feel real.

Final Thoughts: Start with Love...

Small bathrooms are the perfect space to be bold. Choose one piece you love - just one - and let it guide everything else. Keep your palette tight.

Don’t overcrowd. And always add something personal.

Next time you’re designing a space - don’t start with a plan. Start with the love.

- Melissa Stainwald x

---

Here’s a quick supplier shout-out for some of the items that we've used:

• Nood Co. for the show-stopping Mill Basin in Musk
  
  

• Taubmans for that dreamy Hazelnut Choc paint
  
  

• Sunshine Tile and Stone for our Rosso checkerboard tiles
  
  

• National Tiles for the timeless Travertine wall
  
  

• Sussex / Milli Monument via Reece for refined tapware that just works
  
  

• Robert Gordon Interiors for ceramics that light up a room
  
  

• Moana Wavy Door Handles from Handle House
  
  

• And to Kristy - thank you for the clay vase, it’s the cherry on top.

---