Trends New Zealand Trends Volume 32 No 3 New Zealand | Page 16

Rugged charm
How to approach a semi-industrial setting when reinventing
a master bathroom? One way is to respond in kind
A simple, strong aesthetic has its own
dramatic appeal – in terms of looks and
also functionality. It will also never date.
This suite by designer Jodi Gillespie
forms part of an apartment in a 2003
multi-unit addition to an 1873 flour factory
conversion in the historic mill district of
Minneapolis. The relatively modern units
capture the feel of the old factory with
exposed concrete floors, pillars and ceiling.
Gutting the existing, builder-designed
bathroom, Gillespie introduced in its place
a suite in a more honest, complementary

aesthetic that suited the industrial spaces.
“Privacy wasn’t an issue with the client,
so we created an open-plan design with a
clean-lined freestanding tub on show right
through the suite,” says the designer.
“Adding plenty of storage and hiding
the services – without closing off spaces –
was one tricky aspect. To resolve this, I
added a ceiling bridge. This helped to
These pages: The industrial flavour of an adjacent
old milling factory – seen through the window – has
been celebrated in this refit by designer Jodi Gillespie.

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demarcate areas of use and provided for
the unobtrusive placement of cabinets and
concealment of services. The minimalist
sink, vanity and shower stall all respond to
the pared-back setting – even the shower
bench is stripped back to its simplest form.”
The semi-industrial look is highlighted
by Kandy After All vinyl wallpaper behind
the vanity. Its distressed look has hints of
indigo, deep green, rusty metal and black
– all complementing the wider decor.
The floor is a soft grey-green – close to
the original concrete in the rest of the unit.