Designer Bathroom of the Year

Inside an Award-Winning Bathroom: A Study in Calm

Kate Gardham of Suede + Stone just won the 2025 TIDA New Zealand Designer Bathroom of the Year. Her project is a masterclass in creating a true sanctuary. She did it by connecting the space to its natural surroundings and using a palette of honest, sophisticated materials.

Letting the Outdoors In

This bathroom doesn't hide from the outside world. It invites it in.

Full-height glass walls make the surrounding native bush the main feature. You feel completely surrounded by green the moment you step inside. The floor plan is smart. It’s deconstructed into zones for the vanity, a walk-in shower, and a freestanding bath, so the room feels open but never exposed. For extra privacy, a soft linen curtain can be drawn around the bath when needed.

Materials with Purpose

The material choices are what ground the design. Warmth comes from the walnut vanity and the matching acoustic wood wall panels. Their clean, vertical lines are a perfect nod to the tall trees just outside the window.

Below, large-format marble tiles provide a solid, patterned foundation for the room. The walls are finished with hand-troweled Venetian plaster, which adds a soft texture that beautifully plays with the light. To finish the space, aged iron tapware adds a confident, grounding weight.

Why Use Acoustic Wood Panels in a Bathroom?

So why put acoustic wood panels in a bathroom? It’s not just for looks. The ensuite is open to the master suite, so sound control was a functional touch. The profile of our wood wall panelling and its sound-dampening backing helps absorb echo. The result is a quieter, more peaceful space.

Of course, using wood panelling in a wet area requires excellent ventilation and proper installation. This project has both in spades, ensuring the finish looks incredible and stands the test of time.

Pro-tip:

Feeling inspired? Add the warmth and character of real wood to your bathroom. For a lasting finish, simply ensure the space has good airflow and install the panels where they won't get wet.

Smart, Simple, and Built to Last

The lighting is layered perfectly. A halo light behind the big, round mirror gives off a soft glow that makes the plaster, marble, and wood textures pop. The mirror also does double duty. It bounces the garden view right back into the room, so you see leaves and sky from every angle.

Storage isn't an afterthought. A huge 180 cm wall-hung vanity offers plenty of space and keeps the floor clear, making the whole room feel bigger. TIDA judges praised the clever zoning and the deep connection to the outdoors. We agree. It’s a space that just makes you slow down, relax and take life in. 

This project shows how the right materials can build a sense of lasting calm. If you're inspired to create your own retreat, talk to our team or order a sample box of our Acupanel acoustic wood wall panelling.

Again, a huge congratulations to Kate at Suede + Stone, and thank you for bringing our luxury wall-panelling into such a special project.

If you're based in Auckland, New Zealand and want to work with a talented designer with a vast skill-set and knowledge of design, don't hesitate to check out Suede + Stone's website