Traditional bathroom charm

Original furnishings from the early 1900s make this traditional bathroom renovation, with limited space, truly extraordinary - combining modern comfort with vintage elegance and charm.

Antique fittings and period style bathroom furnishings are the highlights of Tony Mikocki's remarkable bathroom. Featuring a 1940s light fitting that was originally used at the Flemington Racecourse and a 1930s medicine cabinet, the bathroom seamlessly combines modern comfort with traditional bathroom style.

As Tony's home has a cosy, period feel throughout, it was important to him that the 1930s bathroom maintain this style. "My biggest priority was to keep the original feel of the bathroom, so it remained in harmony with the rest of the house," he says.

Running his own design and maintenance business, Kustom, Tony has seen hundreds of bathroom designs, and drew on his experience to create his own vision. "I didn't hire an external designer because I knew exactly what I wanted," he reveals.

According to Tony, coming up with the design was easier than sourcing the right furnishings to give it that vintage look and feel of a 1930s or 1940s bathroom. "The main basin is from the 1930s," says Tony. "The toilet suite is a 1930s Levern Shanks, the tapware is 1940s Art Deco steel, and I got the vanity custom built from Australian wood."

While the bathroom maintains its traditional style and feel, it doesn't skimp on modern comforts. The centrepiece of the bathroom is a large white spa bath that faces frosted windows.

"In our original bathroom the shower and bath were combined, giving the room a really cramped feel," says Tony. "I wanted the room to have a relaxing atmosphere and I think by somewhat separating the bath from the rest of the room I've achieved that."

The colouring of this bathroom is also unique. Far from traditional white and cream, Tony opted for red and green, which make for a striking first impression. "Although I was going for a period style reminiscent of a 1930s bathroom, I still wanted to indivualise the look so that it didn't become boring or dated" he says.

And although Tony is pleased with the outcome, he still sees it as a work in progress. "I'd love to find some more original items to put in here," he admits. "I'd love for every single item in here to be a true period piece."

Tony Mikocki, homeowner and bathroom designer from Kustom

What prompted this vintage bathroom renovation?

While I liked the look of the old, traditional bathroom, the layout gave it a cramped feel. It wasn't very practical either.

What did you envisage for your new bathroom?

My biggest priority was to keep the cosy, period-style feel of the 1930s bathroom, so it remained in harmony with the rest of the house. I also wanted more space and for the bathroom to have a relaxing atmosphere.

The colouring is very different; can you explain your inspiration?

Although I was going for a period style and quite a traditional bathroom style, I still wanted to individualise the look so that it didn't become boring or dated. The colouring was also a chance to personalise the room and make it more reflective of my style.

Were there any challenges with the renovation?

Because I was working full time on other people's homes and then doing my own it took much longer than planned, and I also had issues getting the exact tiles that I wanted.

What are some of the highlights of the renovation?

The main light is a 1940s antique that was originally used at the Flemington Racecourse and the medicine cabinet is from the 1930s. The toilet suite is an original Levern Shanks from the 1930s, the tapware is original 1940s Art Deco steel, and I got the vanity custom built from Australian wood.

Are you pleased with the outcome?

Yes I was, but I'd love to find some more antique items to put in here. I'd love for every single item in here to be a true period bathroom piece.