Geometry and colour bring new life to a Turin bathroom

Despite its small size, the bathroom of this Turin apartment offered plenty of scope for improvement in terms of layout and choice of finishes. Architect Laura Cugnidoro responded with a design that is creative, colourful and highly functional. “The project follows a minimalist and functional philosophy, with a clear focus on essential forms and colour harmony,” she said. “The aim was to make the most of the limited space, as in the case of the shower which is neatly integrated into a niche next to the laundry stack. Bold colours such as terracotta were combined harmoniously with the neutrality of white to create a warm yet sophisticated atmosphere in line with the overall design of the home.”

Achieving this vision required careful research into materials and their combinations. Ceramic, metal and resin were the key elements chosen by the architect. “The main materials I selected for this project are different but complementary, each chosen to ensure both aesthetic coherence and functionality. For the wall in the shower and behind the washbasin I used Dart glazed ceramic tiles from Tonalite. Installed vertically, their diamond shape is accentuated by the contrast with the coloured grout lines. The shower enclosure is made of transparent glass with a painted metal frame that coordinates with the overall colour palette. The heated towel rail, shower fittings and other details are also made of metal, painted in colours such as terracotta and rust.”

Ceramic tiles play a central role in defining the identity of the space. They were chosen not only for their technical characteristics such as moisture resistance and ease of maintenance, but also for their aesthetic value. “The vertical format and glossy finish emphasise height, making the room appear taller, while the narrow hexagonal tiles create a contemporary visual effect,” notes Cugnidoro, adding that Tonalite was chosen for the artisanal quality of its products and the wide range of colours available. Technical reliability was another decisive factor, ensuring precision cuts, durability and ease of installation, as well as an optimised production process with minimal waste. Sustainability was also central to the project, with an emphasis on durable, easily sanitised materials that reduce the need for maintenance. Wherever possible, locally made products were chosen to reduce the environmental impact of transport.