Spaces We Love: Inspiring Bathrooms from The VISI Archives

Be inspired by this selection of gorgeous spaces that have graced the pages of VISI over the years.


WORDS Celeste Jacobs PHOTOS DOOK, Greg Cox, Micky Hoyle, Jac de Villiers, Paris Brummer and Henrique Wilding


At Fifty Seven Waterberg (pictured above), the black concrete and steel define this striking vanity unit by Lumar Fourie of The Concrete Corporation, while linear ceiling panelling accentuates the elongated dimensions of the space.

Contemporary bathroom interiors

The muted greys in the open-plan bathroom of this contemporary Cape Town home allow the astounding onyx shower wall to shine.

Contemporary bathroom interiors

A timeless Philippe Starck bath, monocoated Joe van Rooyen vanity and minimalist mirrors result in a pleasing balance in this Hyde Park home.

Contemporary bathroom interiors

Together with blonde timber and black metallic elements, the play on levels – between the exposed beams and the low vanity – creates contrast, while hidden lighting adds warmth. This Modern Irene home‘s en-suite bathroom’s black stonework and custom-made reflective shower glass by Elite Showers play with the abundant natural light.

Contemporary bathroom interiors

A calming, natural colour palette in this Fresnaye apartment is enhanced by soft lighting – and the bath is elevated for a sense of ceremony.

Contemporary bathroom interiors

In a family home in Midrand, industrial textures and materials are softened by crisp white fittings and warm lighting, creating a space that’s both welcoming and fresh.

Contemporary bathroom interiors

Minimal meets organic in a bathroom that combines irregular shapes with clean lines, and textured stone with matte finishes.

Contemporary bathroom interiors

A simple artwork and wooden accents sourced from Japan and India create a soothing, serene atmosphere in Scarborough retreat.

Contemporary bathroom interiors

A masterful interplay of textures and contemporary and traditional elements in this bathroom at Kubili House in Thornybush is crowned by a calming view of the bushveld.

Contemporary bathroom interiors

Full picture windows in this striking minimal bathroom at Cheetah Plains allows the outdoors right into the space – and make the bath an ideal vantage point for bird-watching and game viewing.

Contemporary bathroom interiors

Industrial is taken to the next level in this pared-back West Coast cottage bathroom that features a vintage bath and exposed pipes. The window frames the fields outside during the day and offers a stargazing spectacle by night.

Contemporary bathroom interiors

This Muldersdrift farmhouse‘s bathroom combines black metalwork and fittings with timber and concrete finishes for an unexpectedly warm and informal result – an effect that’s enhanced by freestanding ladder shelving and a mirror propped against the wall.

Contemporary bathroom interiors

Smart, graphic partitioning makes a feature of the open-plan layout in this slick Higgovale home owned by chef Liam Tomlin.

Contemporary bathroom interiors

Traditional and rustic styles and rough and smooth textures work in perfect harmony at Arijiju in the Kenyan highlands.

Contemporary bathroom interiors

This contemporary Johannesburg home‘s geometric dreams are brought to life in a largely monochromatic interior accented by a rich jade-green statement wall and basin.

Contemporary bathroom interiors

Designed to capture the essence and energy of Johannesburg, this dramatically lit emerald-green bathroom is a jewel-toned statement.

Contemporary bathroom interiors

Combining curated art and artefacts – including an off-centre chandelier, sculptures and a Persian rug – this Cape Town City Bowl loft is a haven to relax in, complete with a ledge on which to rest a cup of tea.

Contemporary bathroom interiors

Contrasting wall treatments – tiles and wallpaper – and unusual accessories come together to create a striking and eclectic bathroom in this Tamboerskloof home.

Contemporary bathroom interiors

Bespoke Katie Lund wallpaper adorns a feature wall in this Bainskloof home, drawing attention to the beamed ceiling.

Contemporary bathroom interiors

Linear in the extreme, this stark-white, black-trimmed bathroom is an ode to simplicity.

Contemporary bathroom interiors

Rounded shapes and organic textures form a pleasing sense of cohesion and repetition in this minimal Yzerfontein home.

Contemporary bathroom interiors

A slipper bath, lit from above by a pendant light and accented by art, adds elegance to an understated space.

Contemporary bathroom interiors

With all the hallmarks of a traditional bathroom – arched, shuttered windows; a freestanding tub; classic tapware – plus an unexpected pop of rustic texture in the timber side table, this space is timeless.

Contemporary bathroom interiors

A Nguni rug and colourful artwork add personality to a simple scheme.


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