Bathed In Success

They not only secured the coveted title of Group Home Builder Bathroom of the Year but also took home the Runner-up prize for another bathroom design in the same home. Both award-winning spaces were the creative vision of Amy Coombes, the franchise's Interior Designer and Client Liaison.

Amy’s success at the TIDA awards underscores her exceptional talent and keen eye for detail, particularly in crafting spaces that are both functional and visually stunning. We had the opportunity to speak with Amy to delve deeper into her approach to interior design and to learn more about the inspiration behind these award-winning bathrooms.

Amy has a natural flair for understanding what works well in a space, with a keen eye for creating harmonious, beautiful environments. She explains that her approach centres around her belief that a home should reflect the homeowner's lifestyle and preferences, rather than simply following trends or catering to future resale value. 

"It’s about making your home work for you, not the next owner," she explains. “I'm quite passionate about people achieving a home that really sings to them. I want their home to set their heart on fire when they walk through the door.”

Amy’s winning ensuite bathroom was designed with a clear vision in mind: a dark and moody oasis that would serve as a peaceful retreat at the end of a busy day. With the house built on a site of just 359m2, space was at a premium, so every design choice had to be carefully considered. 

Amy explains the inspiration for the ensuite came from a particular tile with a rich, varied colour palette and deep, earthy tones. "I knew right away that this tile wouldn’t work with white, so I committed to pairing it with charcoal to achieve that immersive, dark feel," she says. 

Amy says the layout of the room presented a unique challenge with the wardrobe from the adjacent bedroom jutting into the ensuite, creating an alcove. Amy cleverly used this space to create a bespoke 2.4m wall-hung vanity that also accommodates two beautiful 600mm concrete basins. The sweeping curved end of the vanity adds a stunning focal point to the room, making the most of the available space while maintaining both functionality and style.

Lighting also played a key role in bringing the design together. Amy used a layered lighting plan, including LED strips in the shower niche and strategically placed pin lights, to make sure the dark palette felt warm and inviting without being too heavy. The TIDA judges loved it, commenting that Amy had achieved her design brief and had created a comforting space that offered a welcoming retreat. 

In contrast to the ensuite, the second place-winning family bathroom takes on a lighter, more playful tone, while still maintaining harmony with the rest of the house. 

Amy explains that this bathroom was designed with functionality for a young family in mind with a freestanding bath and dual showers, all enclosed by floor-to-ceiling glass, creating a spacious and practical layout.

A standout feature in the family bathroom is the use of contrasting tiles. Amy continued the theme of continuity throughout the house by incorporating the TDM Onyx tiles, which are also featured in the kitchen and laundry. 

"I wanted each bathroom to have its own identity but still feel connected to the overall design of the home," says Amy. The grey tones in the family bathroom tie back to other elements in the house, ensuring a cohesive flow.

Winning both first and second place in her first TIDA competition was an unexpected and exciting achievement for Amy. "It was an honour to be recognised, especially for two very different designs in the same home," she says.

But Amy’s design talents go well beyond her award-winning bathrooms. Her skills are also on display in their recent Adagio design project where her expertise in creating spaces that are both personal and functional really stands out. 

Amy’s success at the TIDA awards marks her as an emerging talent in the design industry, with a keen eye for creating spaces that are both innovative and deeply personal. Her ability to blend bold design choices with practical functionality has clearly resonated with both judges and clients alike. 

If you’re considering a new home build, Amy and the Landmark Homes team can help bring your vision to life. Take the first step towards a home that’s both beautiful and perfectly suited to your lifestyle. Contact Landmark Homes Manawatū and Wanganui to get started.