Auckland interior designer Natalie Du Bois is a fan of oak veneers, using them to add a touch of softness and natural finish in her award-winning bathrooms.

Challenged by her rural-based client to design a glamorous and sophisticated bathroom (the third in the same house she has completed for them), she opted for a balance of masculine and feminine in her finishes.

The client loves wallpaper and a statement floral print is mixed with a small-scale metallic tile and eye-catching crystal decanter light fittings to provide the feminine touch. The large-scale vanity uses Prime American Oak Veneer on the exterior with the interior finished in Bestwood Melamine in 'Desire'.

"The slightly metallic finish gives it a luxurious look and feel, but it provides the practicality needed for a bathroom."

The project was Runner Up Best Bathroom in NZ and won Best Bathroom in Auckland in the National 2015 NKBA Awards.

Parnell Perfect

For her Parnell client who travels a lot internationally, the brief was for a 5-star bathroom balanced with easy care practicality.

With that focus firmly in mind, Natalie says the end result is a timeless, classic bathroom that will have broad appeal.

Large format tiles and moulded basins were chosen for their easy-clean properties and Prime American Oak Veneer was used on the vanity front. More than just a unique face, underneath each sheet of Prime Veneer lies a very clever core. There are three core types available in a range of thicknesses, moisture resistance and environmental options. Prime Fire Retardent MDF with a black or natural core and Prime Ply offer even greater flexibility. 

Prime Veneers are made to order and crafted with care, knowledge and experience. Using the very latest technology at NZ Panel Group's brand new East Tamaki plant, the veneers can be hand-selected and pressed onto the selected core to create a highly customised finish.