2026/Traditional Refinement

NKBA Awards 2026Entry 245

Traditional Refinement

Detail By Davinia Sutton·Christchurch·Bathroom

Detail by Davinia Sutton

Designed by

Detail by Davinia Sutton

Detail By Davinia Sutton

Traditional Refinement — bathroom by Detail By Davinia Sutton (NKBA Excellence in Design 2026)NKBA 2026 Excellence in Design — Supreme Bathroom Winner

OFFICIAL RESULT

Supreme Bathroom Design Award

Supreme Bathroom Manufacturer

Supreme Bathroom Benchtop Manufacturer

A master ensuite with manners: Traditional Refinement is classic in spirit, generous in scale and precise enough to let every detail sit exactly where it should.

Project gallery

12 images

01 / 12Photography by Stephen Goodenough. Specified: Blum, Plumbline, New Zealand Panels.

Project story

Traditional Refinement begins with a brief for a private retreat that felt timeless, elegant and quietly indulgent, while still belonging to the traditional character of the home.

The clients wanted blue in the palette, strong graphic impact, high contrast and a sense of everyday luxury. That is a fair bit to ask of one room, but the result feels composed rather than crowded.

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Detail By Davinia Sutton centres the ensuite around a custom tessellated floor in warm white and charcoal tones. It gives the space its graphic structure and nods to the home’s architectural heritage without becoming nostalgic. Soft blue glazed wall tiles bring in the colour the clients loved, adding depth and sheen while keeping the room calm.

The freestanding vanity is one of the room’s defining gestures. Made from custom-stained oak with a honed stone top, it has the presence of furniture rather than cabinetry. Crisp vessel basins sit above, while concealed storage and integrated power are hidden behind mitred framed mirrors. The practical work is there, but it does not interrupt the mood. The bath is positioned to frame the garden, helped by a carefully extended building envelope that creates a boxed-window moment. It gives the room a pause point: somewhere to retreat, look out and let the day loosen its grip. The shower continues the same discipline, with twin showering, tiled niches and a recessed channel drain worked into the floor pattern so the functional pieces stay quiet.

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This project also carries Supreme Bathroom Manufacturer and Supreme Bathroom Benchtop Manufacturer recognition, with Lyall Park Joinery & Southern Creations and Artisan Stone attached to the awarded outcome. It feels fitting. In a room like this, craftsmanship is not an extra. It is the thing holding the whole mood together.

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Judges’ comment

This compelling bathroom balances traditional character with a fresh, polished feel. The tessellated flooring, glazed blue wall tiles and a spectacular furniturestyle vanity create warmth, personality and a strong focal point. With a generous layout, incredible detailing and harmonious mix of materials, this timeless bathroom oozes elegance and luxury.

daviniasutton.com

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Project record

Entry number
Entry 245
Project
Traditional Refinement
Entered by
Detail By Davinia Sutton
Designer
Detail by Davinia Sutton
Location
Christchurch
Programme
2026 NKBA Excellence in Design
Room type
Bathroom
Category entered
Bathroom
Photography
Stephen Goodenough

Official results

  • Supreme Bathroom Design Award
  • Supreme Bathroom Manufacturer
  • Supreme Bathroom Benchtop Manufacturer

Official NKBA 2026 result.

Credits
Blum, Plumbline, New Zealand Panels

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