Photography: Simon Whitbread
Designing an ensuite bathroom is no easy feat, although this stunning example seems almost effortless. Down a long, steep driveway and nestled among majestic gum trees stands this Sydney home with waterfront views. When the homeowner of this idyllic abode decided to renovate, she hired Anna Williams, director of Your Beautiful Home. The project required adding a second level, where a main bedroom suite complete with a dressing room, study, balcony and ensuite would be built. “Her ensuite, especially the bath, were key elements from the beginning,” says Anna. “This is a place for respite and rejuvenation.” And that’s exactly what she achieved.
With a subtly feminine feel, luxurious yet unfussy materials and plenty of storage, this ensuite is a vision befitting the natural beauty of its surrounds.
Storage solutions for an ensuite bathroom
Before this bathroom renovation, the previous ensuite bathroom was positioned on the lower level, without water views. It also had limited space and storage. “The client wanted plenty of storage, including room to store towels in the bathroom,” says Anna.
The joinery was designed by Your Beautiful Home, with a Shaker profile that adds timeless appeal. The joinery colour is Resene Triple White Pointer, a warm neutral that complements the Cosentino ‘Yukon’ Silestone vanity top and Do Up grey marble knobs. All the tapware in the bathroom is from Brodware’s ‘City Plus’ collection in Brushed Swiss Brass, lending a classic elegance to the space.
Mixing and matching floor and wall tiles
While uniformity can be tempted, a whole world of benefits open up when you combine two types of tiles together in a single bathroom. Large, neutral tiles on the floor and most walls can give the illusion of increased size (a great tip for small bathrooms) while a feature wall of mosaics can add an exciting tactile touch. Such is the case in this ensuite bathroom, where mosaic tiles add gentle colour and pattern but are restricted to feature walls, avoiding overwhelm.
‘Viola Ora’ honed artisan-cut mosaic tiles from Tiles by Kate formed the basis of the palette in this ensuite bathroom. “The natural marble had a soft rose pink hue, mixed with warm greys,” describes Anna. These became feature tiles on the wall above the vanity and in the shower, paired with the neutral tones of ‘Soft Ivory’ porcelain tiles, also from Tiles by Kate, on the other walls and floor.
Luxuriate in a freestanding bath
A freestanding bath is, for many homeowners, the ultimate dreamy luxury – especially when placed in a private ensuite, and not shared with children in a main bathroom.
The ‘Lucia’ freestanding stone bath from Moda is undoubtedly the centrepiece in this ensuite bathroom. It fulfilled the owner’s vision for “a place to wind down after a long day and enjoy a glass of wine with her partner, taking in the stunning view”. The oval shape is even mimicked in the twin ‘Clarette’ above-counter basins, also from Moda.
Interior designer Anna’s top ensuite bathroom design tips
- Balance natural light and privacy: “Maximising natural light while maintaining privacy is key in a bathroom,” says Anna. “Consider window treatments, glazing options, or the addition of strategically placed skylights to make your bathroom feel less like a heavily tiled area and more like a lovely room and a joy to be in.” Window furnishings in this ensuite include a roller blind and white timber louvres, both from Marlow & Finch.
- Consider how you will use the space: Every person is unique and has different needs. No two households are the same. Anna suggests asking yourself what small details will bring you joy and make your life easier. “A hairdryer plugged in and concealed inside a drawer? Having a shaving mirrors that folds out for a close-up view? Concealing an electric toothbrush behind a mirror?” she suggests. “Think through your every day use will guide vital decisions about layout, storage and fixture choices.”
- Choose materials carefully: Tiles are wonderful (and Anna made beautiful use of them in this ensuite bathroom) but they are not the only option available. “You don’t have to tile every wall,” she says. “Consider VJ panelling, microcement, painted walls out of wet areas, even wallpaper if it’s a powder room. Balancing durability and the desire for low maintenance in our busy lives with beautiful finishes will make a big difference to the end result.” She also suggests considering warmth and texture.
Source book
Interior design: Your Beautiful Home, yourbeautifulhome.com.au.
Shop the look for your own ensuite bathroom
01
‘Elysian’ floor mounted basin/bath filler with mixer in Brushed Brass
$1379.90, ABI Interiors
Best for: Freestanding baths
When paired with a freestanding bath, floor mounted bath fillers offer a simple way to elevate your bathroom. They draw the eye to your freestanding bath, which is likely the centrepiece and intended focal point of your space. They also offer flexibility, as your bath does not need to be positioned up against a wall.
Sizes: 1109mm (H) x 198mm (spout reach) x 160mm (base plate diameter).
Colours: Brushed Brass, Brushed Nickel and Matte Black.
Materials: Solid brass construction, PVD Brushed Brass finish.
02
‘Aven’ cotton towel collection in Lilac
From $10.79 (was from $17.99), Sheridan
Best for: Soft, snug comforts.
Constructed using a soft, loft yarn with an absorbent pile, this cotton towel set will feel luxurious against your body. It is available in seven chic colours that will suit the colour scheme of any bathroom. Not sure you need the entire set? Not to worry – you can purchase each towel individually from the same webpage. Talk about shopping with ease!
Sizes: Face washer ($10.79, was $17.99), hand towel ($20.99, was $34.99), bath towel ($32.99, was $54.99), bath sheet ($59.99, was $99.99), bath mat ($29.99, was $49.99).
Colours: White, Graphite, Vapour, Indigo, Snow Pea, Ochre and Lilac.
Materials: 100% Cotton terry (excluding trims).
03
‘Filandia II’ vase in Cream White
$11 (was $14.95), Freedom
Best for: Minimalist decor.
Whether you like to fill your rooms with an abundance of objet d’arts or you prefer to keep your decor more understated, this ceramic vase will fit in perfectly in your bathroom. The shape is slightly asymmetrical, lending an organic appeal while the cream hue is a lovely warming neutral. Fill with florals for a pop of colour or let this gorgeous design speak for itself.
Sizes: 13cm x 8cm.
Colours: Cream White and Black.
Materials: Ceramic.
04
Fienza ‘Bahama’ freestanding bath in Matte White
$2,959 (was $3,699), The Blue Space
Best for: Long, luxurious bathing.
We love the oval, asymmetrical silhouette of the freestanding bath tub that Anna of Your Beautiful Home chose. While this bath is not the same model, it has a similarly striking shape. With a solid cast stone surface, it is easy to clean and crafted with premium materials. Matching basins are also available. Glass of wine and good book not included (but highly recommended).
Sizes: 1500mm.
Colours: Matte White and Matte Black.
Materials: Cast stone surface, chrome pop-up waste included.
05
Morgan & Finch ‘Doric’ bathroom accessories
From $14.95, Bed Bath N’ Table
Best for: Soft, snug comforts.
It can be hard to cater to classic interiors and contemporary styles with the same product but these Morgan & Finch ‘Doric’ bathroom accessories manage just that. The toilet brush holder, toothbrush holder, soap dispenser and soap dish have a matching ridged pattern, with a marble-look finish that is predominently white with whisps of darker tones. As with the Sheridan towels, you can purchase each item individually from the same webpage or buy the complete set.
Sizes: Tumbler ($14.95), soap dish ($14.95), soap dispenser ($24.95) and toilet brush ($39.95).
Colours: White.
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