Photography: Milly Mead / Styling: Bek Shephard
Near freezing mid-winter temperatures are no match against the warmth and cosiness of this ensuite. Designed by The Block competitors Emma and Ben as part of the 2025 season of the television show, the style was influenced by a “mid-century western” feel, befitting the home’s country surrounds of Daylesford, Victoria. Best of all? A clever bathroom design trick which underpins the functionality of the space.
What is the space-saving bathroom design trick?
The couple, who have already renovated two homes and built another together, didn’t focus on pleasing a potential buyer with their design. Instead, Ben says, “The ensuite reflects what we personally like.” This led to bold choices, including one big bathroom design decision: omitting a bathtub from their ensuite. This ultimately freed up space in the bathroom design, leaving room for a generous double shower, hidden from view by a nib wall.
Bathroom design trend: colour drenching
The room feels inviting, drawing guests in with a stunning use of colour drenching. “We wanted to make the space feel luxurious and moody,” says Emma. Burgundy tones envelop, with walls dressed in Grafico’s ‘Concrete Stucco Veneziano’ wallpaper in Shiraz and Beaumont Tiles’ ‘Home’ kitkat gloss tiles in Grape. Lighter blush notes add a point of difference in the bathroom design, highlighting the half-height curved wall, clad in ‘Bedrock’ tumbled marble tiles in Rosso, also from Beaumont Tiles.
Smart bathroom storage
Emma and Ben’s bathroom design must-haves included a double basin with a large mirror and plenty of storage. “We have face level storage and storage within the vanity itself,” Emma says. The Issy ‘Cloud’ triple mirror with shaving cabinet is recessed, so as not to intrude in the space. This is above the Issy ‘Adorn’ vanity by Zuster with rich American oak joinery in a Pecan Oak finish. It’s paired with a Corian benchtop in Weathered Aggregate. All are from Reece.
How to add texture in an ensuite
Brushed bronze tapware from Reece enhances the warmth and elevates the bathroom design scheme. Each piece has knurled detailing that aids an artisan appeal. “The texture is so elegant, beautiful and unique,” says Emma. Milli ‘Etch’ tap sets with round backplates appear above the Kado ‘Lussi’ round inset basins, while the shower benefitted from twin Milli ‘Marq Edit’ showerheads and additional handheld shower on bracket. All are from Reece, in the Brushed Bronze finish.
Source book
Builder: Nine in Six, nineinsix.com.au.
Joinery: Purchased from Reece, reece.com.au.
Be the first to read this story by subscribing to Home Beautiful magazine.
