Photography: Simon Whitbread | Styling: Corina Koch
If you’re undertaking an entire home renovation or just a bathroom reno and looking for ensuite ideas, look no further. We’ve rounded up seven of the best to inspire your own small bathroom renovation, with ideas on looks for your layout, fixtures and finishes, tiling and tapware.
Planning a bathroom is a delicate balance at the best of times – with everything ultimately fixed into position so there’s no going back. Maximising the use of available space for all the necessary fittings and getting the layout right first time takes careful planning and often the help of a professional.
Designing a small bathroom or an ensuite is no different – that battle of the lust-have vs the must-have items can be overwhelming.
Here are seven ensuites and small bathroom styles that work beautifully.
01
High end luxury
Complete with curves
The owners of this Palm Springs-inspired home in Brisbane were determined to create a high-end luxury hotel feel in their main ensuite bathroom. “I’d seen the curved wall in a project recently and absolutely loved it, so wanted to do something similar,” says owner Rebecca.
02
Wallpaper wow
Bursting with personality
When it came to renovating the ensuite of her Sunshine Coast cottage, owner Sue couldn’t resist applying Catherine Martin ‘La Palma’ wallpaper. “I loved the brave, dynamic, tropical design,” she says. To complete the look is a vanity from Early Settler and tapware from ABI Interiors.
03
Timber tones
Instant warmth in a white bathroom
Wondering how to make a white bathroom feel warm and inviting? Add timber. At this sustainable home in Melbourne, the owners opted for a crisp white colour palette punctuated by oak veneer joinery by Skyline Kitchens. Texture has also been added to the room via Nagoya Mosaic-Tile Co ‘Kayoborder’ splashback tiles from Academy Tiles.
04
Spa-like sanctuary
With weathered touches
The main ensuite bathroom of this renovated workers cottage is blessed with a bounty of natural light, but to create a sense of softness, the owners stuck to a restrained colour palette and lightly textured walls. All-new finishes are complemented by weathered mirrors and a collection of handmade ceramics by Brisbane artist Jess Sellinger.
05
Classic Hamptons ensuite
Decorated in seaside hues
Seaside hues decorate every corner of this home on Sydney’s northern beaches. “Living by the beach we are fortunate to be surrounded by the blues of the sea and greens from the coastal shrubs and grasses,” says Janette. The ensuite bathroom is no exception. A shaker-style vanity in Porter’s Paints Newport Blue Half pops against the honed Carrara marble floor tiles.
06
A bathtub with a view
The perfect spot for ‘me time’
Think about the way you want to use your ensuite bathroom. If long, luxuriating baths are your idea of self-care heaven, design the room so you want to spend plenty of time there. It’s what the owner of this stone homestead in central Victoria did, and the ensuite bathroom is one of her favourite rooms in the house. “Our ensuite with the freestanding bath that looks out to the view. It’s absolute heaven having a bath with a glass of wine and a little stand so that I can watch Netflix!”
07
Pared back perfection
Refresh with accessories
Choosing timeless foundational elements will allow your ensuite bathroom to change with the seasons, your mood or current trends. The owners of this heritage home in Melbourne opted for a neutral colour palette in their main ensuite bathroom for just this reason. The vanity is painted in Dulux Silkwort and topped with Volkas from Apex Stone. A freestanding bath (not pictured) is positioned by a window, so you can lie back while bathing and enjoy views out over the valley.
