John Downs
Balancing the functionality of a bathroom with its aesthetic appeal is not without its challenges, making it one of the most intimidating rooms to design in the home. Key factors include not throwing a working layout out with the bathwater – but it’s important to assess your needs first and be realistic about how you plan to use the space daily.
Ask yourself the following questions:
what works about the current layout?
what needs improvement?
how many people will use the bathroom?
will there be more than one user at a time?
how much available natural light is there?
how much storage do you have/need (Tip: more than you think!)
what style is the rest of your home?
what is the budget you are working with?
what other bathrooms have you visited and admired?
A feature wall of VJ panelling references other rooms to create a cohesive design palette in this reimagined bathroom.
(Credit: Photographer: Kristina Soljo)All of these factors feed into your decision making as you plan a new build or bathroom renovation, so rather than rush into a complete overhaul, take the time to research, plan and design the best bathroom for you and your family.
try these bathroom design ideas
Statement styling
Encased in Carrara marble, the vanity in this ensuite was custom-made and matches the herringbone floor tiles to amplify the wow factor. With a layout designed so the shower (around the corner) and bath enjoy the leafy outlook, the mirror has built-in lighting, while exterior Venetian blinds ensure privacy and northern- sun control.
Photographer: Kristina Soljo
Monochrome magic
The simple, neutral colour palette of black and white is made ever so chic with textured finger tiles and marble details around the mirror, extending into the shower area. Simple chrome tapware allows for pops of seasonal colour in towels, while floating the timber vanity helps to create an illusion of space.
Photographer: Simon Whitbread
Rustic luxury
Hotel-like luxury is offset with a rustic aesthetic in this simple, textural space via the elaborate tapware, marble fluted basin and vintage trunk-turned-vanity. The plantation-shuttered windows bring in lots of natural light, while a charming curtain covers the shower.
Photographer: Louise Roche
Timber and stone
Twin basins in this main bathroom are well spaced for maximum functionality. A sweeping surface on the vanity ties in nicely with large format wall and floor tiles to form a cohesive look. Black tapware ups the ante and picks up the grain in the timber joinery of the basin.
Photographer: Nat Spadavecchia
Beachside bliss
A curved brick wall at the front of the home (designed to hide the front door from the street) makes a shapely statement in this family bathroom. “The bathroom sits here as it didn’t require a window,” says homeowner Heather. Instead, a large skylight invites natural light in, while an extra section of wall hides the toilet – a practical feature in a large, open wash zone.
Photographer: Simon Whitbread
Lights fantastic
The custom-made mirror cabinet makes a statement in this ensuite, with two thirds of the frame defined in Dulux Parchment Paper. Finger mosaic tiles add texture while sticking to the all-white colour scheme allows for creativity and colour in accessories.
Photographer: John Downs
Unique touches
Bespoke, heirloom and store-bought pieces transform simple into special. The spotted gum vanity in this ensuite was made by homeowner Nicole’s builder and finished with modern tapware and round stone sink. The wall sconces are new, while the vintage mirror has been updated with black paint. The mat is a handwoven silk carpet from Austria. “It’s been in my family for more than 100 years,” says Nicole.
Photographer: Brigid Arnott
Classic with modern touches
This striking bathroom combines VJ panelling and classic chrome tapware with clever use of marble. On the floor are tiny marble hex mosaics, while large format features in the vanity atop soft blue-grey cabinetry. “The colours are very peaceful but also gender neutral, which is ideal for an ensuite,” says owner Georgia.
Photographer: Sue Stubbs
Hamptons haven
A favourite pastime for the resident kids of this bathroom, is to splash about in the built-in bathtub. Plain tiles keep the walls neutral, allowing ‘Spangle’ floor tiles from Earp Bros to star.
Photographer: Louise Roche
