Escape Room Ensuite heaven.
An ensuite can look and function very differently to a main bathroom. We asked the experts for their tips on how to design a space that’s your own personal haven.
PRIORITISE YOUR PREFERENCES
You could argue that an ensuite is the most personal space in the house, says Aaron Wong, principal designer for Alexander Pollock Interiors in Melbourne. “Everyone has their quirks when it comes to cleanliness and organisation, so I use these as a starting point,” he says. “What constitutes a ‘must-have’ will vary: a couple might insist on two vanities, for example.” The same level of personalisation doesn’t apply to a main bathroom, which needs to cater more broadly to the whole household (and often guests, too).
LOOK TO LUXURY
“Focusonluxuryandcreatingasenseofsanctuary as a key design driver,” advises Shaun Lockyer, principal of Shaun Lockyer Architects in Brisbane. “A family bathroom might not need to encompass luxury in the same way. Ideally, an ensuite should feel resort-like, so its users feel a sense of ‘escape’ onadailybasis.”Becausetheensuiteissometimes the only room that isn’t shared by the family, it deserves special treatment, says Vanessa Cook, design manager at Smarter Bathrooms+. “Homeowners are almost always willing to spend more to make this space exceptional.”
SEEK A CENTREPIECE
Whether it’s open to the main bedroom or not, an ensuite benefits from having a striking visual focal point, says Vanessa. “It could be full-height tiling, a double vanity, special-finish tapware or a spectacular statement light.”
SAY BYE TO THE BATH?
In many ensuites, space is an issue. That means weighing up what you can and can’t include, says Vanessa. “In some cases I advise clients to do without a bath, because there’s generally one in the main bathroom.” That space is better used for a generous shower area, says Franco Parisi, chief operating officer for Parisi. “Whether it’s a showerpipe incorporating an overhead shower and a hand shower or a separate ceiling shower and rail shower, these combinations will give a couple the best of both worlds.”
DO A DOUBLE TAKE
A double vanity is a lovely inclusion in an ensuite but it’s not strictly necessary, says Vanessa. “Sometimes it’s more efficient to have one basin and more bench space, so two users can get ready comfortably. The key thing is to have powerpoints at each end of the vanity so cords from hairdryers and the like don’t become tangled.”
GET SMART ABOUT SPACE
Not everyone has room for a generous ensuite, but you can do a lot within a little footprint with the right design approach. It’s a matter of seeking out floating vanities, utilising wall space by building in niches and recessed cabinetry, and ensuring everything is kept to scale. “‘Dead spaces’, such as above a toilet, can be great spots for extra shelves,” says Franco. “Robe hooks for the back of the door and ladder towel rails are great in ensuites and remember that including large mirrors helps make a room feel bigger.” A wall-hung pan with concealed cistern will also project about 170mm less into your bathroom.
LOOK TO THE LIGHT
Natural light isn’t abundant in every ensuite, but it is crucial that every ensuite has good lighting. “A skylight can be an asset to an ensuite,” says Franco. “Good downlights and LED strip lights under shelves can also help. Backlit mirrors with anti-fog functionality are popular, too.” Focus first on great vanity lighting on or next to your mirrors, adds Shaun. “They should provide even, warm light for shaving and make-up. Bathrooms need to be light-filled, well-ventilated spaces; they shouldn’t feel like service areas.”
CONSIDER THE NOISE FACTOR
It’s important to consider noise when you’re planning an ensuite, says Franco. “It’s good for the main water and plumbing lines to run along the outside wall of the house or hallway, where possible. Select good-quality tapware that incorporates features to prevent noise transfer and water hammer.” And never have a toilet suite backingontothewallwhereyourbedispositioned.
FUNCTION MEETS FUN
An ensuite is one of those spaces in your home where you can take a slightly more adventurous design approach. “Think outside the box, challenge your own preconceptions and, above all, have a little fun with it,” adds Shaun.