Getting started

If you want to begin your day on a positive note, then creating an ensuite you truly love is a great place to start. After all, bathrooms are usually the first room we step into each morning, so it makes sense that they can help set the tone of our day. “An ensuite should be designed to engender a sense of wellbeing, peace and calmness,” says Kate. And, as always, preparation is key to a delightful design.

Ensuite planning and preparation

1. Get the right layout placement

Identifying the right position in your home’s floor plan can make a world of difference for your ensuite, especially when it comes to letting in extra light. “Whether it’s a new build or a renovation, we always try to position an ensuite bathroom facing east to capture the morning light,” explains Kate. Not only does an abundance of natural light help with make-up application in the morning, it’s also a strong mood booster. “There’s something so special about capturing the natural light when you’re getting ready to face the day,” adds Kate. If an eastern orientation isn’t possible, consider adding a skylight or strategically placing mirrors to reflect the sunshine.

2. Identify sightlines

Clever ensuite design doesn’t just make for a better-looking bathroom – it also allows for flexibility and functionality so multiple people can use the space simultaneously. Shared bathrooms are intimate, so including some privacy helps keep the peace. “Sightlines are so important,” says Kate, who believes hiding the toilet from view of adjoining bedrooms or walk-in robes is a must. “If space allows, we always recommend a toilet and shower separated by fluted glass to allow natural light to filter in while maintaining privacy,” she suggests.

3. Think about functionality

“Organisation is definitely key to a feeling of wellbeing,” says Kate. Instead of rushing through the planning stage, stop and think about every step of your household’s daily bathroom use, then ask yourself what you need to create an intrinsic sense of ease during those moments. “Create a considered space for everything, so the rush of the bathroom routine in the morning is intuitive and automatic,” says Kate. Oft forgotten – but important – design details include rubbish bins and laundry hampers incorporated into your joinery to maintain a seamless and uncluttered look, while also increasing functionality.

Ensuite decoration and styling

No matter how clever the design of your ensuite, the space is never going to feel quite right if your bathroom is visually lacklustre. And how disappointing would it be to spend so much time on this room, only to fall at the final hurdle. Decoration and styling constitute more than a simple cherry on top of a well-organised zone; they are essential ingredients to create an ensuite that is perfect for you and your family.

4. Make it cosy

“An ensuite bathroom should feel anything but sterile,” warns Kate. “There’s no need for reflective, cold surfaces.” These bathrooms are extensions of the bedroom, so they should reflect all the comforts, textures and tones found within it. There are many ways to incorporate stylistic elements from your bedroom and home into your ensuite. You could adopt the same colour palette, repeat lighting featured elsewhere in your interior or use the same materials in other rooms for your vanity top and joinery. The key is to extend your style into the ensuite for a warm and welcoming environment.

5. Use wallpaper and panelling

While tiles and stone are popular, they are not the only option available. “Consider different wall treatments like panelling or wallpaper,” suggests Kate. “As long as the shower is separate and waterproof, you can be creative with materials to create a joyful space.” A well-considered scheme can also complement other features in your home. If you have a Queenslander, VJ panelling will speak to the architectural style of its design. And don’t forget wallpaper – it’s a simple but effective way to introduce colour, pattern and personality. Looking to decorate your walls with artwork but concerned about humidity? Simply ensure your shower is well-ventilated.

6. Invest in high-quality fixtures

Where possible, indulge in the best of the best. After all, your ensuite is your personal sanctuary. Kate recommends beautiful tapware in a finish that will patina over time for that prized mix of aesthetics and hardy functionality. “Natural materials such as stone feel beautiful underfoot,” she adds. “In an ensuite, which is usually only used by the parents in a household, it’s wonderful to have a feature bath in front of full-height windows. Having a view to look out on adds to the appeal.” Lightweight curtains achieve privacy and add romance.

Functional ensuite features

Once you’ve planned the location and layout of your ensuite, you need to knuckle down and focus on functionality. Since the ultimate aim is a relaxing and effortless space that can withstand busy mornings with high traffic, there’s no design detail that’s too small to be considered. Every feature can aid convenience. From ample storage to cleverly positioned power points, practicality is the backbone of this space.

7. Carefully consider storage

The importance of storage in an ensuite cannot be overstated. But it’s not just the amount of storage that matters, it’s the type and placement that make all the difference, too. “Think carefully about how you use the space to ensure everything is at your fingertips and out of sight where possible,” says Kate. “Eye-height storage is an excellent choice so you can avoid having to bend.” She also cautions against open shelving. “Bathrooms can get dirty and no matter how conscientious you are, shelves need to be cleaned and will fill with things you don’t want to see.” And don’t forget a place to store your bath towels! Although they can be stored in a linen cupboard, it’s much easier to have them close at hand in the bathroom.

8. Get a bathroom electrician

Knowledge is power, so consult a qualified electrician before you start planning lighting and power points. You’ll also need different types of lighting in your ensuite – task lighting is important for make-up application and shaving, while feature lighting in the form of wall sconces or pendants adds a sense of luxury and makes a style statement. When it comes to power points, the more the merrier, but consider installing some in a drawer or inside your cupboards. “You can keep appliances plugged in but hidden from view,” explains Kate. Heated towel rails are another practical electrical inclusion.

9. Connect with the outdoors

What could be better than a bathroom with a view? “Seeing Mother Nature in the morning always brings joy,” shares Kate. “A window with vistas to a garden adds a sense of wellbeing.” As well as providing natural light and making the space feel bigger, windows improve ventilation and help prevent mould. If this isn’t feasible for you, consider installing an operable skylight. Other options include extractor fans, ceiling fans and dehumidifiers.

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The post An expert’s guide on how to design a luxurious ensuite appeared first on Home Beautiful.

Zoe and Benji also have separate bedrooms, citing snoring, different bedtimes and Benji’s lack of cushion styling nous as the reason for their ‘sleep divorce’.

While entirely separate bathrooms aren’t overly common, “his and hers” vanities are a growing trend, says Evalyn Nicholas, interior design director at DS407. Evalyn recently helped Zoe, Benji and their two children transform their beautiful new family home on Sydney’s lower north shore. “This design concept adds a touch of personalisation and convenience, allowing each individual to have their own dedicated space for grooming,” explains Evalyn. “The demand for additional make-up or ‘get-ready’ zones has also been on the rise.”

Having his and her bathrooms allowed Zoe and Benji to create very different spaces, aesthetically. With Benji having few opinions about interiors, the bathroom design process was easy to navigate. “Benji just wanted enough space in his vanity and drawers for his manscaping needs, but apart from that, he’s very low maintenance,” reveals Zoe.

Looking for bathroom ideas for your own sanctuary (or, sanctuaries)? The Marshalls’ dual bathrooms are sure to inspire you.

Separate bathroom ideas

What’s more fun than a bathroom renovation? Two bathroom renovations. If you have the space and budget to design separate bathrooms, don’t take a cookie-cutter approach, advises Evalyn. Make it personal.

“This is your personal space, where you’ll unwind, get ready and start your day,” she says. “Don’t be afraid to step out of your comfort zone. Be brave with your choices, whether it’s bold colours, unique fixtures or playful patterns.” If colour isn’t your modus operandi, you can still create an original yet timeless look by playing with textures, tapware and tile formats, suggests Evalyn. This, of course, applies to separate bathroom vanities too if space — or plumbing facilities — is at a premium.  

Zoe and Benji definitely tapped into their individual personalities and needs when finessing their bathroom designs. Benji’s bathroom is “masculine” while Zoe’s is a light-filled retreat. “He’s got a black toilet, and the tiles are dark. It’s moody and sexy,” describes Zoe. “Whereas mine feels almost like a tropical vacation bathroom. It’s all Venetian plaster with no seams or tiles and is so light and airy. It’s a very different luxe aesthetic.”

Yes, its heavenly pastel vibe is Pinterest-worthy, but Zoe’s bathroom is also practical. Being a TV presenter and content creator, Zoe requires good natural light for makeup and hair. And as host of the no-holds-barred podcast The Deep — in which she interviews everyone from nude yogis to ex-criminals — Zoe probably needs some time to decompress. So, a freestanding bath was a must (not that she gets to soak in it often… or, ever). “I’ve never used the bath and if that’s not the most mother-esque thing to say, I don’t know what is! That must change, starting now.” Zoe and Benji are quickly becoming seasoned renovators. Take a peek at the couple’s former home in Sydney’s Canada Bay.

Zoe Marshall’s bathroom renovation tips

Look for easy-to-clean bathroom materials

“Venetian plaster is the easiest thing ever to keep clean,” offers Zoe. “I love that our bathrooms are not overly covered in glass, as well.”

Have a clear vision

“Make your inspiration boards super clear, because you otherwise might bring in many different concepts that don’t make sense,” explains Zoe. “For example, you could say, ‘I want something masculine, but then I want a lot of florals.’ Having them all on a board helps you or your designer navigate your bathroom design ideas.”

Trust the professionals

“We had some communication issues with some of the team and had to waterproof my bathroom twice,” reveals Zoe. “Because Venetian plaster is such a new thing, you need a whole team that understands it. So, I should have probably gone with the Venetian plasterers’ choice of plumbers.”

Zoe Marshall’s bathrooms: shop the look

01

Bao fluted 1700mm freestanding bath, The Blue Space

$2051 (usually $2413)

With a matte white fluted V-groove finish, this bath will add quiet luxury to your bathroom design.

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02

Assouline ‘Marrakech Flair’ Travel From Home candle, David Jones

$140

Created by renowned perfumer Jérome Epinette, the Assouline range of home candles transports you to exotic destinations.

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03

Aelbix Bally 20cm pendant light in antique gold, The Blue Space

$100 (usually $115)

A bit glam, a bit traditional and a serious mood-setter, this pendant shines… literally and figuratively.

Shop Now

04

Saardé Vintage Wash towel in nutmeg, The Iconic

$79

Designed in Australia and made of Turkish cotton, Saardé towels look equally gorgeous draped over a bath or a body.

Shop Now

05

Nood Co Funl Basin in charcoal, The Blue Space

$795

Handcrafted in Western Australia, Nood Co’s concrete surface-mount basins add gravitas and texture to any bathroom vanity.

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06

Leif Boronia hand wash 500ml, Aura Home

$39

Handcrafted in Western Australia, Nood Co’s concrete surface-mount basins add gravitas and texture to any bathroom vanity.

Shop Now

07

Lifestyle Traders Libo magnesium oxide vase, Temple & Webster

from $219 (usually $299)

Magnesium oxide is durable enough for a kids’ bathroom or even outdoor use, but this stunning vessel doesn’t skimp on style.

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08

Inka Arthouse Black Nude by Henri Matisse print, The Iconic

from $60

Surprise guests and give yourself a daily pop of inspiration by incorporating art into your bathroom design.

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The post Here’s why Zoe and Benji Marshall have separate bedrooms AND bathrooms appeared first on Home Beautiful.

The key feature that distinguishes a Jack and Jill bathroom from a regular bathroom is that it has two points of entry. So if you have a bathroom located between two bedrooms, it can be a great way to create an ensuite for both rooms – without having to build two separate bathrooms (and pay for all of the plumbing and tiling costs, twice). Thinking about designing a Jack and Jill bathroom in your own home? Here are three design points to consider.

1. The doors

Unless you have plenty of space to swing two doors, sliding doors or pocket doors are usually the best option for a Jack and Jill bathroom. Sliding doors will allow you to maximise the available floor space and still fit in everything you need. It goes without saying but lockable doors are also an absolute must in a bathroom with two entry points. 

2. The layout

Nailing the layout of a Jack and Jill bathroom is essential to ensure both functionality and privacy.

In a small shared bathroom, ensuring that the doors open onto the vanity (rather than the toilet, shower or bath tub) will reduce the severity of any potential awkward encounters should someone forget to lock both doors. 

But, if you have the space, consider creating a segmented Jack and Jill bathroom (also known as a Hollywood bathroom), where the vanity area is separated from the bathing and toilet zones by walls. By doing this, the room can be easily used by two people at the same time without compromising privacy.

Studio McGee created a Jack and Jill bathroom (or in this case, a Jill and Jill bathroom) for their clients’ daughters as part of their ‘Home on the Ranch‘ project. A Hollywood style layout allows both girls to use the vanity area simultaneously, while the bathing area and toilet have been separated by walls.

3. The fixtures

Because a Jack and Jill bathroom is designed to be used by at least two people, it’s a good idea to double up on functionality where you can. A double vanity is an excellent option, as it allows two people to use the bathroom simultaneously.

What are the downsides to a Jack and Jill bathroom?

• You’ll need to lock two doors before you can get down to business. Not exactly a deal breaker, but kind of annoying if the door is located all the way on the other side of the room (i.e. the standard configuration) or if you’re just really busting.
• Ever noticed how bathrooms echo? Imagine having a noisy echo chamber located smack bang between two bedrooms, so everything your neighbour does in the bathroom is amplified for all to hear. 
• When you’re finished in the bathroom, you’ll need to unlock both sides so the person in the other room still has access. If the person sharing the bathroom forgets to unlock your side, you’ll need to a) figure out whether the bathroom is actually occupied before b) walking all the way around into the other room to unlock your own side again.

The post How to create a stylish, space-saving Jack and Jill bathroom appeared first on Home Beautiful.