An ensuite bathroom has different functionality and design priorities to that of a master bathroom which is used by the whole family. Generally, with an ensuite, homeowners can be more daring in their choices. And there’s nothing bolder than an open-plan bathroom which flows into the bedroom with no walls for barriers.
Many people initially shy away from open-plan bathroom/bedrooms, fearing that they may leave themselves with little privacy. But in homes where there are plenty of bathrooms, it’s less of a sacrifice to make.
And there are plenty of benefits. Helping light from the bathroom to flood into the bedroom – and vice versa – it has an incredibly largening effect. There’s also a lot to be said for its ability to create a hotel-like vibe.
That’s what one of Easy Bathrooms’ clients were looking for when they redesigned their ensuite.
Approximately 5 sq. m. in size, the bathroom had last been renovated around eight years ago, incorporating a semi-open plan design. With a timber frame separating the bedroom from the bathroom, the room had become aged over time, with dated tiles and furniture – in a layout which didn’t make the most of the space available.
So, when opting to renovate the bedroom, they simultaneously decided to upgrade their bathroom, too.
Deciding on a functional and design-led layout
The whole room was designed around the placement of the bath. The bath was a priority for the couple, who wanted a freestanding bath to become a central focus of both rooms, flowing equally between the two and sitting underneath the old galleon windows of the farmhouse.
Wanting to minimise the need for cleaning, they chose to prop the bath up against the windows and tile the surround, leaving no gap between the bath and the wall.
The rest of the layout was then to be decided – it needed to incorporate a shower, a toilet, radiator and vanity unit. Using Easy Bathrooms’ 3D planner, they went for a slightly unconventional plan.
Sitting within the slope of the roof, there were only two useable walls within the room. Understandably, they didn’t want to drastically change the positioning of the toilet, to minimise the need for additional pipework, which was placed on the wall next to the bath. The remaining wall had been earmarked for a shower – leaving one question; where would the vanity unit go?
Using some creativity, the solution was to build out the wall underneath the sloping roof and the Velux window, creating a flat surface for the vanity unit to sit. This also formed a space for shelving to be added next to the sink.
Choosing the products
The wardrobes in the bedroom were modern, while a traditional fireplace was unearthed beneath the former wardrobes, which they decided to strike as an original feature. The products within the bathroom therefore needed to keep a balance between classic and contemporary, to flow seamlessly into the bedroom.
They chose large-format, grey tiles for the floors and walls, to continue the theme of spaciousness. Within the shower area, they went for textured large-format grey tiles, to create a feature wall. They also chose a simple, grey vanity unit, to create a timeless look and finish, which could regularly be updated with fresh, colourful accessories.
Finishing off the bathroom, the new false wall surrounding the vanity unit was cladded in an authentic timber, to tie into the wooden beams within the bedroom.
The whole space has been completed with modern accessories, including stainless steel candle holders, matte black shower accessories and pink vases – giving it that high-end hotel look they were looking for.
This increasingly popular style of bathroom is a new style of living which we think will be seen in more and more homes over the next few years.
Rob Holroyd
Contracts Manager
07949 051518
