Before & After: A Delightfully Whimsical Ensuite in Blue & White
A combination of fun speckled tiles and technology makes this a family bathroom for the future
Vanessa Walker
21 March 2022
Houzz Australia & New Zealand Editor-in-Chief
In a Q&A format, we talk to the designers – and examine the creative thinking – behind some of Houzz’s most loveable rooms.
Images by Suzi Appel Photography. Styling and answers by Sally Wilson, director, Substance Within.
Location: Melbourne, Victoria
Who lives here: A family of three
Room purpose and size: A powder room and ensuite off the main bedroom measuring approximately 10 square metres in total
Budget: AU$50,000 to $60,000
Did you find your client on Houzz?
Yes. I was initially Project Matched* with this renovation to assist with fitting out a home office. This developed into helping with the ensuite as well.
*Project Match allows homeowners to match with Houzz pros based on a questionnaire that they complete about their renovation project. The questionnaire asks homeowners for their location, budget, the services that they’re looking for, the current status of their project, when they want to get started, and more. When the homeowner submits the questionnaire, our matching technology produces up to five matched pros. The homeowner receives the contact information and Houzz profiles of those pros so that they can explore working with them, and vice versa.
Location: Melbourne, Victoria
Who lives here: A family of three
Room purpose and size: A powder room and ensuite off the main bedroom measuring approximately 10 square metres in total
Budget: AU$50,000 to $60,000
Did you find your client on Houzz?
Yes. I was initially Project Matched* with this renovation to assist with fitting out a home office. This developed into helping with the ensuite as well.
*Project Match allows homeowners to match with Houzz pros based on a questionnaire that they complete about their renovation project. The questionnaire asks homeowners for their location, budget, the services that they’re looking for, the current status of their project, when they want to get started, and more. When the homeowner submits the questionnaire, our matching technology produces up to five matched pros. The homeowner receives the contact information and Houzz profiles of those pros so that they can explore working with them, and vice versa.
Brief
- Optimising space was important, as was creating one room with everything in it.
- The aesthetic focused on ‘bright and contemporary’ with accents of blue.
- It was also important to incorporate technology and automation to maximise functionality where possible.
Starting point
The entry to the room and best use of the natural light from the existing window were factors that determined the best position for the vanity.
The orientation of the new, adjacent powder room was designed to create the perfectly sized niche for the spa, optimise the floor plan, and define the recessed shower space in the ensuite.
The entry to the room and best use of the natural light from the existing window were factors that determined the best position for the vanity.
The orientation of the new, adjacent powder room was designed to create the perfectly sized niche for the spa, optimise the floor plan, and define the recessed shower space in the ensuite.
The original floor plan was absolutely antiquated and not functional for this growing family.
The floor plan before works.
From a spatial-planning perspective, too much of the footprint was allocated to passages and allowances for doorways.
From a spatial-planning perspective, too much of the footprint was allocated to passages and allowances for doorways.
The ensuite floor plan after works.
By opening up the separate toilet and shower and enveloping them into the bathroom, I was able to redesign and tailor the space to the client’s needs.
The final plan included a separate powder room, and a toilet within the ensuite.
By opening up the separate toilet and shower and enveloping them into the bathroom, I was able to redesign and tailor the space to the client’s needs.
The final plan included a separate powder room, and a toilet within the ensuite.
The vanity area after works.
Colour palette:
Colour palette:
- French navy.
- White.
- Brushed-nickel finishes.
The bath area before works.
The bath area after works.
Materials palette:
Materials palette:
- We specified terrazzo-look tiles from Oscar & Co Tiles and Bathware, which were an instant and unequivocal ‘Yes!’ They allowed us to tick the bright, crisp aesthetic while injecting striking pops of blue.
- The French navy Laminex vanity provides a bold block of colour contrast against the white-gloss wall tiles.
- Caesarstone vanity top.
- Timberline Bathroom Products basins.
Key pieces of furniture/fittings:
- The selection of the Ortho tapware in brushed nickel finish, from Phoenix Tapware, speaks to the client’s contemporary taste.
- The 500 x 500-millimetre Doccinox flush ceiling rain shower from Faucet Strommen is a luxury element the client was keen to include.
Technology and automation:
- Backlit mirrors with integrated demisters from Ablaze.
- Under-tile floor heating.
- Sensor lighting.
- Thermorail vertical heated towel rails.
- The Toto fully automated toilet suite.
The shower before works.
The shower after works (showing the flush-to-the-ceiling rain showerhead).
What challenges did you work around?
Covid-19 restrictions in Melbourne! My client was really patient and communication was the key to moving forward, despite constant interruptions.
What challenges did you work around?
Covid-19 restrictions in Melbourne! My client was really patient and communication was the key to moving forward, despite constant interruptions.
The shower and adjacent toilet before works.
The shower area after works.
Why do you think this room works?
The room is now a bright and generous-sized space, perfect for the whole family to prepare for their day, or relax at the end of the day with a soak in the spa.
Your turn
What do you like about this family bathroom? Tell us in the Comments below. And don’t forget to save your favourite images for inspiration, like this story and join the conversation.
More
Craving more great interior transformations? Take a look at this Before & After: Moody Blues & Luxe Touches Transform a Drab Home
Why do you think this room works?
The room is now a bright and generous-sized space, perfect for the whole family to prepare for their day, or relax at the end of the day with a soak in the spa.
Your turn
What do you like about this family bathroom? Tell us in the Comments below. And don’t forget to save your favourite images for inspiration, like this story and join the conversation.
More
Craving more great interior transformations? Take a look at this Before & After: Moody Blues & Luxe Touches Transform a Drab Home
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I love the way the shower has been tucked in beside the bath. Very nice.
Love it!
I like it. It’s bright and cheerful. Would think it easier to clean.