What is the first room of your home you visit in the morning? And the last place you might enter at the end of the day? For most people, that would be your bathroom/ ensuite. They say the Kitchen is the heart of the home, but I would say that the ensuite is also pretty important too. Wouldn’t you? That’s why, ideally, we want it to be comfortable, stylish and inviting.
As builders and designers, we at Ownit Homes know the value and importance of a well-designed ensuite and can help you achieve this goal. Regardless of the size or shape of the room you’re working with, there are plenty of design tricks and clever solutions to maximise every square inch. In this blog, we will explore five unique and creative ideas to inspire your next project. So, if this piques your interest, let's dive in and discover some of our favourite designs for 2025 and beyond.
1. Minimalistic
When It comes to Bathrooms, especially ensuites, sometimes space can be a bit of an issue. So, if you find yourself wanting more space, a minimalistic ‘less is more’ approach is generally the best way to go. When you think of your ideal ensuite, do you think of things like space, openness, light, and cleanliness? The following tips could help you achieve this.
Neutral colours, simple minimal patterns and textures will help a space feel bigger than it is. A larger format tile, clean lines and minimal accessories will also help to make the room grow visually. A large frameless mirror instead of a chunky framed one and good lighting will give the illusion of more space by providing more reflective surfaces for light to bounce off.
If this sounds a bit boring and drab, you can easily add pops of colour and detail with your plumbing items, accessories and fixtures. This will keep the space feeling personal and not clinical.
Another thing to consider is the proportions of the items you add to the room. If you only have space for a small shower area, make sure you select a shower rail that fits the space. Don’t choose a huge double-headed shower that makes the cubical feel cramped and small.
By embracing a minimalist aesthetic, you can create an ensuite that feels open, airy, and relaxing, even on the smaller side. This approach is all about making the most out of your space and not cluttering it up with unnecessary items and/or décor.
2. Embrace Nature
When you walk into your ensuite, what do you want to feel? Do you want to feel relaxed, comfortable, or refreshed? Adding touches of nature and bringing the outside in can help you achieve these feelings. As an example, you could add some timber-look cabinetry to the vanity, complemented by warm neutrals for your tiles. Green is also a wonderful colour for bathrooms, as it is calming and an instant reminder of the Natural world.
If colour isn’t really up your alley, you could consider adding plants to the space. They will instantly elevate your ensuite but give literal life to the room in fun textures. If you don’t know what plants are good for bathrooms, species like ferns and Pothos vines are great for thriving in humid environments! A hot tip for those of us with less of a green thumb: Pothos grow great in jars of water! So, there is no need to stress about over or under-watering, just watch the water line! Or, for those of us who were not blessed with a green thumb at all, we won't be able to judge if the more straightforward and safer option is fake plants!
3. All things Colour
In a smaller space, the colours you choose can play a big role in how this space feels. Lighter colours will make your ensuite feel larger, while darker colours will make it feel smaller. So, when deciding on the feel of the room, be mindful of what your goal is and choose accordingly.
Of whites, light timbers, soft greys, and pastels are perfect for maximising the illusion of space. These colours reflect light, which will also make the room feel brighter, and with the right lighting, it will be even better!
The finishes of your colours also play a big role in complementing them. The more reflective a surface is, the more bright and light the room will appear. A more matt finish will absorb light, so keep this in mind when picking your paint and tiles.
4. Storage is King
Let's be real: We all want to avoid clutter, but sometimes, you need to fill your ensuite with all the necessary appliances and items for everyday use. That's why smart storage solutions are so important. In a smaller space, making the most of every inch is the key.
Hidden shelves are a great way to organise your toiletries and keep them within easy reach. Consider incorporating mirrors with hidden cabinetry behind to hide your storage. If it’s a new build, you might recess the cabinet into the wall so it doesn’t protrude into the room as much either which will give you more square meterage in the room.
Another idea is to include shower shelves or niches in your shower area. This keeps clutter off the floor so all your shampoos and such are neatly within reach and not creating clutter.
5. A Grand Entrance
As we’ve discussed, a clean, minimalist design is one of the top approaches for a modern ensuite. So, how do we go the extra mile, adding uniqueness and luxury to our space? Like a statement piece, open entranceways are a fantastic and unique way to connect the space between your ensuite and the rest of your home. Instead of a traditional swinging door, an open entranceway will create a connection between the room outside it, whether that’s your bedroom or robe.
However for those of us who might like a bit of privacy still, there are other options to still achieve this feel! Cavity sliding doors are a great way to get doors out of the way whilst still having the ability to close them up when necessary. Or a glass panel in the door that is either clear or frosted. This could be a large single door or even a beautiful set of French doors, depending on the space you have available.
Another option to create the illusion of space is to cut out holes in the walls. This could be an open hole in the wall or a pane of glass to let extra light in but still maintain privacy.
So, to wrap up, we have learnt that your ensuite can be designed with comfort and aesthetics in mind, no matter the size. Whether you're maximising space with clever storage, bringing the outdoors in with natural elements, or creating more space with open entrances, every home is different, and many of these design tips will largely depend on its layout and style.
At Ownit Homes, we're passionate about helping you create a home you'll love, and that includes your ensuite. We work closely with you to design a custom space that reflects both your individual and household style.
Ready to start planning? Check out some of our inclusions and custom designs to envision your design. Contact us today to learn more on how to begin your home-building journey!