An ensuite renovation can be trickier than a main bathroom renovation. It’s usually a smaller space, and if you share your ensuite with your spouse, coming to agreement on all the design details can be a challenge.
10 Helpful Design Ideas for a Successful Ensuite Renovation
To help you experience an ensuite renovation you both enjoy, we’ve made a list of our top tips and design ideas.
1. Think about the future of your ensuite
In home design, it’s important to think beyond the present. Tastes change, needs change, and there’s also resale value to consider.
The most practical way to design your ensuite is with a neutral foundation. If you like bold colours or statement pieces, you can play with wallpaper or paint, add accessories that pack a punch, or even get a little wild with your light fixture or mirror. But stick to more timeless looks for the tub, tile, and other elements that are more difficult to change later.
Think about the needs of your family members if you plan to be in this home for a long time. Mobility needs can change. Will your ensuite be able to accommodate an aging parent or young children, if necessary?
2. Choose a bathroom floor plan strategically
Ensuites tend to be smaller spaces than main bathrooms, so you want a floor plan that creates as much space as possible. To achieve this, keep all the plumbing along one side of the room, so you have a wall with the sink, toilet, and tub or shower. This leaves the opposite wall open and allows freedom of movement throughout the space.
3. Design your ensuite to complement the bedroom
It’s exciting when your ensuite is luxurious and looks stunning on its own, but it’s important that the style complements your bedroom. It doesn’t have to be exactly the same or “matchy-matchy”, but you should incorporate design features that tie both rooms together.
Some ways you can connect the look of your bedroom to your ensuite are:
- Choose colours for your bedroom that are inspired by the tiles or countertop you use in your ensuite
- Use similar hardware on your closet doors or dresser drawers as you use in your ensuite
- Select components in a similar style category—for example, if your bedroom has a minimalist design with modern, clean lines, go for a similar style in your ensuite
4. Optimize your lighting
Lighting is a vital factor in creating an ensuite that’s functional, spacious, and beautiful. Natural light is best, so if your ensuite doesn’t have a window, consider putting in a skylight. (A bonus of a window or skylight that opens is the natural ventilation, which is also important in any bathroom.)
If a window isn’t an option that fits your budget, choose lighting that creates an illusion of more space. For example, flush-mounted ceiling lights don’t take up precious square footage.
Also use a layered lighting approach:
- Ambient lighting for general room illumination
- Task lighting to provide bright light for tasks like applying makeup
- Accent lighting for decorative touches that add depth and dimension
Make sure you have adequate lighting for the shower and in front of the mirror.
5. Create more space
If your ensuite is small, consider choosing a shower instead of a tub. Even a double shower can create a sense of luxury without taking up too much space. Wall-mount whatever you can, including the vanity, faucet and taps, and toilet. A pedestal sink is another option. This makes the space feel more open (and it’s also easier to clean).
Proper storage is an absolute must for small rooms. Check out these 15 Ideas for Bathroom Storage to Maximize Your Space.
6. Don’t overlook the mirrors
A mirror can create an incredible touch of style to your ensuite. A floor-to-ceiling mirror is eye-catching, functional, and makes the room look bigger. Install lighting in front of the mirror to double the impact of your illumination and expand the space. Achieve the same effect by placing a mirror across from a window.
7. Create an illusion with tiles
The right tiles can create the illusion of space. For example, white subway tiles that go from floor to ceiling are simple and bright and add depth and width to the illusion. Oversized tiles can create a seamless look that appears larger than smaller tiles with lots of lines that break up the visual effect.
8. Update the bathroom vanity
A wall-mounted or floating vanity has a low profile that frees up floor space and creates a sleek look. Choose your vanity finishes carefully. Avoid anything overly dramatic or imposing and stick with something sleek.
9. Consider your shower doors
An opaque shower curtain instantly shrinks your bathroom. Clear glass shower doors open up the space. Better yet, choose the modern look of frameless glass shower panels to eliminate visual barriers and make the room feel much larger.
10. Decide on your bathroom renovation budget
A bathroom renovation without a budget can quickly become a money pit. Include a 15-20% contingency fund to ensure you can stick to your budget. If it looks like you might overspend, make adjustments to your plan by altering some selections, such as more affordable lighting fixtures or a simpler tile pattern.
The bathroom renovation experts at Riverstone Kitchens & Renovations can help you decide on a realistic budget for your ensuite renovation. We can give you a vision for your new bathroom that meets your needs and suits your design preferences. Contact us today for a free consultation.
