Room of the Week: Mixed Materials Shine Bright in This Ensuite
A restrained hand and some complementary materials make this ensuite a delightful space
Vanessa Walker
30 April 2018
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.
Photos by Martina Gemmola
Answers by Carmel Wylie, interior designer, GIA Bathrooms & Kitchens
Who lives here: A family with three children and a Groodle
Location: Caulfield, Victoria
Room purpose and size: An ensuite in a master bedroom that is 4 x 3 metres.
Answers by Carmel Wylie, interior designer, GIA Bathrooms & Kitchens
Who lives here: A family with three children and a Groodle
Location: Caulfield, Victoria
Room purpose and size: An ensuite in a master bedroom that is 4 x 3 metres.
Brief
A spacious room with a ‘hotel’ feel. They requested a freestanding bath and a large shower space.
A spacious room with a ‘hotel’ feel. They requested a freestanding bath and a large shower space.
Starting point
The client wanted to use colour and she had renovated part of her house with beautiful American walnut crown-cut veneers, so I wanted to pull that into the space to connect the ground and first floor. She had a very open mind about the palette, which enabled me to use finishes such as the encaustic tiles and brass tapware.
The client wanted to use colour and she had renovated part of her house with beautiful American walnut crown-cut veneers, so I wanted to pull that into the space to connect the ground and first floor. She had a very open mind about the palette, which enabled me to use finishes such as the encaustic tiles and brass tapware.
Key design aspects
Colour palette: Black, brass, blush pink and white
Materials palette: Brass, Viola marble (honed to soften it down), white gloss tiles, American walnut veneer
Key pieces of furniture and fittings: The custom-made vanity with the honed Viola marble top is a star of the space, with the brass round handles finishing it off nicely. Other important products are the Rogerseller Arc mixers in brass, the Shelley Panton round mirrors and Dowel Jones Lord sconces in brass.
Colour palette: Black, brass, blush pink and white
Materials palette: Brass, Viola marble (honed to soften it down), white gloss tiles, American walnut veneer
Key pieces of furniture and fittings: The custom-made vanity with the honed Viola marble top is a star of the space, with the brass round handles finishing it off nicely. Other important products are the Rogerseller Arc mixers in brass, the Shelley Panton round mirrors and Dowel Jones Lord sconces in brass.
Thinking behind the arrangement of fixtures
I like to keep the feature items near the entry of the room for the biggest wow factor. This was done with the vanity parallel to the freestanding bath. Then I pushed the toilet and shower to the back of the space for privacy.
I like to keep the feature items near the entry of the room for the biggest wow factor. This was done with the vanity parallel to the freestanding bath. Then I pushed the toilet and shower to the back of the space for privacy.
Challenges you worked around
There were a few small ones. The walls were solid brick so we packed them out with timber stud walls up to 1200 millimetres to allow access for plumbing. We also had to keep and work with the existing window in the space, as this was a steel frame in a double-brick home on the first floor.
There were a few small ones. The walls were solid brick so we packed them out with timber stud walls up to 1200 millimetres to allow access for plumbing. We also had to keep and work with the existing window in the space, as this was a steel frame in a double-brick home on the first floor.
Why do you think this room works?
Because it is big enough to handle the mixture of materials, with each still being able to be appreciated. I think the white glossy tiles as the base tiles bring a brightness that translates through the room. It is also very easy to have more than one person using the space at the same time, which all ensuites should try and cater for.
Because it is big enough to handle the mixture of materials, with each still being able to be appreciated. I think the white glossy tiles as the base tiles bring a brightness that translates through the room. It is also very easy to have more than one person using the space at the same time, which all ensuites should try and cater for.
Tell us
What do you love about this room? Tell us in the Comments below. And don’t forget to save your favourite images, like the story, and join in the conversation.
More
For more inspiration, take a look at last week’s Room of the Week: A Pale Pink Mid-Century Kitchen Full of Charm
What do you love about this room? Tell us in the Comments below. And don’t forget to save your favourite images, like the story, and join in the conversation.
More
For more inspiration, take a look at last week’s Room of the Week: A Pale Pink Mid-Century Kitchen Full of Charm
Related Stories
Houzz Tours
Houzz Tour: A Midcentury Home With a Strong Indoor-outdoor Link
By Becky Harris
A nature-inspired renovation has given this ranch house a relaxed mood and a connection to the outdoors from most rooms
Full Story
Kitchens
10 Smart Storage Tips for Your Kitchen Bins
Keep kitchen rubbish stylishly tucked away with these clever solutions
Full Story
More Rooms
The 5 Most Popular Laundry Rooms on Houzz Right Now
Get decorating ideas for your laundry or utility room from these most-saved photos on Houzz
Full Story
Gardens
How Do I Create a Drought-tolerant Garden?
By Kate Burt
As summers heat up, plants that need less water are increasingly desirable. Luckily, there are lots of beautiful options
Full Story
Houzz Tours
Houzz Tour: Warm Tones and Luxurious Surfaces in a City Townhouse
An earthy colour palette, hidden storage and well-placed texture add character and practicality to this London home
Full Story
Gardens
5 Inspiring Before and After Garden Transformations
Check out what a difference designers have made to these once dull plots, visually expanding spaces and creating privacy
Full Story
Houzz Tours
Kitchen Tour: A Gorgeous Extension With a Leafy Glasshouse Feel
By Kate Burt
When the owners of this terraced house extended, they were keen to retain its period feel and highlight the garden
Full Story
Gardens
How to Disguise Rubbish and Recycling Bins Outside Your Home
Need to hide unsightly bins in your garden or driveway? Take a look at these clever ideas for inspiration
Full Story
Renovating
21 Ways Designers Are Incorporating Arches Into Homes
By Kate Burt
Everywhere we look on Houzz right now, a cheeky arch pops up. How would you add this timeless architectural feature?
Full Story
Lifestyle
How to Improve the Air Quality in Your Home
Want to ensure your home environment is clean and healthy? Start by assessing the quality of your air
Full Story
Love the marble countertops
I love the benchtop!!!