Ensuite bathroom design creates a warmer space

A dark, small ensuite is shown the light in this stunning ensuite bathroom design and renovation, a complete bathroom makeover from Green Room Interiors.

Buying a house means you've probably inherited somebody else's tastes in terms of its interior design. This was the case when Kathy and David moved into their dream home. It didn't take the couple long to decide that changes were needed - starting with the ensuite bathroom.

"The entire house had a grey-blue colour scheme running through it, including the ensuite," Kathy says. "In our opinion, the ensuite was by far the worst room in the house. There was dark slate on the floor, which was freezing underfoot, especially in winter and the shower was covered in grime."

What Kathy and David needed was a "more spacious and open" ensuite with room to move, so they approached Tania Wright from Green Room Interiors to tackle the job. The brief was to update the bathroom with a modern and fresh style, and Tania agreed that the ensuite definitely needed some major work.

"The original design of the ensuite bathroom was quite small and poky, with not much room to move around in," Tania says. "Given that the room's situated on the south side of the house - and with only a small window high up - it naturally felt cold and uninviting. The original dark, heavy slate also made the bathroom feel even more closed in."

Tania designed an ensuite that was clean and contemporary, but she was careful not to "over style" the details. She began by introducing natural stone elements to lighten up the space. The choice of a natural-stone-glazed porcelain tile, for example, creates a wonderful warm feel. Using the same tiles on the wall and floor also helps open up the room.

"The clients really wanted a place that they would be happy using first thing in the morning - and for many years to come," Tania says. "And I think we've achieved that."

Tania Wright, from Green Room Interiors

What was the client brief for the ensuite renovation?

Kathy and David wanted an ensuite that was clean and contemporary but not too over styled. The clients really wanted a place that they would be happy using first thing in the morning - and for many years to come.

What inspired the new ensuite bathroom design?

Natural stone elements were used as the starting point for the design. We wanted to bring in simple, uncluttered tiles that would showcase the dark-coloured vanity.

Any challenges with the project?

No, not really; the clients were quite easy to please and had a clear view in mind of the end result (that always helps a designer out no end!) The bathroom renovator employed was extremely professional. He not only kept the mess to a minimum but finished within the time set for the project. I had a dream run with this job.

What aspect of the renovation are you especially pleased with?

I am really glad that the clients went with my suggestion of utilising the same tiles for the walls and floor, as this really is the key to opening up a small space. The choice of a natural-stone-glazed porcelain tile also creates a wonderful warm feel to the room.

Kathy and David, the homeowners

What was the brief?

We wanted to update the bathroom and give it a modern, fresh look and feel.

What prompted the change?

We had recently bought the house, and it had a grey-blue colour scheme running through it, including the ensuite. In our opinion, the ensuite was by far the worst room in the house. There was dark slate on the floor, which was freezing underfoot, especially in winter and the shower was covered in grime.

What strong ideas did you bring to the design process?

We knew we liked the darker colours in vanities. Aside from that, we needed the ensuite to feel more spacious and open.

What is your favourite aspect of the new bathroom design?

The vanity and the shower.

Ensuite bathroom renovations - pleasure or pain?

The renovations went really smoothly. We were away for most of it. We'd recommend others do the same if they are planning any renovations, as it's a lot less stressful!