Team KBB

Tour these bold ensuite designs drenched in onyx-effect tiles

Posted on 25th July 2025

Faced with completely different wants and needs, these homeowners solved their bathroom impasse by creating their own personal ensuites.

When Ripples Towcester showroom owner Dane Chapman was tasked by homeowners Debbie and James to create separate, personalised ensuite designs in their Victorian villa in Bedford, he was totally on board. KBB journo Louise O’Bryan shares the story behind the renovation…

The brief

“It’s great that they wanted rooms which unapologetically represented who they were,” says Dane, who believes the double spaces were perfect for this busy couple, since each had different ideas of what a bathroom should be, stylistically and practically.

“My husband’s request was to make his life as simple as possible,” says Debbie. “Functionality was a priority for him, as he gets up early for work. So he wanted a large shower with his products easily accessible, plus a good mirror and basin.” In stark contrast, Debbie wanted a serene oasis, with a showstopping tub set in a calm, peaceful scheme.

A dramatic ensuite with floor-to-ceiling onyx-effect tiles, wood furniture, black hardware, and a shower area. — The floor-to-ceiling Crystal onyx-effect tiles in James’ ensuite design create a sense of drama and opulence. The walk-in shower is the epitome of style and practicality. A matt black vertical towel rail adds a contemporary note. Photography: Adam Carter.

Modern ensuite design with floor-to-ceiling green onyx-effect tiles, a freestanding tub, a vanity area and gold brassware. — Soft spotlights illuminate the Marfil Jazmin floor tiles underneath the wall-hanging fixtures.

“We were fortunate enough to have an ensuite, which became James’ bathroom, and another bathroom and WC down the hall that we could knock together to give me plenty of space for my own retreat,” she explains.

The bathrooms were overhauled as part of an extensive roof-to-rafters renovation that saw every inch of the handsome villa modernised. “I think it’s fair to say the house was tired. The decoration really hadn’t been touched since the early 1990s.”

Designing the personal ensuites

When designing separate personality-driven spaces, it’s no surprise they will differ in palette or materials. However, there are elements that help tie them together.

Vanity zone with wall-mounted handleless unit painted in white with an LED mirror and a toilet area with a niche above it. — Debbie wanted substantial storage below her basin for all her toiletries and makeup.

Vanity zone with wood wall-mounted unit, white basin, black tap and accessories, and a circular mirror above it. — Two stylish pendants flank the mirror, bringing an industrial touch to the basin. The rich oak vanity gives a mid-century vibe.

“In this instance, it was the use of the radiant, onyx-effect porcelain tiles. Both bathrooms use these luxurious tiles in different tones and finishes, yet they both speak the same design language, and they are used in similar ways,” Dane explains, referring to the large-format patterning and floor-to-ceiling installation – this was a big stipulation for both bathrooms to ensure longevity and ease of cleaning.

“The moment I saw the translucent Jade-green onyx-effect tiles in the showroom, I fell in love,” says Debbie. “When the evening sun hits them, the pink tone in the tile stands out and the room takes on a completely different feel.”

A light ensuite design with green onyx effect tiles, gold brassware and a freestanding bath. — The thick-rimmed bath is crafted for support and relaxation, while the sleek bath filler promises a wonderful relaxing water stream and eliminates the need for floor-mounted taps. Brushed bronze brassware was chosen to accentuate the softness of the space. Both Ripples. Blind fabric, Temperley London x Romo in Farrah Agave.

Brushed bronze brassware was chosen to draw out the gentle tones in the tiles, while a decadent curved bath and sophisticated vanity elevate the grace and elegance of the scheme. Counterbalancing Debbie’s soft, feminine space, James’ industrial-luxe ensuite features black brassware and deluxe wooden detailing around the basin to tie in with the subtle brass vein running through the rich surface pattern.

“We wanted James’ wetroom to feel modern, sleek and streamlined, so we chose an unobtrusive shower for ease, while the polished finish of the tiles and rich wooden vanity feel incredibly sophisticated and masculine,” says Debbie.

A dark ensuite design with dark onyx effect tiles, black brassware and an illuminated storage niche in the shower area. — James’ ensuite was extended slightly to create more space for the walk-in shower. The illuminated niche adds another layer of luxury.

Pretty and practical

While the couple’s ensuites may differ wildly in style, they share many practical elements, such as underfloor heating, nifty wall niches for keeping surfaces clear of clutter, and sensor lights, eliminating the need to search for switches. But perhaps the most significant similarity between the individual spaces is the elevated bathing experience both owners now enjoy in their private retreats.

“Our individual spaces are so calming and easy to use. So much so, the children have started to encroach upon them, even though they have their own equally stylish bathroom.”