Everyone dreams of having an ensuite, right? Your very own sanctuary where you can get away from it all. From creating a spa-like, kid-free zone to forming a space that both helps you relax at night and invigorates you in the morning. Lush.

For me, I would love a bath in my bedroom, a walk-in wardrobe which leads on to an ensuite complete with a large double-shower area. (One day, maybe!) A master suite is usually made up of a master bedroom, adjoining bathroom, and dressing area too.

These elements can be anything from completely separate spaces joined by doorways to totally open plan. It all depends on your style, space available, and how you wish to use it.

Below we’ve put together some real projects to help get you inspired! Happy reading… 

1. Hotel-chic ensuite

Previously made up of many rooms with corridors between, the layout was claustrophobic.

The homeowner wanted the designers to really consider how they could make the best use of the scenery while creating an open space that was clean, simple, and had an easy route through.

The space was created mainly through removing internal walls, and spending a lot of time choosing quality finishes to add to that feeling of luxury. The bed is positioned so you see Albert Bridge, the river, and the trees of Battersea Park even when lying down.

Top tip: If you’re blessed with an already large room, think about creating dedicated zones to help define the suite – for both practicality and added design interest. This can be done with different flooring types and levels, furniture, or lighting. Alternatively, if space is limited, consider knocking through and borrowing a few metres from a neighbouring bedroom or bathroom. However, if you plan on doing this, hire a structural engineer or architect to ensure they aren’t load-bearing walls.

2. Stud wall creation

The previous scheme was quite dark – not just in the tiling, but the space had no natural light from the two windows in that area. This is something the homeowners wanted to completely change.

With the walkway through from their sleep area, they wanted the ensuite to feel like it was part of the overall scheme rather than a room within a room. Also on their brief were a large freestanding bath, a big shower, and double basins. 

The top floor of their building was concrete with underfloor heating, so the designer’s main consideration was how to create the best layout for the space without adjusting any pipework coming up through the floor. They also had to not block out the light coming in from the windows.

3. Bath in the bedroom

The homeowners of this property completely reconfigured the top floor, which originally comprised a bedroom, an ensuite, and a kitchen, knocking all three rooms together to create their open-plan scheme.

The star of the show? The hotel-chic copper bath steps away from the bed. (So jealous!) The couple then built a stud wall behind the bed to house their dressing area to make best use of the sloping ceiling.

The décor is “neutral masculine with industrial aspects”, consists of brickwork, original floorboards, and black panels, but is softened by plants, pictures, and textiles.

Top tip: Open plan is becoming just as big in master suites as it is in the kitchen – but there is a lot to consider if you want to go for this look. Most people like to keep the WC separate with a partition wall or adjoining ensuite, but enjoy the wow factor of having a freestanding tub in the main room. If you do decide to take this approach, it is important to make sure the flooring you choose is appropriate, will withstand water, and your floor can take the weight of the bath. 

4. Jack and Jill design

This building is an historic Trotte (winery) in Zurich, which was originally occupied by a single three-storey wine vat. When designing the top-floor suite in the eaves as part of a total renovation, the goal was to match it with the property’s overall open-plan nature.

The two entrances – a so-called Jack and Jill-style – to the ensuite achieve just that while also allowing more natural light into the bedroom. Restricted headroom in the eaves required a clever showering solution, so the water is delivered horizontally from jets on the wall.

5. The dressing room walk-through

The couple of this complete house renovation (which includes a slide in the kitchen!) decided they wanted an open master bedroom suite.

They did this by utilising a former kitchen to create a dressing area and double ensuite – the perfect adults-only sanctuary. The ensuite indices a freestanding roll-top bath and a spacious walk-in shower.

6. Luxe Living ensuite

The large proportions of the bedroom were a gift to the designers in terms of creating the light and airy Ibiza-chic look the clients were after.

They placed a loveseat clad in long white Icelandic sheep hide in front of the bed. This added a touch of texture and humour to the space, which characterises the whole project and reflects the clients’ tastes. 

The dressing area between the bedroom and bathroom was kept deliberately understated and with clean lines, to enhance the sense of space and calm of the whole area. In the master bathroom as the view of the lake is the star of the show, the bath takes pride of place in front of the window.