Ensuite ideas: real projects for serious inspo

examples of ensuites

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 helps you relax at night then invigorates you in the morning. Lush.

So here are plenty of ensuite ideas. 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 usually comprises a master bedroom, adjoining bathroom, and dressing area too.

Below we’ve put together several ensuite ideas: real projects to help get you inspired! Happy reading… 

Ensuite ideas

1. Hotel-chic ensuite

The bathroom of the master suite
The shower looks out at Battersea Park through a home office area.
examples of ensuites
The new master suite provides views over the River Thames as well as the city. Design by Granit.

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. They wanted the designers to create an open space that was clean, simple, and had an easy route through.

They created the space by removing internal walls, and 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. This is 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 space 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.

Ensuite ideas

2. Stud wall creation

A broken-plan design
The big shower is accessed by a step down, which creates interest but also helps avoid flooding in the wet zone.
Examples of ensuites - the bedroom zone flows into the bathroom
While the double basins are separate, the white countertop wraps around to the other side of the wall. It provides a link to the rest of the ensuite. Design by Ripples.

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 change completely.

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 avoid blocking out the light coming in from the windows.

More ensuite ideas

3. Bath in the bedroom

a copper bath in the main bedroom
The copper bath is located in the main bedroom and forms a stunning focal point. You can see more of this home here.
examples of ensuites
Steps lead up to an ensuite featuring a walk-in shower.

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

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. 

More ensuite ideas

4. Jack and Jill design

A dramatic black and white striped bathroom
The owners chose a dramatic monochrome floor covering, featuring bands of slate and marble, from Martin Moore Stone.
Examples of ensuites: a Jack and Jill bathroom design
The open eaves restrict headroom in both the bed and bathroom spaces.

This building is a 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. They also allow more natural light into the bedroom. Restricted headroom in the eaves required a clever showering solution, so water sprays horizontally from jets on the wall.

More ensuite ideas

5. The dressing room walk-through

a bath in the bedroom
The homeowners have created a walk-way through a walk-in wardrobe to get to the main bedroom’s ensuite. To read more about this home, click here.
examples of ensuites
The master bedroom leads on to a dressing area and ensuite.

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 includes a freestanding roll-top bath and spacious walk-in shower.

Ensuite ideas

6. Luxe Living ensuite

Luxury sheepskin chair
The shaggy sofa clad in sheep hide from Iceland also adds a fun element, designed by Halo Design Interiors.
Examples of ensuites
From the bath, you can enjoy a view of the lake outside the house – so lush.

The large proportions of the bedroom were a gift to the designers. This meant they could create the light and airy Ibiza-chic look their 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. This was to enhance the sense of space and calm of the whole area. In the master bathroom, the lake is the star of the show, so the bath takes pride of place in front of the window.

So: we hope you enjoyed all those ensuite ideas. If you want to read on, then you’ll enjoy our feature on Lisa Dawson’s bathroom tips for a perfectly designed ensuite.

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