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Before & After
Before & After: A Small, Mouldy Ensuite Reborn on a $20K Budget
A damp and dreary ensuite in Perth, WA, is unrecognisable after a designer's low-key luxe makeover on a budget
In a Q&A format, we talk to the designers – and examine the creative thinking – behind some of Houzz’s most loveable rooms.
What was your brief?
The client wanted a neutral, light-filled and contemporary ensuite.
Did they have any must-haves? No, they were very open to our ideas.
Ready to redo your bathroom? Find a bathroom designer on Houzz
The client wanted a neutral, light-filled and contemporary ensuite.
Did they have any must-haves? No, they were very open to our ideas.
Ready to redo your bathroom? Find a bathroom designer on Houzz
Bathroom before works.
What wasn’t working for them about the original ensuite?
It was small, dark and mouldy with no ventilation. Also, the layout didn’t allow for much storage.
What wasn’t working for them about the original ensuite?
It was small, dark and mouldy with no ventilation. Also, the layout didn’t allow for much storage.
Bathroom before works.
What did you do?
We designed a new layout, including the floor plan and electrical plan, and sourced and procured all the products. We also project managed our team of trades and contractors to completion.
What challenges did you work around?
The biggest challenge was a bulkhead that protruded down from the ceiling. It was an eyesore and really made the room feel tiny. While it couldn’t be removed, we made it visually recede into the background with white paint that matched the ceiling.
What did you do?
We designed a new layout, including the floor plan and electrical plan, and sourced and procured all the products. We also project managed our team of trades and contractors to completion.
What challenges did you work around?
The biggest challenge was a bulkhead that protruded down from the ceiling. It was an eyesore and really made the room feel tiny. While it couldn’t be removed, we made it visually recede into the background with white paint that matched the ceiling.
What was your starting point for the new design?
We always take our clients shopping once we have figured out the floor plan. The design for this ensuite centred around the handmade feature wall tiles – Lume Greige Lux subway tiles from Tile Boutique, which have a glossy finish and a lovely colour variation.
Browse more beautiful images of Australian bathrooms featuring tones of grey on Houzz
We always take our clients shopping once we have figured out the floor plan. The design for this ensuite centred around the handmade feature wall tiles – Lume Greige Lux subway tiles from Tile Boutique, which have a glossy finish and a lovely colour variation.
Browse more beautiful images of Australian bathrooms featuring tones of grey on Houzz
What was your thinking around the new layout?
We didn’t need to change too much within the layout to make the room work. However, to create space for more storage, we moved the toilet to allow for a long vanity and widened the shower slightly.
We added a shower ledge for additional storage and decorative items, and changed the door to a barn door so the swing didn’t encroach on the internal space.
Being a small bathroom, we selected slim-profile tapware that didn’t dominate.
We didn’t need to change too much within the layout to make the room work. However, to create space for more storage, we moved the toilet to allow for a long vanity and widened the shower slightly.
We added a shower ledge for additional storage and decorative items, and changed the door to a barn door so the swing didn’t encroach on the internal space.
Being a small bathroom, we selected slim-profile tapware that didn’t dominate.
Where did you focus the AU$20,000 budget?
Primarily on the layout changes. Although minimal, moving the toilet was essential to be able to create a feeling of space and make the bathroom more functional.
Where did you spend?
On the handmade tiles.
Where did you save?
On the floating vanity – an off-the-floor design that worked brilliantly in the space and cost less than AU$1,500.
Primarily on the layout changes. Although minimal, moving the toilet was essential to be able to create a feeling of space and make the bathroom more functional.
Where did you spend?
On the handmade tiles.
Where did you save?
On the floating vanity – an off-the-floor design that worked brilliantly in the space and cost less than AU$1,500.
What are the main elements of the colour and finishes palette?
Greige, very pale grey and nickel. We wanted the colour palette to be neutral, light and reflective, without simply being white. Our client loved the sheen of brushed nickel [on the tapware and shower fitting], which worked beautifully with the rest of the scheme.
To add an earthy, organic element and some texture, we included the floating vanity in oak.
Greige, very pale grey and nickel. We wanted the colour palette to be neutral, light and reflective, without simply being white. Our client loved the sheen of brushed nickel [on the tapware and shower fitting], which worked beautifully with the rest of the scheme.
To add an earthy, organic element and some texture, we included the floating vanity in oak.
Materials palette
Key fixtures/fittings:
- Feature wall tiles: Tile Boutique Lume Greige Lux subway tiles.
- Tiles Expo wall and floor tiles: Reverso Cement White Natural tiles.
- Carrara Grigio quartz benchtop.
Key fixtures/fittings:
Why do you think this ensuite works?
It flows beautifully from the style in the main bathroom, which we also renovated. For a small room, it is visually appealing, tactile and, most importantly, functional. It has everything that you need in an ensuite and our client loves it.
Your turn
Are you as impressed with this clever budget makeover as we are? Tell us in the Comments below. And don’t forget to save your favourite images for inspiration, like this story and join the conversation.
More
Want to see another great ensuite renovation? Don’t miss this Before & After: An Angular Ensuite Reworked for Efficiency
It flows beautifully from the style in the main bathroom, which we also renovated. For a small room, it is visually appealing, tactile and, most importantly, functional. It has everything that you need in an ensuite and our client loves it.
Your turn
Are you as impressed with this clever budget makeover as we are? Tell us in the Comments below. And don’t forget to save your favourite images for inspiration, like this story and join the conversation.
More
Want to see another great ensuite renovation? Don’t miss this Before & After: An Angular Ensuite Reworked for Efficiency
Who lives here: A couple with a child
Location: Alfred Cove, WA
Room purpose and size: A main ensuite measuring 5.8 square metres
Designer: Lauren Hurley, interior decorator at Set The Stage 101
Approximate budget: Around AU$20,000