Case study: Luxury open-plan ensuite with neutral colourway and natural materials

Modern bathroomsLarge bathrooms

8 Jul

Written By Rachael McInnes

This ensuite showcases the ultimate in hotel-inspired, luxury design.

*Richard Fox, Senior Designer at* *Ripples Solihull* *designed this stunning space, complete with freestanding bath, his and hers basins and a luxurious walk-in shower.*

The brief

The homeowners bought this new-build property off-plan and finalised the interior details, including the original bathroom, directly with the developer. However, after two years living in the property, they realised the layout and product selection weren’t to the standard they were hoping for. Having used Ripples to design the bathrooms in their previous home, the homeowners came to Richard at Ripples Solihull to help them transform their master ensuite into the sumptuous space they’d dreamed of.

The key focus for Richard was to create a room for the homeowners to enjoy separately as well as together, with enough space and seating to allow them to relax and chat to eachother after a hectic day. With an incredibly generous footprint to work from and the brief to create a luxurious, hotel-inspired space, Richard got to work designing a sumptuous space to wow.

“Even though this scheme features purely neutral colours, I’ve added interest by layering different natural materials and textures. The result is a timeless and luxurious scheme.”

-Richard, Senior Designer

The layout

The original layout of the master ensuite included a dressing room, however this had a huge impact on the natural light available in the room and made a large space feel quite cramped. Richard reconfigured the space by dividing it into distinct zones, based on the way in which the clients wanted to use the room. The new layout is open yet strategically segmented to create visual interest and areas of privacy. A step-up platform leads to a spacious walk-in shower and luxurious freestanding bath, creating a seamless flow between different functional areas and creating a private area for bathing and showering, away from the bedroom. The walk-in shower area is generously proportioned, with a sleek rainfall showerhead and a handheld shower fixture, both with a Chrome finish. The shower is enclosed by partial walls clad in elegant marble and in-built niches provide practical storage space for toiletries, maintaining the clean lines of the room.

Adjacent to the shower area sits the freestanding white bath which is a real focal point of the design. Positioned against a backdrop of marble tiles, the bath’s modern, minimalist design is complemented by a sleek floor-mounted bath mixer, helping to create that hotel-inspired look. Stylish Chrome heated towel rails are strategically placed to the left and right of the bath and shower areas, allowing for easy access and providing enough warmth to heat the large room.

The aesthetic

The primary material used throughout the bathroom is a sleek marble that covers the floors and walls, providing a cohesive and luxurious backdrop. Its greige tone is pared-back but still warm and this feeling is further enhanced by the introduction of natural materials, including the stone tiles behind the vanity and wood-effect tiles on the floor.

In the main ‘communal’ part of the room, the double vanity unit makes a real statement. Featuring modern white countertops and undermount basins, the floating design of the vanity not only adds to the minimalist aesthetic but also creates a sense of spaciousness which works cohesively with the modular elements of the design. The large mirrors with built-in lighting add functionality amplify the natural light, making the room feel even more expansive than it already is. Soft furnishings, including a fluffy rug and cosy chair soften the space and create the ‘living area’ of the bathroom that the clients were hoping to achieve.