How luxe materials and a unique layout sets this ensuite apart from the rest

Designed as a series of considered spaces, this ensuite gives functional design a stylish name. Read on to find out how designer Darren James turned practical pieces into special design moments

A rich material palette of American oak timber,

A wall splits the ensuite in two, acting

The shower's open, wet room design maximises space

This view between the vanities shows how the

A skylight pulls in plenty of natural light

The staggered design layout allows the bathroom to

The brown cape elm cabinetry and textured rug

Full height joinery is integrated into the bathroom

Winner – TIDA Australia Bathroom of the Year

When it comes to luxurious bathroom design, a generous open-plan space is what usually first comes to mind. However, the design of this ensuite by Darren James of Darren James Interiors proves that bigger isn’t always better.

By creating a series of small yet deliberate spaces, James has completely reimagined the traditional layout of an ensuite. This allowed James to maximise the functionality of the footprint and while maintaining a luxe feel.

“Our aim was to provide the clients with the most functional layout possible – maximise the space and storage whilst specifying new finishes to breathe a new identify into the space,” James explains.

The clients, a busy working couple from the lush suburb of Chapel Hill, Brisbane, wanted a full redesign of their master ensuite and walk in wardrobe.

What James decided to do was take a staggered approach to the layout. Full height cabinetry, which takes design cues from the walk in wardrobe joinery, runs the full length of the bathroom. A wall then slices through the middle of the room essentially splitting the space into two zones. The two vanities sit on one side of the wall with the toilet and shower tucked away on the other.

A rich material palette of American oak timber, veined natural stone tiles and brushed nickel accessories creates a luxurious, retreat-like atmosphere for the couple.

“With an exquisite level of detail and high quality finish throughout, this bathroom truly is luxury like no other,” says James.

"With an exquisite level of detail and high quality finish throughout, this bathroom truly is luxury like no other"

The main design feature of the bathroom is the tiling. Used throughout the ensuite, simple, white mosaics bring a classic feel to the space while the detailed stone tiles add drama and intrigue. A powder coated bronze flat bar acts as a dado line where the two tiles meet.

“The juxtaposition between the organic nature of the mosaics and the deep detailed veining in the large natural stone tiles creates a truly unique feature to this bathroom,” says James.

The wall tile design runs around the entirety of the ensuite – forming both the wall divider and the shower stall. This creates a cohesive look and achieves a visual connection between the separate spaces, which essentially makes the room feel bigger.

Sitting either side of the doorway that goes through to the shower room and toilet, the custom-built vanities are designed as mirror images of one another. Constructed from Black Japan Timber joinery and rounded Portsea Grey Limestone benchtops, their organic forms feel sculptural.

“The curved forms in the space create a contrast against the linear elements of the design, such as the mirror cabinets, custom glass shelving and wall tile split,” says James.

Storage and functionality were integral elements of the design brief, so James designed integrated cabinetry for both the bedroom and the bathroom. Made from Dark Brown Cape Elm, the cabinetry adds to the luxe, moody feel of the suite.

James says the wardrobes feature storage solutions for every need and automatic lighting adds another layer of ease and comfort. “LED sensor lighting has been built into both wardrobes, under vanity and niches for ultimate functionality and control.”

This bathroom is an artistic meeting of form and functionality. From the moody material palette to the interesting layering of spaces, this ensuite design does luxury living in a unique way.