Planning your bathroom design with care and selecting finishes that add detail and dynamism can transform your wet area into an Insta-worthy space. Not to mention a beautiful place for you to unwind in the bath or chat with your partner while brushing your teeth or doing seven-ish skincare steps. 

Freestanding baths and double vanities are often featured in the best bathroom design ideas, while a palatial bathroom can be delineated into zones. A decorative shower screen or nib wall, for example, is the perfect way to elegantly split your bathroom in two. Hello, cosy. 

You’re going to need a cold shower after seeing these 10 stunning bathroom ideas. 

1. Add detail to your bathroom design and decor — lots of detail

This classic North American-style home, curated by interior designer Kelly Deck, it’s the special touches that make the large ensuite a delightful space to rest and recharge in. A Victorian clawfoot bath, ornate bath filler, antique furniture, sconce light, stone floors and a vase of blooms have been expertly thrown together. “I coveted the gauzy drapes encircling the tub,” says the owner. “They provide privacy and soften the natural light.” 

2. Break up the space in a large bathroom with a nib wall

A room divider can offer privacy — important where toilets are concerned — and make a large bathroom seem more intimate. In the home above, built by Stritt Design & Construction, the ensuite bathroom showcases Hamptons-style finishes including VJ-lined walls and marble-look Fori Romani Grigio Tundra tiles in a herringbone pattern on the floor. The toilet and shower have been concealed behind a wall — a clever design trick that lets the Roca ‘Virginia’ freestanding bath take centre stage.

3. Make the most of your bathroom space with a double vanity 

Every dream bathroom design entails a double vanity, right? You can spread out during your ablutions, enjoy heaps of set-down space and frankly, two is better than one. A double bathroom vanity just looks balanced, in a Wes Anderson kind-of way. “We wanted to create an ensuite that felt like a total escape,” says owner Ema, of the luxe bathroom above. Floor-to-ceiling travertine tiles from National Tiles make it earthy and touchable. The custom vanity by Cuisine Kitchens in Polytec woodmatt MDF in Tasmanian Oak features ABI Interiors brass tapware and Fienza basins. Bellissimo! 

4. Creative joinery can fill the space in your bathroom design

The spectacular Sunshine Coast home, above, features not one but four ensuites. The owners’ daughters also have their own main bathroom, but it doesn’t stop them from using their parents’ grand ensuite. “I’ll usually get in the bath 10 minutes before they jump in with their toys,” says owner Kristy, of the freestanding tub from Schots Home Emporium, raised on Carrara tiles from Marble & Ceramic Corp. Rather than conceal bathroom items in a vanity, Kirsty opted for custom-installed cabinets to display pretty pieces. Less aesthetic accoutrements are kept in the lower cabinets.

5. Black accents or colour add definition to large bathrooms 

Make shapes in your large bathroom. In this Edwardian house in Melbourne, the master bathroom was updated to include a graphic black shower frame and mesmerising terrazzo floor tiles from Signorino. An oak veneer vanity and custom timber shelf add warmth to an otherwise monochromatic space. On the walls are Academy Tiles square subway tiles, except on the right side of the bathroom entry. “We retained the original brick wall and painted it white to add texture and pay respect to the existing building,” says designer Robbie Peirce.  

6. Add country-style textures to your bathroom design

Fan of Bridgerton? Fantasise about living in the country? This bathroom aesthetic could be your bag. Full of character and country charm with wainscoting, a Victorian-style bath filler, patterned floor tiles and a soft Roman blind, the ensuite in this rural NSW home is nothing short of inspiring. A series of windows takes in the bucolic views. The Scotland-raised owner loves the ‘Revival Celctic’ tiles from National Tiles because they feature a thistle motif. The freestanding bath is from Harvey Norman.

7. Tiles are everything in a large bathroom

In this reimagined Federation home on Sydney’s Lower North Shore, the main ensuite is the epitome of ‘quiet luxury’ — with elegant geometric floor tiles working cohesively with custom timber-look joinery. Rather than repeat this tile on the wall, the interior designer, Leanne Smeallie of Ampersand Interiors, has opted for a glossy Zellige square tile. Mixing up your bathroom tiles is a surefire way to add interest and dimension. Using the same tiles throughout a large bathroom can make the space feel ‘flat’.

8. Bathe in this bathroom idea: a picture window 

Let the sunshine in! If you have the space and the right aspect — in other words, no peeping neighbours — why not install a breathtaking picture window in your big bathroom? The floor-to-ceiling window in this Manhattan-inspired Melbourne home presents the treetops as a living artwork and allows its owners to feel connected to nature when taking a soak. The floor tiles by Artistic Tile Design complement the greenery beautifully.

9. A freestanding bath is a must in a large bathroom

“We have a large bathroom so let’s squeeze a built-in bath into the corner,” said no one ever (willingly). A big bathroom design deserves a big freestanding tub! It beefs up the luxury and increases the value of your home. Curves abound in the ensuite of the modern coastal home, above, including the luxurious freestanding ‘Valencia’ bath from Concrete Nation in Nude. Rounding out the look is a custom glass shower screen — sourced from Water Art Glass — arched wall niches and brushed brass fixtures from Abi Interiors. It’s our idea of heaven. 

10. Your bathroom design should feel ‘lived in’

The best bathroom ideas are, ultimately, those that offer character and homeliness. There’s no point in adhering to bathroom design trends if the result is a space that feels foreign or stale! You want to walk into your renovated bathroom or ensuite and feel like it’s always been that way. Consider the bathroom inspiration, above. Limestone tiles, which graduate up the wall to create a display ledge, and textural square tiles, cascading plants and a freestanding bath all combine to make this bathroom feel like home. A view over a pretty little courtyard and garden space doesn’t go astray.     

The post 10 large bathroom ideas that will turn your cavern into a cocoon appeared first on Home Beautiful.

While ensuites are often the ultimate pamper zone, a family-friendly bathroom needs to cater for all ages – from bath-loving tiny tots to teens who preen. Think durable, easy-care surfaces, savvy storage and accessible zones for multiple users. With a swathe of practical, chic finishes and fixtures to choose from, it’s also the perfect space to splash out and have a little fun.

Bathroom design ideas for making the most of your space

1. Use mirrors

To reduce conflict during morning rush hour, look to incorporate large mirrors. “They create the illusion of more space and accommodate multiple people getting ready at once,” explains brand specialist Wesley Sinclair of Highgrove Bathrooms.

2. Double vanities

Opt for double basins and, for children, choose easy-to-use tapware with levers. A corner arrangement, such as the one shown here, keeps the rest of the room free for others to use. Bathroom design ideas for clever storage.

3. Wall mounting fixtures

“Wall-mounted vanities that free up floor space and offer generous internal storage work well in family bathrooms,” says Reece Marketing Lead Daniela Santilli.

4. Consistent finishes

Use the same tile on the floor and walls to create a spacious and cohesive feel. Just ensure you choose non-slip for safety reasons.

5. Create zones

When mapping out a space, consider size and the number of people who’ll be using it. “If it’s for multiple users, zone the bathroom with the wet area at one end and the vanity at the other,” says interior designer Sarah Nolen of Birdblack Design.

Bathroom design ideas for functionality

6. Add a seat

Whether it’s for cleaning teeth, brushing hair or supervising kids at bath time, keeping a stool handy in the bathroom will be your saving grace (for you and your back) in a family bathroom. The terrazzo ‘Tooth Stump’, $350, from Fenton & Fenton, is as stylish as it is practical.

7. Use plenty of mirrors

If you already have teenagers in your house, then you’ll know there aren’t enough mirrors in the world to keep them satisfied. The Reflekta ‘Pencil Edge’ 800mm mirror, $63, from Highgrove Bathrooms, is perfect for softening up the hard edges of any wash zone.

8. Easy clean surfaces

Family life is busy enough without adding excessive cleaning into the mix, so choose surfaces that require little upkeep. To avoid water splashing on plaster walls, tiling should extend reasonably high.

9. Incorporate a freestanding bath

“A freestanding model with stylish curves may have more longevity when kids get older,” suggests brand specialist Wesley Sinclair of Highgrove Bathrooms. A recessed shelf can also help with storage.

“Quality tapware is a worthwhile investment, as it’s being handled frequently throughout the day” Daniela Santilli

Bathroom design ideas for adding a little luxe

10. Add feature tiles

To create a stylish space that excites the whole family, founder Jenefer Gordon of Eat Bathe Live suggests going for a bold feature tile, such as some beautiful mosaics. They’re also great for disguising any dust and mess.

11. Glam tapware

Gone are the days of the boring family bathroom. Make it stand out with tapware and accessories in on-trend finishes such as matt black, which also conveniently minimises the appearance of fingerprints. Try the Eden ‘Nero’ basin mixer from Highgrove Bathrooms, $169.

12. Install a shower seat

“If you only have room for a shower, make it comfortable and functional with a seat,” says Sarah Nolen of Birdblack Design. Add a touch of luxe with under-tile heating.

13. Pamper zone

Space permitting, consider breaking up the vanity for an extra pampering zone. “Teens may appreciate a sit-down dressing area and divider drawers for their own beauty products,” says interior designer Sarah.

Bathroom design ideas for great storage

14. Use baskets

Keep a laundry basket in the bathroom and accessible to all family members so dirty clothes aren’t left in the corner. Try the ‘Laundry Jute Basket Natural’, $149, from The Dharma Door, to give the room texture, adding some pretty to your practical.

15. Use hidden storage

In family zones, there is no such thing as having too much storage. “Mirror cabinets are a great multi-functional unit,” says Sarah. “They can be recessed and used to cleverly conceal power-points.” Try the ‘Osca’ bevelled edge mirrored cabinet, $279, from Highgrove Bathrooms.

16. Integrate a niche

Niches are another sleek storage option. Sarah suggests asking your builder to incorporate one within your shower or above the bath, with extra depth and height to allow for family-sized product bottles.

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Like every other room in the home, a bathroom is now planned for success, starting with a realistic budget first and foremost. From there careful planning can inform key choices on a colour scheme, layout, fixtures, tapware and finishes such as tiling, benchtops and cabinetry.

Take a tour through eight beautiful bathrooms that hit all the right style notes.

1. Tiny and all white

This small bathroom design has cleverly used every inch of available space without compromising on style. Black tapware punctuate the space and draw the eye around the room. The curved wall is echoed in the round mirror and elliptical basin and toilet.

2. All about the view

This bathroom looks larger than it is due to custom-built storage following the line of the bulkhead above and hidden behind a bank of large format mirrors. A handy shelf is recessed underneath and the floating vanity takes the eye from wall to wall across the neutral floor tiles.

3. Retro never looked so good

Embracing the best of mid-century style, this bathroom heroes the soft pink colour of the bathtub with complimentary groovy square grey tiles. Taking the timber up the side of the bath connects the tub to the flooring and gives a contemporary edge – as if it was always there.

More timber details in a custom mid-century style vanity where the top of a pedestal basin has been set into a terrazzo benchtop. The black pendant and tiling bring the look up to date.

4. Masterful master suite

This corner of a master suite is enhanced by mounting a floating vanity unit along its entire width. The timber finish wards off a clinical feeling to the space and louvre windows provide ample airflow.

The large artwork hung above the bathtub bridges the living and wet spaces and continues the large scale.

5. Geometry at play

In this small bathroom subway tiles taken all the way to the ceiling give the impression of space. All-white surfaces and the frameless glass shower create a light a bright effect, whilst the tiny hexagonal floor tiles are a nice delicate touch.

The vanity is kept neutral with light blond timber drawer fronts and an oversized mirror visually doubles the space.

6. Hardworking cabinetry

This custom-built cabinet it wall hung to avoid encroaching on the floor space and the benchtop cleverly wraps up behind the basins to incorporate the splashback for a streamlined effect. Choosing a finish that matches the floor tiles is a masterstroke that allows the moody matte patterns of the black geometric wall tiles to stimulate the eye.

7. Line it up

All of the linear surfaces work together in this bathroom to extend the galley-style layout to the full length of the room. Ceiling boards are reflected in the lines of the laminated timber benchtop and floor tiles are laid in a straight pattern. A frameless glass shower disappears.

8. Let there be light

The pitched ceiling affords a flood of light into this bathroom, however, tiles have been taken up the wall only as far as the base of the pitch to anchor the space and provide a welcome intimacy. The amount of available space means everything can be chosen in large format sizes – floor tiles, extra long wall tiles and a heavy custom-poured concrete benchtop for the vanity. The shower is left open to the bathtub area and disappears from view, doubling the size of the space.

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