Transform Your Space with These Unique Small Ensuite Ideas

Are you in need of small ensuite ideas to help stop your small room from feeling cramped and cluttered? Do you dream of a spa-like retreat where you can unwind and relax? In this post, I share some beautiful small ensuite bathroom ideas that will provide you with inspiration and ideas for small ensuite bathrooms.

A small ensuite bathroom presents an opportunity to combine function with form by designing a bathroom space that enhances your lifestyle and uses materials and colours that make an impact once the space is revealed.

And, whilst a lighter colour can help to make smaller spaces look bigger, in small spaces bold patterns are a great way of creating the illusion of the room being bigger than what it is, as well as being a good way of introducing character into the compact space.

With these small ensuite ideas, you can transform your space into a luxurious oasis that feels both functional and stylish.

*Wembury Mews Home and Studio by Russell Jones. Photography by Rory Gardiner.*

Small Ensuite Ideas

From minimalist designs for bathroom furniture to creative storage solutions, from light colours to bold accents to natural elements, these tips and tricks will help you maximise every inch of your minimal space and create a beautiful sanctuary that you'll love spending time in.

Make A Statement With Bold Accents

A small ensuite layout presents an opportunity to be bold with the design to make a big impact, presenting an element of surprise and a new experience when the door is opened.

A small space can be the perfect canvas for bold accents and statement pieces that add personality and style. One way to make a statement in your small ensuite is to choose a bold wallpaper or tile pattern. A graphic print or bold colour can add visual interest and create a focal point in your space. If you're not ready to commit to a full wall of pattern, consider adding a bold shower rug or a decorative shower curtain instead.

Another way to add personality to your ensuite is to incorporate unexpected accents, such as a unique light fixture or a piece of art. These small touches can make a big impact and help showcase your style.

To see a few clever tricks that help showcase a design approach that creates a big impact in a small space, take a look at this ensuite bathroom by Patricia Bustos Studio which stated that this bathroom design channelled “aesthetic madness”.

It's an extremely striking room that reflects the bright-pink interior of this apartment in Madrid, Spain. 12 different shades have been applied throughout this minimal and futuristic apartment.

To utilise as much wall space here and as much space as possible a sliding door has been used in an arched frame that reveals the pink tiled bathroom, with the addition of a pink vanity bathroom mirror and florescent pink show curtain.

Simplify with Minimalist Design

One of the easiest ways to make a small space feel larger is to simplify your design. A minimalist approach can help declutter your ensuite and make it feel more open and airy. Start by selecting a neutral colour palette, such as white or light grey, and keep your decor and accessories to a minimum. Opt for sleek, modern fixtures and fittings, such as a wall-mounted toilet or a floating vanity, to create a clean and streamlined look.

The clients of Agnieszka Owsiany Studio wanted an apartment that helped them unwind from their high-pressure medical jobs and bring about a sense of calm. To create a tranquil space a calming mix of pale, marble tiles and wood has been used throughout the apartment, including the ensuite.

To add luxury to a tactile area in the home a beautiful travertine marble has been used to make the washbasins and been used to line the surfaces throughout the space.

Not only is this material aesthetically appeasing but it's also appeasing to the touch. Touch is just as important a sense to consider when purchasing items in your ensuite as the items that you will touch daily in your home can enhance your well-being.

Another way to embrace minimalism in your ensuite is to choose simple, geometric shapes for your tile work and accessories. Square or rectangular tiles can create a sense of order and symmetry, while a minimalist wall-hung mirror with a clean, sharp frame can reflect light and add visual interest to your space.

Optimise Layout and Storage with Creative Solutions

When it comes to a small ensuite bathroom, storage is key. But with limited space, it can be challenging to find room for all your toiletries and essentials. That's why it's important to get creative with your storage solutions.

One option is to install shelving or cabinets on a feature wall above your wall-hung toilets or vanity. This not only adds more storage space but also draws the eye upward, more visible floor space and making your ceiling feel higher. Another option is to utilize the space above your door by installing a shelf or cabinet. This often-overlooked area can provide valuable storage without taking up any floor space.

For a unique and stylish storage solution, consider incorporating a ladder shelf or a floating shelf. These options not only provide storage but also add a decorative touch to your space.

This project by architect studio Fala Atelier in Porto, Portugal, showcases the bathroom renovation in an old and abandoned 18th-century townhouse.

To maximise the ensuite space, pocket doors have been used rather than a conventional bathroom door, angular cupboards and a skylight has been added to let in as much light as possible into the narrow and deep space.

Choose Space-Saving Fixtures and Fittings

When it comes to small bathrooms and ensuites, every inch counts. That's why it's important to choose space-saving fixtures and fittings that are both functional and stylish.

Consider a wall-mounted toilet or a compact vanity with built-in storage to maximize your space. You can also opt for a smaller bathtub or a shower with a glass door to create a more open and spacious feel to a wet room.

There are so many tile options available, from bathroom tiles with different colours and patterns to wall tiles and floor tiles with different textures that can create visual interest in a small ensuite.

This 54-square-metre apartment is within London’s Makepeace Mansions, which is now a 1920s residential block with a mock-Tudor façade.

A spinning porthole has been added to this bijoux bathroom that provides changing views of the living space which has been finished with bespoke décor elements.

The owners of the below townhouse wanted a minimalist home “where they wouldn't see the operations of domestic family life”, so Winter Architecture has used a clean white backdrop alongside exposed-aggregate grey tiles to line the bath and the shower enclosure to add subtle texture and visual interest in this crisp bathroom.

The hardware within an ensuite can also be a simple but effective way of elevating the space and making it feel more opulent. In this example, the brass taps and towel rail add a sense of luxury to this en suite bathroom.

Play with Contrasting Colours and Textures

While a neutral colour palette can help create a sense of calm and simplicity in your ensuite, playing with contrasting colours and textures can add depth and interest to your space. Consider incorporating a mix of textures, such as textured tiles or a plush shower rug, to create a cosy and inviting atmosphere.

You can also play with contrasting colours, such as black and white or navy and gold, to create a bold and sophisticated look. Use your accent colours sparingly, such as in a patterned shower curtain or a decorative vase, to avoid overwhelming your space.

Rylett House, a project completed by Studio 30 Architects, showcases the transformation of two Victorian maisonettes in a west London conservation area. Bright paint has been used alongside reclaimed materials to provide a unique juxtaposition within the space that feels both fresh and vibrant.

Upgrade Your Lighting for Ambience and Functionality

Lighting can make all the difference in a small ensuite. Not only does it affect the ambience of your space, but it can also impact your ability to perform daily tasks, such as applying makeup or shaving.

Consider upgrading your light fittings with a combination of overhead fixtures and task lighting. A stylish pendant light can add glamour and sophistication to your space, while a sconce or vanity light can provide the necessary task lighting for your daily routine.

Dark bathroom spaces can be embraced to create a cosy ambience. Take this derelict cottage in Scotland that has been transformed into a contemporary holiday home by inserting oak-lined compartments into the existing stone structure of the building.

The architectural firm, studio GRAS, has completely opened the bathroom floor area as well as the upper floor, creating a space that flows from one room to another. The bath has been positioned next to a window, which provides a restful area to take advantage of views.

Cloister House, by Italy and Australia-based MORQ, shown below is a stunningly atmospheric execution of the client's brief who wanted their home to feel like a sheltered place of refuge.

The house is almost windowless and encircles a plant-filled courtyard made from concrete. Embracing the character of the house with its lack of light in the bathroom has been celebrated rather than resisted.

The use of a darker palette, minimal aesthetic and luxurious tactile materials, such as wood, creates an enveloping and serene bathroom to unwind in.

Add Mirrors to Create the Illusion of More Space

Mirrors are a small ensuite's best friend. Not only do they reflect light and add visual interest, but they can also create the illusion of more space. Consider adding a large mirror above your vanity or a mirrored cabinet to maximise your space and make your ensuite feel larger.

Another way to incorporate mirrors in your space is to use mirrored tiles or a mirrored backsplash. These reflective surfaces can add depth and dimension to your space and make it feel more open and airy.

A complete overhaul took place on architects Luke and Joanne McClelland's Georgian apartment in Edinburgh, to create a home that is flooded with ample natural light, and has a contemporary aesthetic.

Both architects were mindful of the existing period details and wanted to both save space and showcase that a minimalist Scandinavian design could be achieved on a relatively modest budget. The original floorboards have been restored, as well as the sash windows.

Incorporate Natural Elements for a Spa-Like Feel

Transform your small ensuite into a spa-like retreat by incorporating natural elements that promote relaxation and tranquillity. Consider adding a potted plant or a vase of fresh flowers to your space to bring nature indoors. You can also incorporate natural wood or stone elements, such as a wood-framed mirror or a stone sink, to add warmth and texture to your space.

Another way to create a spa-like feel walk-in shower is to invest in luxurious towels and bathrobes. Soft, fluffy towels in a neutral colour can make you feel pampered and relaxed every time you step out of the shower.

In this project by Brazilian interior designer Melina Romano, Brazil meets hygge Scandinavian design that aims to create a sense of cosiness.

*Photography by Denilson Machado of MCA Estúdio.*

The ensuite has been decorated with fern green walls that coincide with a way of introducing a biophilic design. Biophilic design is a design that increases our innate connection to nature and subsequently improves our health and well-being.

The use of a rounded mirror serves to be functional but also helps to reflect light around the room. Tactile and aesthetically pleasing copper fixtures have been used that complement and contrast beautifully with the green tone in the room.

Personalise Your Space with Decor and Accessories

Last but not least, don't forget to personalise your small ensuite with decor and accessories that showcase your personality and style. Add a piece of art or a decorative vase to your space to create a sense of warmth and personality. You can also incorporate a few decorative trays or baskets to store your toiletries and keep your space organised.

*XS House by Phoebe Sayswow Architects. Photography by Hey! Cheese.*

Consider adding a few scented candles or a diffuser to your space to create a relaxing and inviting atmosphere. These small touches can make a big difference in how you feel in your space and can help transform your small ensuite into a luxurious oasis.

Conclusion

Transforming your small ensuite into a beautiful and functional space doesn't have to be a daunting task. Space is a scarce commodity in our current homes and apartments, but that doesn't mean that you have to settle for anything less than your desired and well-deserved space. Even though your small ensuite might be one of the most conventional spaces in your home, it still makes for an ideal option for you to use when you are small-space savvy.

You don't need a large space to be able to call your bathroom your own; small spaces can be incredibly functional and more importantly, they don't need to be boring. The best part? You don't even need to break the bank to get your desired results.

If you'd like more small bathroom ideas and inspiration take a look at my small bathroom ideas with shower and separate bath post.

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