Creating a luxurious master ensuite with underfloor heating in Toukley, NSW

When Mark Bailey and Connie Oliver decided to upgrade the master ensuite in their lakeside family home they had a specific challenge to address. The couple contacted Stephen Cox of Refresh Renovations Central Coast and explained that their existing ensuite was in good condition, but they disliked the fact that it was dominated by a spa bath, which made the room seem smaller than it was. As the spa still worked well they wanted to remove it, along with a few other fixtures and fittings, and find everything a new home.

Developing a new bathroom layout

Stephen was happy to accept the challenge and arranged the safe removal of the spa and other items. With the space clear, work could begin on the new bathroom layout, which included installing an underfloor heating system, building a new walk-in shower and relocating the toilet.
‘Mark and Connie wanted to get rid of the old spa bath and convert the ensuite into a more luxurious and spacious room with a generous-sized walk-in shower. We designed a new layout, which made better use of space and helped achieve the contemporary look they wanted.’

The bathroom renovation

With the layout finalised, Stephen could order the necessary tiles from Beaumont Tiles. They included Exile Tobacco Lappato Rectified tiles for the floor and feature wall, Spatial Satin White Rectified for the other walls and Cinder Aluminium Mini Chevron to line the bathroom niches. The room had a high raked ceiling (i.e. the ceiling matched the angle of the roof line), so Stephen advised tiling to a height of 2m and painting above that.
Once the tiles had been decided upon, the new floor, which included an underfloor heating system, could be planned. Underfloor heating is a functional, as well as luxurious addition to a bathroom as it minimises dampness, condensation and draughts and is a cost-effective way to heat the space.
Stephen then turned his attention to the remaining fixtures and fittings. Connie and Mark were keen to use the space freed up by removing the spa bath to create a generous-sized walk-in shower featuring a large rainwater style showerhead.
They also decided on a dark timber effect Marquis Wall-Hung Vanity, paired with a contrasting white, engineered quartz countertop and Mezzo Above Counter Basin from Verotti. There’s also a Forme 6-Bar Square Heated Towel Ladder and, in keeping with the bathroom’s signature chrome, all the small bathroom accessories are from Parisi’s Quadro range.

Bathroom lighting ideas

Specialist lighting company, D-Lighting in Kincumber, created custom lighting for the ensuite, which included three downlights in the shower area to highlight the feature wall, LED lighting above the mirrored shaving cabinets, two feature pendants over the vanity and under lighting beneath it. Even the bathroom controls and switches are stylish - the metallic Clipsal Saturn push-button LED switch pad also controls the fan.

The new, modern bathroom

We’re very happy with everything. We like the overall feel, the choice of vanity, the whole design
With the ensuite completed, Stephen is proud of a job well done.
‘We turned a dated bathroom into a luxurious and highly functional space that blends well with the walk-in wardrobe and master bedroom. The neutral colour palette, sophisticated lighting scheme and luxury inclusions, mean Mark and Connie can enjoy this ensuite for many years to come.’
Mark agrees and says he and Connie are delighted with their new bathroom.
‘We’re very happy with everything. We like the overall feel, the choice of vanity, the whole design. The whole process was pretty painless and it all came together pretty well.’

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