The bathroom layout

When the time came to renovate her family home on Victoria’s Mornington Peninsula, Amy focused on maximising space and functionality, especially in the main bathroom, which her three daughters use. To improve the layout, Amy removed a sunken bath beside the window and relocated the toilet to a less visible spot. “We installed an overhead shower and additional shower rail, so two little ones could be showered at once,” says Amy. A new Victoria + Albert ‘York’ freestanding bath in Gloss White, from Harvey Norman, lets all three girls enjoy bath time together.

The green bathroom palette

Decorating with green can create a stunning effect in any room. Amy took style cues from “old world English” charm and the surrounding garden, visible through the windows of this green bathroom. A vintage artwork is complemented with traditional touches, such as wainscoting-style tiling in ‘Masia Blanco’ square subways from National Tiles. Sanderson ‘Rubus’ wallpaper in Blackberry graces the walls above, even reaching across the original roofline near the window. The vibrancy of Taubmans Green Gage ties it together on the window trim and joinery, designed by Maine House Interiors. “The idea was to draw your eye out to the garden beyond,” says Amy. The result is at once whimsical and practical. “I love that pop of colour,” adds Amy, whose daughters adore the space almost as much as she does.

Amy Spargo’s best design tip

“Use the best materials that you can afford,” advises Amy, who opted for classic Bianco Carrara marble from Gladstones Granite & Marble to top the vanity, and selected Carrara ‘Shields’ mosaic tiles from National Tiles for the flooring. Amy recommends ensuring the storage in your bathroom is beautiful as well as functional. She did this here with her own bespoke mirror design, which conceals face-level storage and is finished in Porter’s Paints Dragon’s Eye.

Lighting and hardware

Amy layered ambient and task lighting. “We have three pin lights over the mirror plus downlights over the toilet and shower for function,” she says. This green bathroom receives more colour in the form of lamp shades, customised by Maine House Interiors in Chelsea Textiles ‘Fern’ fabric in Leaf. These shades are placed on Florabelle Living ‘Dino’ wall lights in Antique Brass. The finish complements the Perrin & Rowe wall-mounted basin and bath tapware sets in Chrome with white porcelain levers, sourced from The English Tapware Company. Want to learn more about bathroom lighting? Read this.

Interior design: Maine House Interiors, mainehouseinteriors.com

Joinery: Elite Design Joinery, elitedesignjoinery.com.au

Sourcebook

The Edit: Shop Amy Spargo’s green bathroom look

01

‘Kingsley’ assembly taps & spout set in Chrome

$264.80, ABI Interiors

Chrome is king in many homes. It has a timeless appeal that transcends interior styles. We love how the ‘Kingsley’ assembly taps and spout set from ABI Interiors blend that versatile style with a more traditional silhouette.

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02

Sanderson ‘Rubus’ wallpaper in Blackberry

$285/roll, Wallpaper Direct

Amy used this wallpaper in her green family bathroom, above the wainscoting-style tiling. “It also lines the ceiling in the entry to the bathroom, for drama,” shares Amy. This wallpaper features a delicate blackberry design, alongside flowers and vibrant leaves, set against a cream background.

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03

‘Dino’ wall light base in Antique Brass

$418, One World

Amy Spargo added extra charm to this wall light by covering the lampshades in Chelsea Textiles ‘Fern’ fabric in Leaf. While the Antique Brass finish is best suited to this palette, this design is also available in a Silver finish. The look is elegant, charming and timeless.

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04

‘Brayden’ arch mirror

$1190, Highgate House

Amy’s mirror is a bespoke design by Maine House Interiors. The Brayden arch mirror by Highgate House has a similar appeal, with an elegantly curved silhouette. The hand-forged metal frame has burnished edges and gold highlights. It has a width of 61cm, depth of 3cm and height of 104cm.

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05

Belbagno ‘Baden’ acrylic freestanding bath

$2839 – $3039, Temple & Webster

This freestanding bathtub has a beautiful, curved silhouette reminiscent of the bathtub Amy used. Made from acrylic, metal and fibreglass, it is available in 15 finishes and has good thermal properties.

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06

Picturebook Green paint

Dulux

It goes without saying but when you’re creating a green bathroom, selecting the right shade of green paint is key. This green is vibrant and impactful. It pairs well with soft neutrals Dulux Lexicon Quarter and Dulux Feather Soft.

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07

Turner Hastings ‘Coventry’ freestanding single vanity in Satin White

$4309 (was $4542), Temple & Webster

This vanity has white cabinetry in a satin finish, with a benchtop of Carrara marble. An undercounter ceramic basin is included. It is available in three sizes and buyers are also able to choose between one tap hole or three.

Sizes: 1200mm.

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The post Amy Spargo’s green bathroom is big on whimsy and wonder appeared first on Home Beautiful.

While ensuites are often the ultimate pamper zone, these family bathroom ideas will ensure the space caters to 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. Double vanities allow more than one person to get ready in the bathroom at a time, a complete lifesaver when everyone’s rushing to get out of the house in the morning.

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. The layout

When mapping out the layout of a family bathroom, 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.

Functional family bathroom ideas

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.

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.

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. A recessed shelf can also help with storage.

Luxurious family bathroom ideas

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 brushed nickel, chrome or gunmetal, which also conveniently minimise the appearance of fingerprints.

12. Install a shower seat

“If you only have room for a shower, make it comfortable and functional with a seat,” says Sarah. 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. A woven hamper can 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.”

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.

The post 16 bathroom design ideas that work for a busy family appeared first on Home Beautiful.

But not all indoor plants thrive in humid rooms that don’t receive a lot of sunlight.

If you want to include an indoor plant or two in your bathroom, these seven plants will work best.

1. Zanzibar plant

Possibly the easiest plant to grow indoors, the hardy Zanzibar Gem will tolerate low light, so doesn’t even need to sit near your bathroom window.

2. Zygocactus

Schlumbergera bridgesii is hard to say but easy to look at. Zygocactus look lovely all year round draping down from a window or high shelf and will even give a lovely burst of colour in autumn and winter when flowering.

Take care not to put them in a place where they’ll be knocked as the stems tend to break easily.

3. Phalaenopsis orchid

Another lover of indirect sunlight, an orchid loves a high humidity environment so does well in a bathroom with only a little natural light. Very low maintenance, orchids virtually thrive on neglect.

Sit one on your vanity for a touch of elegance or group a few together in a rustic container. Keep the roots damp but not wet.

4.Boston fern

In terms of hanging plants, this is a low-maintenance wonder! Perfect in every kind of pot – from a hanging basket to a large pot stand – this feathery fern drapes beautifully and is one of the best plants to bring into your humid bathroom, as it loves a little misting and needs minimal care.

Try an oversized specimen in a small bathroom for maximum va-va-voom!

5.Peace lily

Another indoor plant that’s practically impossible to kill, the peace lily thrives in indirect light and, due to its generous wide leaves, works hard at air-purifying whilst looking lush and fabulous.

The ultimate chameleon, the peace lily is equally at home potted in a blue and white chinoiserie ceramic pot or as part of a display of other tropical plants.

6.  Japanese maple

Not strictly indoors, this is a terrific way to get the best of both worlds – growing a plant outdoors, yet enjoying it from inside the bathroom.

This floor-to-ceiling glass window allows the timber, tree and textures into the bathroom whilst it basks in the bright light of sunshine in a secluded courtyard.

7. Peperomia

Lovely for a little texture and colour, peperomia is easy to grow indoors, depending on the light levels. Away from direct sunlight, they fare well, though don’t like to be too wet so work best in a well-ventilated bathroom.

Look for plants with deep green or even red foliage to mix up the colour display in your bathroom.

OTHER PLANTS THAT THRIVE IN THE BATHROOM

• Sansevieria (aka snake plant or mother-in-law’s tongue)

• Air plants

• Spider plants

The post 7 of the best indoor plants for your bathroom appeared first on Home Beautiful.