This ensuite bathroom in Coventry St in Hawthorne was part of a broader effort to upgrade an aging home interior to suit modern tastes. The old bathroom was dark, dated, and lacked the luxury feel the homeowners were after. The client wanted a sleek, contemporary ensuite that was practical for daily use yet refined in design. With limited space to work with, we focused on smart layout choices and modern finishes to deliver a beautiful and functional transformation.
Before: The Problem with the Old Ensuite
Before the renovation, this Hawthorne ensuite featured an awkward layout and lacked aesthetic appeal. The space felt exposed and unrefined, with no clear separation between wet and dry areas. A bulky glass vanity dominated the room but offered little in terms of usable storage or bench space. The raised glass bowl sink, though once considered stylish, took up most of the counter and left limited room for daily essentials. The fixtures, including the toilet, were outdated and out of place in a home aiming for a modern look.
A small, high-set window offered minimal natural light, while worn tiles and mismatched finishes added to the room’s ad hoc appearance. Tiling was also inconsistent. Aside from the floors, only the wall behind the vanity was tiled, stopping just below the mirror. The rest of the walls were left as painted surfaces, making the space feel disjointed and visually incomplete. Overall, the space felt dated and uninviting, and the client was ready for a full transformation into something lighter, more cohesive, and refined.
Project Details: How We Transformed the Ensuite
Improving Functionality
The first step in transforming this Hawthorne ensuite was to remove the outdated glass vanity, which offered little in terms of storage and practicality. In its place, we installed a custom floating vanity with integrated cabinetry, dramatically improving how the space functioned day-to-day. The new vanity also features a more streamlined benchtop with an integrated basin, offering significant counter space. We also introduced a frameless glass partition to create a clearly defined shower zone. This improved usability and offered a sense of separation without disrupting the open feel of the space.
Enhancing Aesthetics
To bring a sense of cohesion and calm to the space, we used the same soft, concrete-look grey tiles for both the floors and wall surfaces. The floor-to-ceiling wall tiling gave the ensuite a polished, spa-like atmosphere. The continuous material palette tied every element together and enhanced the overall visual flow. The custom floating vanity with a fluted cabinet front and integrated stone benchtop was selected to complement the space. Its clean lines and warm texture provided a focal point without overwhelming the room. The wall-mounted tapware reinforced the minimalist aesthetic while keeping the benchtop clutter-free and practical for everyday use.
Lighting Upgrade
Lighting played a key role in enhancing the functionality and mood of the ensuite. A new LED mirror was installed above the vanity, complemented by two ambient wall-mounted fixtures on one side. These fixtures provided soft, diffused light that created a warm, inviting atmosphere in the ensuite, enhancing the overall feel of the space without harsh shadows. The ambient lighting worked in harmony with the natural light from the newly installed larger frosted glass window. Together, the LED mirror and ambient lighting made the ensuite feel bright, open, and inviting any time of the day.
High-End Fixtures and Finishes
The high-end fixtures were selected to enhance the ensuite’s sleek, modern design. A black rainfall shower head provided a luxurious shower experience while the built-in shower niche offered a practical yet discreet storage solution for shampoo, conditioner, body wash and other essentials.
The floor-mounted toilet with a wall-mounted flush plate contributed to the feeling of extra space inside the small ensuite. It also provided a modern aesthetic, offering a clean and minimalist look. The wall-mounted tapware above the vanity further reinforced the sleek design, adding to the room’s refined, contemporary feel. We sourced many of our bathroom fixtures from Reece, our trusted supplier for our renovations.
For more tips on how to enhance the feeling of luxury in your bathroom renovation check out our blog section of our website.
Challenges Faced
One of the key challenges in this project was working with the limited floor space while still delivering an open, airy, and functional bathroom. The team had to get creative with storage solutions, opting for the floating vanity and recessed shelving and a toilet with a wall-mounted flush plate to make the most of every inch without overwhelming the space. Another challenge was the tight configuration of the shower and vanity areas. We installed a frameless glass partition to create a clear separation between the wet and dry zones, helping to make the room feel more defined and organised.
Get a Free Ensuite Renovation Quote
Your dream ensuite is just a call away! Get in touch with us today for expert ensuite renovations in Brisbane and let’s create the perfect bathroom you’ve always wanted. Whether you’re in Hawthorne, Coorparoo, or anywhere across Brisbane, we specialise in creating beautiful, functional spaces that are tailored to your needs. Call us on (07) 3130 0301 to get started!
