Expert advice for designing the ensuite of your dreams.

For almost 20 years, designer Benjamin John Ouellette (who’s based in Waterloo, Ont.) has incorporated the latest kitchen and bathroom trends and innovations into his design projects. Benjamin’s approach is to uncover each client’s unique personality and lifestyle, which results in award-winning, personal spaces that enhance his clients’ lives. We turned to Benjamin for insight into what design trends he sees for ensuite bathrooms.

Photography: Fred Hunsberger

KL: Should ensuite bathrooms and dressing rooms be decorated the same as the primary bedroom, or should they be considered separate spaces?

BO: To decorate these rooms as a single entity would be a missed opportunity, but we need to understand these rooms a little better. Dressing rooms should invigorate and give confidence because this is where we transform into the human that takes on the world. This may mean painting the ceiling a bold, energizing colour, or using textured cabinetry and handles that emit a feeling of warmth and stimulating tactility. The bedroom should be relaxing, surrounded by cool colours, large plants that improve air quality, and flexible lighting options that offer warm lighting before bedtime and cool energizing lighting in the morning. We need the ensuite bath to successfully start the day but also to help wind down, and this means blending elements from both the bedroom and the dressing area. Installing a lively large-scale wallpaper, incorporating a boldly painted vanity, or using leathered and suede textures in tiles and counters are great ways to create a space that is stylish, refreshing and relaxing.

Photography: Fred Hunsberger

KL: What are three products or design elements that can be incorporated into an ensuite bathroom that will help homeowners luxuriate?

BO: The first feature that is hands down the most luxurious and necessary element for your upcoming ensuite project is a radiant floor heating system. Many radiant floor heating systems are Wi-Fi enabled and you can program the app to activate around your schedule to save on energy bills. Next, if you want to experience a gentle summer rainstorm in your shower, the Real Rain system by Kohler is the most luxurious shower system. The 19-inch-square panel is installed on the ceiling and offers escalating pressure that mimics real rain – a true luxury experience. Lastly, nothing is more luxurious than a pampering bathtub that cleanses, exfoliates and moisturizes the skin through oxygen-rich microbubbles. Hydrotherapy tubs have been used in wellness spas across North America, and we are now able to benefit from the luxurious science behind these tubs and create a spa-like experience at home.

FROM LEFT TO RIGHT PAINT, Mysterious AF-565, Benjamin Moore. PAINT, Silver Satin OC-26, Benjamin Moore.

KL: What are your go-to paint colours for the primary bedroom and ensuite?

BO: A tried, tested and true colour that seems to be my go-to neutral is Benjamin Moore’s Silver Satin OC-26. This colour is the perfect balance of warm and cool tones and works with much of today’s popular bath decor. If you’re more adventurous, think outside the box and paint the ceiling a fun and exciting colour. We often forget the ceiling and it is a vital part of our interior design. One colour I have had a lot of success with is from Benjamin Moore’s Affinity collection. Mysterious AF-565 is a rich blue that isn’t too dark or too juvenile; it’s classy, sexy, and invigorates and relaxes.

Photography: Fred Hunsberger

KL: Undermount or vessel sinks? Natural stone or quartz counters?

BO: Undermount sinks are easier to keep clean, however, a vessel or semi-vessel sink can stand out in the best way if it’s implemented well into a bathroom design. At one of the last trade shows I attended, I saw new vessel sink styles using materials like black [Nero] Marquina marble and chiselled rock. They would truly stand out as art if used in a modern bathroom design.

In countertops, options have exploded in the last few years, especially with quartz textures. I am loving the honed, leathered and suede finishes instead of a standard polish. My current favourite is Silestone’s Nolita, which has a concrete-like texture.

Photography: Fred Hunsberger

KL: What’s the biggest bathroom design trend you hope to incorporate in your future designs?

BO: One trend that I am excited to implement into my work is the use of curved elements. With biophilia [the desire to connect with nature] as a design trend that’s becoming more common, the use of organic lines and forms in our spaces will become the new normal. I would be excited to implement curved shower walls, arched entries, curved cabinet fronts, and tiles that have natural edges and a concave/convex dimension.