Sonia Simpfendorfer is director at Nexus Designs and heads up the studio’s Interior Designs division. With more than two decades of experience in the industry, Simpfendorfer has seen many design trends come and go. Here, she shares her thoughts on the future of bathroom design and gives us her tips and tricks on how to optimise space without sacrificing style. 

In residential design, bathrooms play a pivotal role that extends far beyond their utilitarian purpose. As spaces that bookend our days and serve as personal retreats, they significantly impact a home’s overall functionality and inhabitant wellbeing. At Nexus Designs, we’ve long recognised that a well-designed bathroom can elevate the entire living experience, regardless of its size. 

Our approach is rooted in the belief that efficiency and style are complementary aspects of a successful space. Whether working with a modest powder room or an expansive master suite, our goal remains consistent: to optimise every element for maximum functionality while maintaining a strong aesthetic vision. This philosophy has guided us in creating bathrooms that meet practical needs while serving as visually striking and emotionally resonant spaces within the home. 

In this article, I’ll share key insights from our design process that have proven instrumental in crafting bathrooms that seamlessly blend efficiency, usability and style. 

Reimagining layout for flow 

The foundation of an efficient bathroom lies in its layout. We always start by mapping out the user’s journey through the space. How can we arrange elements to create a natural flow? Sometimes, this means challenging conventional placements. 

For instance, in a recent project, we positioned the vanity opposite the entry door instead of immediately adjacent. This simple shift created a more spacious feel upon entering and improved the overall circulation. 

When dealing with limited footprints, which are often rectangular or square, we’ve found that lining up all plumbing items along one wall is not only technically efficient but visually appealing. It’s crucial to know the minimum space requirements for each function to make the most of every inch. Remember, efficiency isn’t just about saving space; it’s about creating a layout that intuitively supports the user’s needs, regardless of the room’s dimensions. 

Innovative storage solutions 

Storage is a critical component of any well-designed bathroom. Our approach is to integrate storage seamlessly into the design, making it both functional and aesthetically pleasing. 

One of our favoured approaches is to create a shallow mirror-fronted cupboard on the wall at right angles to the vanity, providing ample storage with minimal spatial impact. Another approach is pairing a sculptural pedestal or wall-mounted basin with a tall, narrow cupboard for convenient storage. Concealed slide-out storage racks behind fixed mirrors can also be effective. 

When deciding between bench space and storage, we consider the client’s priorities early in the design process. Keeping under-bench storage elevated off the ground can visually expand the space by revealing more floor area. 

Harnessing materials and colour for impact 

The materials and colours we choose play a crucial role in both the functionality and feel of a bathroom. Large-format tiles or seamless surfaces can create a sense of continuity and are easier to clean — a win for both aesthetics and practicality. 

When it comes to colour, we consider the bathroom’s relationship to adjacent spaces. Extending the colour palette from surrounding rooms can create a sense of flow, making the entire home feel more cohesive and spacious. 

Don’t be afraid of bold choices, even in smaller bathrooms. Featuring rich, dark tones in some of the finishes can add depth and interest, especially when balanced with lighter elements elsewhere. 

Lighting: The unsung hero of bathroom design 

Natural light, where possible, is always a priority. It not only makes a space feel larger and more inviting but also provides the most flattering illumination. For internal bathrooms, a wall of obscure or textured glazing can borrow light from adjacent spaces, creating a sense of openness and connection. 

When it comes to artificial lighting, we aim for a combination of wall lights and overhead fixtures, all dimmable for versatility. This approach spans from functional, non-directional lighting for makeup application or shaving to atmospheric illumination for self-care and evening wind-down. While LED strips can be useful, we use them judiciously to avoid a harsh, commercial look.

Mirrors and reflective surfaces 

Mirrors play a crucial role in bathroom design, regardless of the space’s size. While we often favour generous mirrors, we’re not afraid to break conventions with more purposeful, strategically placed reflective surfaces. 

When positioning mirrors, we consider both function and aesthetics. Full-height mirrors set flush with wall tiling or stone can dramatically enhance the sense of space while remaining highly practical. However, we’re careful to avoid mirror joins over basins, which can create an annoying split in one’s reflection. 

Beyond their practical use, mirrors can be strategically placed to enhance light and the perception of space. However, it’s important to be mindful of what will be reflected — for instance, we avoid positioning mirrors to reflect the toilet. 

Prioritising quality and consistency 

We stand by maintaining a consistent level of quality across all bathrooms in a home. Rather than concentrating all high-end finishes in one space, we believe in elevating every bathroom to create a harmonious overall design. This approach not only enhances the home’s overall value but also ensures that every bathroom, regardless of its size or primary user, is a pleasure to use. 

Overall, optimising a bathroom isn’t about adhering to a one-size-fits-all formula. It’s about understanding the unique needs of each space and its users, then crafting a design that maximises both efficiency and enjoyment. 

This month, we turn our attention to one of the most important rooms in any building designed for people to live, work, play or learn in: the bathroom. Once a purely functional wet room devoid of style, the bathrooms of today are anything but basic. We spoke with a select group of Australia’s leading and emerging interior designers to reveal what’s next in bathroom design.

For more bathroom design inspiration, read our Q&A with Eva-Marie Prineas about designing bathrooms that blend heritage and technology.