Designing a master ensuite bedroom is about more than adding a shower to a bedroom. It’s a considered blend of privacy, flow, storage, and durable finishes that suit Australian homes and lifestyle. As a Perth-based cabinetmaker, Joyce Kitchens designs and renovates custom bathrooms, wardrobes and bedrooms to the same high standard as our kitchen renovations—delivering integrated joinery, smart layouts and long‑lasting materials for WA conditions.
What makes a great master ensuite bedroom?
The best master ensuites feel calm, private and effortless to use. Whether you call it a bedroom with ensuite, a master ensuite, or a suite with a walk‑in robe, the fundamentals are the same.
1) Seamless flow: bedroom → robe → ensuite
- Place the walk‑in robe as a buffer between the bedroom and ensuite to reduce noise and light spill.
- Use pocket or soft‑close doors to keep pathways clear and quiet.
- Consider a double-entry robe for easy access from both bed sides.
2) Privacy, acoustics and light control
- Opt for full-height doors or nib walls to screen the toilet and shower.
- Specify acoustic seals and soft‑close drawers to cut noise during early/late routines.
- Layer lighting: dimmable warm ambient lighting in the bedroom; bright, high CRI task lighting at the vanity.
3) Storage that works hard
- Custom cabinetry WA homeowners love includes tall shaving cabinets with mirrored doors, internal power points for trimmers/hairdryers, and soft‑close, moisture‑resistant drawers.
- In robes, combine hanging (single and double), adjustable shelving, pull‑out shoe racks and velvet‑lined jewellery drawers.
A “wet area” is a room or space subject to water splash (e.g., shower, vanity). In Australia, wet areas must be waterproofed to AS/NZS 3740 and the NCC.
Our design and renovation process
- In‑home consult (Perth metro) – We discuss goals, measure, and assess services, ventilation and waterproofing needs.
- Concept & 3D renders – We map master bedroom ensuite floor plans, robe configurations, and finishes (think shaker‑profile vanity doors to match a Hamptons shaker kitchen, or sleek finger‑pull profiles for contemporary minimalists).
- Selections – Benchtops, cabinetry finishes (two‑pack, laminate, or thermolaminate), fixtures (WELS‑rated tapware), tiles, and lighting.
- Fixed‑price proposal – Transparent scope, trades, timeline and payment schedule.
- Fabrication – Custom cabinetry crafted in WA with quality hardware and soft‑close drawers.
- Installation & trades – Coordinated plumber, electrician, tiler, and waterproofing to Australian standards.
- Handover – Quality check, care guide, and warranty details.
The Water Efficiency Labelling and Standards scheme rates taps, showers and toilets for water use. Aim for WELS 4–5 stars to save water and energy.
Materials and finishes that suit WA
WA’s strong sun, coastal air and temperature swings mean your ensuite should use moisture‑resistant, heat‑stable and easy‑to‑clean finishes—just like a hardworking kitchen.
Benchtops and splashbacks
For vanities, we often recommend large‑format porcelain (sintered stone) or high‑pressure laminate depending on budget and look. Engineered stone benchtops were once common in bathrooms; however, Australia has introduced strict controls and bans on traditional silica‑based engineered stone. We’ll guide you to compliant, safe options.
| Feature | Porcelain / Sintered Stone | High‑Pressure Laminate |
|---|---|---|
| Heat & UV resistance (great for WA) | Excellent | Good (avoid direct heat) |
| Moisture resistance | Excellent | Very good with proper sealing and edges |
| Maintenance | Low; non‑porous | Low; avoid harsh abrasives |
| Aesthetic range | Stone, concrete, terrazzo looks with minimal joins | Wide colours/woods; budget‑friendly |
| Typical installed cost (Perth) | $$$ (premium) | $$ (value) |
Cabinetry and doors
- Moisture‑resistant boards for vanity carcasses and shaving cabinets.
- Two‑pack paint or thermolaminate (vinyl wrap) doors in shaker or flat profiles to echo your kitchen style.
- Hardware with soft‑close runners and hinges; consider knurled handles in brushed nickel or matte black to match tapware.
Fixtures, lighting and ventilation
- Tapware & showers: Choose WELS 4‑star or better and finishes that match robe hardware.
- Lighting: LED task lighting at 4000K over mirrors; warm ambient lighting (2700–3000K) in the bedroom.
- Ventilation: High‑capacity, quiet exhaust with appropriate IP ratings in wet zones, ducted outside (not into the roof void).
“Ingress Protection” rating shows a fitting’s resistance to dust and water. Wet‑area lights near showers require higher IP (e.g., IP44+). Always follow NCC zone rules.
Popular master bedroom ensuite floor plans and styles
Master bedroom ensuite plans that work
- Suite with buffer robe: Bed → walk‑in robe → ensuite. Maximises privacy and storage.
- Parallel galley ensuite: Double vanity opposite shower/toilet; great in narrow spaces with a cavity slider.
- Corner ensuite with nib wall: Compact footprint with screened WC and a skylight to bring light without compromising privacy.
- Open‑plan lux: Freestanding bath and double shower visible from bedroom; best with excellent exhaust and tempered glass screening.
Style direction
- Hamptons/Shaker: Shaker‑profile vanity doors, porcelain benchtop, herringbone tile splashback—ties in with a classic shaker kitchen.
- Contemporary Minimalist: Finger‑pull flat doors, large‑format tiles, walk‑in shower with a linear drain and wall‑hung vanity.
- Scandi Calm: Natural timber‑look laminates, matte white basins, soft greige walls and warm LED lighting.
Costs and timelines in Perth/WA
- Design and documentation: $800–$2,500 depending on scope and 3D renders.
- Ensuite renovation (Perth): Typically $12,000–$35,000+. Allow more for full re‑layout, premium porcelain slabs, or extensive plumbing moves.
- Custom walk‑in robe: From $3,500 for built‑ins to $10,000+ for large, fitted WIR with lighting and drawers.
- Tiling: $70–$130/m² plus substrate prep; mosaics and mitred edges cost more.
- Timeline: 2–6 weeks on site once materials are ready; allow additional lead time for custom cabinetry.
We’ll provide a fixed‑price proposal so there are no surprises, much like our transparent approach to kitchen renovations Perth homeowners rely on.
Real WA examples
Case 1: City Beach suite with robe buffer
Brief: Create a quiet, coastal‑calm master bedroom with ensuite. We added a central walk‑in robe as a sound/light buffer, installed a wall‑hung vanity in a white satin two‑pack with shaker profile, and selected a porcelain benchtop. Matte black knurled pulls echo the shower hardware. Result: hotel‑calibre function with beach‑ready durability.
Case 2: Fremantle federation update
Brief: Retain character and improve storage. We designed a custom shaving cabinet with LED edge lighting, a porcelain top to replace a dated engineered stone benchtop, and soft‑close drawers. The robe gained double‑height hanging and a pull‑out shoe tower. Result: heritage charm with modern convenience.
Practical pre‑renovation checklist
- Measure clearances: 900 mm around the bed; 1000–1200 mm vanity aisle; 900 mm shower minimum.
- Confirm services: drain locations, hot/cold feeds, and adequate fall to waste.
- Ventilation plan: quiet, ducted exhaust sized to the room; window or skylight for natural light.
- Storage audit: number of drawers, internal power in shaving cabinet, robe hanging ratios.
- Finish choices: slip‑resistant floor tile (P3–P4), grout colour, door hardware to match tapware.
- Lighting layers: night‑light option, mirror task lighting, dimmable bedroom lights.
- Compliance: waterproofing to AS/NZS 3740; electrical zones; WELS‑rated fixtures.
- Contingency: 10–15% budget buffer for hidden issues.
Compliance and Australian standards
Joyce Kitchens coordinates licensed trades and waterproofing to the National Construction Code and AS/NZS wet‑area standards. For guidance, see:
- Housing Industry Association (HIA) – homeowner renovation resources
- Master Builders WA – WA building advice
- Australian Building Codes Board (ABCB) – NCC and waterproofing guidance
Note on engineered stone: Traditional high‑silica engineered stone is now restricted/banned across Australia. We recommend compliant alternatives such as porcelain/sintered stone or natural stone subject to specification and use.
FAQ
How much does a master bedroom with ensuite cost in Perth?
A typical Perth master ensuite renovation ranges from $12,000 to $35,000+, depending on layout changes, tiling complexity, and finishes; adding a custom walk‑in robe can add $3,500 to $10,000+.
What’s the best floor plan for a master bedroom with ensuite and walk‑in robe?
The most practical is bedroom → robe → ensuite, using the robe as a buffer for light and noise. A parallel galley ensuite with a cavity slider also works well in narrow spaces.
Which benchtop materials suit an ensuite in WA’s climate?
Porcelain (sintered stone) excels for heat, UV and moisture resistance. High‑pressure laminate is a budget‑friendly option. Traditional high‑silica engineered stone is now restricted/banned; we guide you to compliant alternatives.
Do I need waterproofing to AS/NZS 3740 and what does it cover?
Yes. AS/NZS 3740 sets minimum waterproofing for wet areas, including shower floors and walls, bathroom floors and junctions, with compatible membranes and proper falls to waste as required by the NCC.
How long does a master ensuite renovation take?
Allow 2–6 weeks on site once materials are ready. Lead times vary for custom cabinetry and specialty tiles; we’ll confirm a schedule before works begin.
Ready to plan your master ensuite bedroom?
From smart master bedroom ensuite plans to custom vanity and wardrobe joinery, Joyce Kitchens designs, manufactures and installs everything locally. Book a consultation and let’s create a calm, functional suite that complements your whole‑home style—kitchen, laundry, wardrobes and beyond.
