Bathroom Design Tip 3: Don’t Forget About Transition Spaces Outside the Ensuite

Because the primary bedroom and ensuite make up the top floor of this show home from Dominium, designer Aly Velji of Calgary’s Alykhan Velji Designs decided to lean into the “primary retreat” concept by maximizing every part of the space. He and his team were brought on board to help with the interior selections and millwork designs for the Scandinavian-inspired home, with elements that included an elegant floating vanity and white oak cladding on the lofted ceiling. And rather than overlook the transitional space between the ensuite and the bedroom—a long hallway situated at the top of the stairs, seen above—Velji created a third working space for the future homeowners. Millwork features include a coffee station, a sink and a small refrigerator, as well as a makeup area. “Because it’s on the third floor, you don’t want to have to go up and down the stairs,” says Velji. “It’s perfect for having a morning coffee, or an evening glass of wine while getting ready.”

Curves Ahead

While the Scandinavian-inspired design features plenty of classic angles—that lofted ceiling, the minimalist millwork—Velji was careful to bring in curves, too, like the Kohler bathtub and the mirror for the makeup station.

Smart Storage

The bar cart from Ikea is an unexpected choice for a bathroom, but it provides an elegant storage solution—and with its warm brass finish, offers a little nod to traditional design in a more modern space.

Straight Line Design

The matte-black tile near the back of the shower highlights where the linear drain is,  turning a functional element into a design element (while tying in with the black plumbing fixtures). The niche area in the shower not only serves as a much-needed shelf for shampoo and body care items, it also makes for a dynamic design: “In a large shower like this one, it helps to break up the wall, and creates a moment of visual interest,” says Velji.