Planning an en-suite is different to planning a main bathroom or a cloakroom bathroom, although aspects of the design and layout from each of these will undoubtedly apply.
An en-suite requires a new way of thinking about your bathroom fittings and bathroom furniture.
It's a place for use purely by the occupants of the bedroom to which it's attached.
In most cases, this will be the main bedroom, and the occupants will be a couple.
It's a private space, designed to be shared.
It may be closed off as a separate room; it may be partially or even fully open into the bedroom.
Some things to consider, then...
1.
An open bathroom area? If you have a large bedroom, you could consider using part of the space for en-suite facilities without necessarily constructing a partition wall to create two rooms from one.
Using decorative screens to define the sleeping and bathing areas could be sufficient, and retaining one large room that's got a dual purpose makes your new bed and bathroom a great place to relax, unwind, and spend time together with your partner.
Putting a freestanding bath in your bedroom can create a sense of luxury.
Screen off a walk-in shower enclosure with a wall of glass bricks and have your bath, vanity unit, and any other bathroom furniture visible from the bedroom.
The one thing you don't want in full view is the toilet - some things need to be private! So if you're considering this style of room, ensure there's a separate screened off toilet area somewhere in your plan.
2.
Shared space Your en-suite is a space to be shared with your partner, and you'll want to promote a sense of togetherness and calm.
Installing a double vanity unit, or two single washstands or pedestal basins, means that you'll never have to fight for the basin again - and that's got to be good for your togetherness! There are some amazing double vanities available: choose from a traditional style with two separate inset or countertop basins, or go for something more modern - a long built in 'shelf' with a backward slope and hidden drainage, for example.
It all depends on your tastes, and on your home style.
3.
Size En-suites are often small spaces, where homeowners have teased a mini-bathroom into existence in an attic or by 'stealing' part of a second bedroom.
In such circumstances, you'll need some space-saving fixtures.
Small bathrooms and cloakrooms often benefit from the inclusion in their design of bathroom furniture.
Small pieces are available and even the regular sized pieces don't take up as much space as you might think, when you consider how much storage capacity they contribute to the room.
With all your bathroom clutter tucked away inside cabinets, or below the basin in your vanity unit, your en-suite will feel much more spacious.
4.
Style No matter what your style - minimalist or ornate, traditional or modern, boutique hotel or shabby chic cottage - you'll need your en-suite's look to reflect the style of your bedroom.
The two rooms, whether they're separated by a wall and door, or an all-in-one, multi-function space, inhabit the same area of your home and should feel like a coherent whole, stylistically.
And the inclusion of some bathroom furniture, whether you go for a fully fitted look or simply add a vanity unit or some wall hung cabinets to your bathroom suite, will help to keep mess at bay and turn your en-suite into an oasis of calm.