You know how much we love bathroom design, so when we spotted this dreamy ensuite featuring star marble mosaic flooring, we immediately reached out to the team behind the project for all the details.
Designed by Jenny Matek, Head of Design + Project Management at AM Bathrooms and Principal Interior Designer of sister studio Studio Jenka, this Putney renovation is as clever as it is beautiful.
What makes bathroom renovation even more impressive than the flawless finishes is that it was once an under-utilised playroom. Through thoughtful planning and smart design, they redesigned the awkward footprint into a calm, hotel-inspired retreat packed with hidden details we know you’ll want to steal.
Jenny is taking us inside the renovation, sharing the design thinking behind the layout, material selections and practical ideas that made this transformation such a success. Notepads at the ready, there’s plenty to learn from this one!
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Let’s start at the beginning, what was the brief for this project?
“This project is located in Putney, Sydney, and was designed for a returning homeowner who had previously rented out the property,” explains Jenny.
“The property was dated and the floorplan had unfunctional rooms that they were unsure how to use. Upon moving back in, the client wanted to create a more refined and functional master suite, as the home lacked both a proper ensuite and a generous robe.
We reimagined part of the existing footprint to transform an under-utilised, narrow play room on the ground floor into a highly resolved master suite with an ensuite paired with a walk-in robe, designed to elevate everyday living while maintaining a sense of calm and flow.
“The brief was to create a home they could be proud of that not only was functional but suited their lifestyle and aesthetic. Having young adult children, they yearned for some privacy. By reconfiguring the floor plan and creating a seperate kid zone upstairs we were able to provide a private master retreat downstairs.
“The brief was for the ensuite in particular to feel luxurious, hotel-inspired, timeless, soft, and refined. A major goal was to maximise the sense of space and openness while ensuring the layout felt intuitive and highly usable.”
Safe to say, they nailed the brief! What was the design vision for the space?
“Our vision centred around creating a serene, elevated retreat — something that felt both indulgent and highly functional,” says Jenny.
“Working within a compact footprint, we incorporated practical storage, thoughtful lighting and premium fixtures without visual clutter.
“We wanted the space to feel cohesive with the adjoining walk-in robe and bedroom, using soft architectural gestures and layered detailing to enhance the overall experience.
“The custom arched doorway became a defining feature of the project. It’s one of my favourite aspects of the project as it creates a strong yet soft architectural statement and frames the space beautifully. I feel it’s the perfect entrance to the luxurious experience in the ensuite,” she says proudly.
The materials palette, especially that star mosaic marble floor tile, is a standout of the bathroom renovation.
“We carefully curated the palette to feel soft, timeless, and textural. Combining handmade vertical stack subway tiles with Moroccan-inspired geometric marble mosaics and large-format porcelain tiles creates subtle contrast and visual interest. Tiling to the ceiling enhances the sense of volume and luxury,” explains Jenny.
“Natural tones and gentle greens were layered with refined finishes, while elements like the stone vanity top and warm lighting added depth and warmth to the space.”
It’s the details that quietly elevate the space.
“Positioning the freestanding bathroom as the focal point within the space as part of a discrete wet zone is another favourite design decision,” says Jenny happily.
“Smaller details, such as the integrated niche, concealed lighting, and custom joinery, all contribute to the overall experience and reflect the level of craftsmanship involved.”
Of course, no renovation is without its challenges!
“Working within a narrow footprint and existing structural constraints presented challenges, particularly in coordinating new plumbing within the slab and maintaining optimal movement through the space.
“We resolved these through careful planning, detailed site coordination, and precise execution, including using a linear drainage system and clearly defining wet and dry zones.”
Jenny and her team persevered through those challenges and executed the bathroom to perfection.
“The bathroom is highly functional for daily use, while still feeling like a retreat at the beginning and end of each day,” says Jenny with a smile.
“This project reflects our approach of combining thoughtful design with high-quality construction to create spaces that truly enhance how our clients live.”
When you take a look at AM Bathrooms + Project’s impressive portfolio of bespoke bathrooms, it’s no wonder the team were able to deliver this high-end, detail-driven renovation.
“I always prioritise layout and functionality first,” says Jenny wisely. “Good design always starts with how a space works.”
Invest in quality materials and workmanship for longevity.
“Lighting can enhance both function and mood. I use lighting layers — task, ambient and feature — in all my projects.
“My other top bathroom design tips would be to keep the palette cohesive to create a calm, timeless result, and to incorporate thoughtful storage solutions.”
Credits
Designer: AM Bathrooms + Projects / Studio Jenka
Builder: AM Bathrooms + Projects
Photographer: Sebastian Mrugalski
Huge thanks to Jenny and the team at AM Bathrooms + Projects for sharing all the details of this hotel-inspired ensuite renovation and walk-in robe. It’s not often we use the word ‘flawless’ but we’re sure you’ll agree with us, this is a 13/10 bathroom reno! For all the latest design inspiration, be sure to subscribe to Style Curator.
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