No longer a place to shower and go about one's business in private, the bathroom is now becoming one with the bedroom. 

That's right, people are doing away with their bathroom doors and opting for a bedroom with an open plan ensuite.

"Open plan bathrooms are on the rise for a few reasons,” says Tim Bennetton, Founder, Architect and Engineer at Tim Bennetton Architects. “Society has been more exposed to 'resort-style’ living where spaces feel more generous than they used to be."

“We have all allowed ourselves that touch more luxury – where the bathroom is not purely functional.” 

Open plan bathroom ideas

A popular bathroom layout, and a case for designing an open concept bathroom, is to take advantage of a view.

"One of our favourite design strategies is to do an open plan bathroom where one wall can be opened up to a view or courtyard," says Tim.

"We did this with one of the first houses we designed back in 2008, so it's certainly a trend that's been around for a while but is quickly gaining popularity, and it makes sense."

"Through open plan design, you can create spaces that feel open while still being private and intimate."

What about the toilet?

When it comes to an open plan bathroom in the bedroom, "the toilet is the only real issue that needs to be discussed," says Tim. 

"Some people aren’t quite uncomfortable with an open plan toilet. But others are fine with it."

"You could argue that a toilet with a view adds to 'the experience', but on the other hand, many people like the extra level of privacy and separation that a separate compartment provides to the toilet." 

Otherwise, there are a few things you can do to make the toilet more private.

"Flexibility is the key – allow sliding doors so that the ensuite or bathroom can be separated off if desired, or decorative screens or blinds," says Tim.

Is open plan a good idea?

Jane Langof, Feng Shui Master at Feng Shui Concepts, says open plan bathrooms bring dirty energy into a bedroom. 

"Bathrooms are for cleansing and ablutions," says Jane. "By their function, this is where bacteria, grime and dirt abound. The bathroom is often the home's main source of negative energy."

On the other hand, a bedroom is a place to rest and build our health and relationships. Jane says, "The negative energy from [an open plan] bathroom is depleting and interferes with the rejuvenation and restoration process."

This is especially so if your bed is aligned with your bathroom door!

"If your bathroom door is aligned with your bed, this can energetically lead to health problems with that part of your body opposite the door," says Jane. 

Additionally, "When a toilet faces the bed, the negative energy can increase the likelihood of promiscuous behaviour. For the occupants of a master bedroom, this can lead to affairs.