Wall-less loos blurring the line between bedroom and bathroom

Melbourne - Wall-less loos are the latest trend in home renovations, engaging the imaginations of builders and home renovators.

World-class hotels and luxury resorts already have free-standing bathtubs in the bedroom. So, it was only a matter of time before the toilet also took pride of place.

Award-winning bathroom designer Darren James, of Interiors by Darren James, said the demarcation between toilet, bedroom and bathroom was dissolving in the face of a sophisticated approach to taboos.

“We are seeing the modern ensuite break free from the four walls that once confined it,” News.com.au quoted James as saying.

“It’s a trend that is very popular in Europe and we are seeing it more and more here.

“The line between the bedroom and the bathroom has blurred,” he said.

However, some Brisbane buyers appear reluctant to spend their pennies quite so close to where they want to lay their heads at night, according to Place agent Mario Sultana.

With space at a premium in a three-bedroom Spring Hill cottage on just 146sq m, the vendor plumped for all the latest space-saving ideas.

Along with the loft, cupboards under bench seats, they just had to go for a toilet in the master bedroom.

Sultana, who is marketing the home at 39 Allenby St, told The Sunday Mail he knew of prospective buyers who had turned their nose up at the sight of a bedside pedestal, insisting some deals were best

done behind closed doors.

To relieve personal privacy concerns, the industry has an array of solutions, he said.

“If it is not what you like, you can put in a fixed wall or even frosted glass.”

Christiaan Stevens, from Christiaan’s in Newmarket, said open-plan ensuites suited buyers with an open mind and a worthwhile view.

He said such modern conveniences only made up two-to-three per cent of the market and were most popular in holiday homes.

Even then, he said, many of the wall-less loos were shielded by shutters.

“So you could have privacy if you wanted,” Stevens said.

“I don’t care whether you look like Elle Macpherson or Brad Pitt - you don’t look attractive on the loo,” he added.