A “toilet with a view” is the latest popular bathroom trend
<p dir="ltr">The bathroom, often considered a sacred and private space, is the subject of a divisive new trend that does away with the one thing ensuring this security: doors.</p>
<p dir="ltr">Instead, open plan ensuites are the latest trend that can even include a view to the great outdoors.</p>
<p dir="ltr">“Open plan bathrooms are on the rise for a few reasons,” Tim Bennett, the founder, architect and engineer at Tim Bennetton Architects, says.</p>
<p dir="ltr">“Society has been more exposed to ‘resort-style’ living where spaces feel more generous than they used to be.</p>
<p dir="ltr">“We have all allowed ourselves that touch more luxury - where the bathroom is not purely functional.”</p>
<p dir="ltr">According to Bennett, one popular layout includes opening up one wall to a view or courtyard to create a space that feels open “while still being private and intimate”.</p>
<p dir="ltr">“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,” he explains.</p>
<p dir="ltr">But when it comes to the key issue - the privacy of using the toilet - Bennett notes that it’s “the only real issue that needs to be discussed”.</p>
<p dir="ltr">“Some people are quite uncomfortable with an open plan toilet. But others are fine with it,” he says.</p>
<p dir="ltr">“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.”</p>
<p dir="ltr">If you are considering this trend but find that privacy is a top priority, there are a few things you can do to achieve both.</p>
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<p dir="ltr">“Flexibility is the key - allow sliding doors so that the ensuite or bathroom can be separated off if desired, or decorate screens or blinds,” Tim says.</p>
<p dir="ltr"><em>Image: Getty Images</em></p>
