5 of the best bathrooms ever seen on The Block

It may be one of the hardest working rooms in the house, but these bespoke bathrooms offer much more than just functionality. 

Over the past two decades, The Block has shown us how to lay out a space of any size or shape with beautiful materials, details and accessories for a feeling of warmth and luxury. They have also taken us through a myriad of bathroom trends – the good, the bad and the ugly. 

“We’ve followed the progression from functionality to sanctuary and seen bathrooms that reflect every changing trend – from decorative tiles, double showers and brushed metal tapware to pastel-coloured basins, underfloor heating and, my pet hates, pendant lighting and black toilet paper,” says judge Neale Whitaker. 

We tapped into 20 years of bathrooms for the five that most impressed the judges.  

Ankur and Sharon (2022)

For Whitaker, Ankur and Sharon’s ornate inclusions, from exquisite wallpaper to luxurious statement lighting, were the stars of this bathroom. “They hit new heights of luxury here with wraparound views, ballroom-like proportions and a two-way gas fireplace,” he says. 

It featured an elegant standalone spa bath and frameless shower perfectly positioned to take in the views, while strategically placed skylights and floor-to-ceiling curtains drew in the light. 

While the couple lost points for excessive styling and other choices, Whitaker still thinks the space was one of the most impressive. “While it was far from perfect, it nevertheless personified the idea of a bathroom as theatre,” he says.

Ronnie and Georgia (2021) 

Whoever said a white bathroom is boring hasn’t seen this one. Sophisticated material choices comprising marble, brass, timber and three types of tiles delivered a standout bathroom for the couple that judge Marty Fox proclaims a standout. “The layout is something I love, and the colour palette is timeless,” he says. 

Soaring ceilings provided the room with a lofty quality and accommodated a stunning skylight right above the bath. “The issue of no natural light was rectified by the sensational use of that skylight – which creates natural light – and a stunning rake to the ceiling,” Fox says. 

White finger tiles hugged the space, large cloudy marble tiles framed the bath and oak cabinetry imbued an organic feel. 

“The only thing I would change would be swapping the non-ageing brass tapware to a natural brass which will patina over time,” Fox says. 

Luke and Josh (2021) 

More like a luxury wellness retreat than a main en suite, Luke and Josh took their cues from nature with a palette of natural materials, greenery and a memorable outdoor bath. 

“The main functionality was inside, and the outdoor tub featured heaters so it could be used all year round,” says judge Darren Palmer. “Extending the already expansive bathroom into the outdoors was clever and saved valuable interior floor space.”

Inside, they installed a beautiful timber vanity with brushed nickel tapware, matching oval cabinets, and a tallboy for ample storage. For seamless indoor-outdoor connection, the same floor tiles ran inside and out and timber slats and greenery surrounded the bath for an enhanced connection to nature.

Josh and Elyse (2017)

Josh and Elyse had the luxury of space when designing their winning bathroom, and they made the most of it, says The Block co-host Shelley Craft. Featuring industrial-inspired cement-look tiling, an elegant floating ceiling provided drama thanks to a cleverly placed shaft that radiated light into the space. “No need for fancy feature tiles in this sanctuary!” she says. 

The couple eschewed storage space for a long recessed ledge and added rich timber touches and leafy indoor plants to soften the space. 

The real standout, however, was a vast circular bath accessorised with chic brushed gunmetal tapware. “I remember Elyse filling it for the first time, and it took a long time,” Craft says. “But once you’re in it, you wouldn’t get out in a hurry. It’s pure luxury.”

Rachel and Ryan (2022)

For judge Shaynna Blaze, it was all about the tiles here, as they provided a sense of space and indulgent relaxation. “They had such a stunning natural stone feel that you could have been in the hills of Gisborne,” she recalls. “The room had high windows without a country outlook, so the textural tiles brought the outside indoors. It was a game-changer for them.” 

The Block couple also scored points for their “winning layout”, comprising a luxurious bath flanked by double showers and vanity, two VELUX skylights, and a soft earthy palette. “It had such a beautiful connection to the area while being outstanding,” Blaze says.

The latest from The Block

Check out exclusive content weekly, including floor plans, expert renovation advice and property insights.

Explore the In The Know Hub