Design a Spa-Style Bathroom

Design a Spa-Style Bathroom

Written by Amanda Shields | Design by Amanda Shields Interiors

Perhaps you haven’t given it much thought, but we spend a lot of time in the bathroom. Beyond the usual “business,” the bathroom is a private place to get away, relax, and unwind. It’s a focus for health and wellness and a haven for self-care and indulgence. Aside from being the most used room in the home, it’s also the most intimate, making it the perfect place to customize to your life, likes, and longings. And when it comes to investment value, second only to the kitchen, bathroom renovations typically yield the best returns when they’re well equipped. When choosing features and finishes for your new bathroom, know where to splurge and where to save. Take it from a pro—not every upgrade is worth the spend!

Photography by Mike Chajecki

Whether you’re renovating for personal enjoyment or aiming to increase the value of your home, here are some spa-inspired trends to try in your bathroom this year.

Organic Influences, Everywhere

Earthy materials will continue to be front and center in the world of design and decor, further reinforcing our established connections with nature and the most basic elements all around us. Truly, the Earth has a way of soothing us when we need it most, making it a great source of inspiration for a spa-style bathroom.

Photography by Stephani Buchman

For flooring and countertops, porcelain is the go-to for a number of reasons. Love the look of realistic Italian marble, elegant quartzite, or dramatic travertine? Porcelain tiles can echo any of these with realistic finishes and movement.

From a practical perspective, porcelain slabs are thin and designed to be installed over existing surfaces, including floor tile, wall tile, or countertops. They carry the look of fine natural stone at a fraction of the weight. Consider that a standard 1¼-inch thick piece of granite weighs between 18 and 20 pounds per square foot, and a two-inch thick piece can top 30 pounds per square foot. In contrast, porcelain slabs tip the scales at 2.81 pounds or 5.8 pounds per square foot, depending on their size.

Photography by Mike Chajecki

Porcelain slabs come in huge 59-by-118-inch or 126-by63-inch sheets, which means you can create a seamless, grout-less surface, virtually anywhere. And unlike natural stone, porcelain slabs never require sealing, and they are etch-, stain-, and heat-resistant.

Color and texture further reinforce this trending organic aesthetic. Gentle, neutral tones add to a calming atmosphere, particularly when warmed up with textural elements commonly found in nature. Think natural wood grains and rough stones, coarse surfaces, matte finishes, and the like.

Plumbing fixtures follow suit, with brushed, knurled, and matte finishes shining most—or maybe more accurately, not shining quite as much as their polished counterparts. Muted finishes have become a popular hardware selection from chrome, copper, and gold to, more recently, black fixtures. These finishes offer an organic appeal and beautifully complement a suite of natural, neutral design choices.

Lighting

Your lighting decisions should be guided by the bathroom’s overall style direction—whether it’s nature, glamour, or modern luxury. The lighting you choose should underpin your desired aesthetic. There are a few things to consider when it comes to your bathroom lighting, regardless of the style. Ensure you have enough lighting to deliver function and aesthetic appeal to the space. Install dedicated lighting in each key area of use, such as the vanity, bathing and shower area, toilet, dressing area, and meditation zone. Incorporate a balanced mix of ambient lighting, task lighting, and accent lighting to enhance function and highlight focal points.

Photography by Stephani Buchman

When selecting your light fixtures, stay consistent in your materials, finishes, and styles, and ensure your choices align with one another and the broader aesthetic of the bathroom design.

Photography by Stephani Buchman

To achieve a soothing atmosphere, ensure all lighting is placed on separate switches and dimmers, allowing you to turn it on, crank it up, or tone it down as desired.

Bathing

Your bathing area is where you can really customize your space to cater to your unique preferences—aesthetic and practical. Modern bathroom designs prioritize bath and shower experiences within open, seamless layouts that don’t demand you choose one or the other. Frameless, curbless showers feature continuous floor and wall tile with streamlined rain shower heads, sprays, and stream elements that are all but hidden when not in use. Meanwhile, deep, freestanding soaker tubs are front and center, as much about pampering the body as the eye. These artful, sculptural forms are complemented by a range of colors and materials, suited to every style, encouraging longer soaks and a little more “me time” at every opportunity.

Photography by Mike Chajecki

Pro Tip: Try it before you buy it! A soaker tub should fit your entire body to ensure the ultimate level of comfort. Don’t be afraid to get in and try it on for size. Remember that each bathtub has its intricacies, and what works for one person may not work for another.

Technology

If you thought you could or should escape technology in your spa-style bathroom, think again. On the surface, the tech trend seems to fly in the face of the aforementioned organic influences and overarching goal of rest and relaxation, but in reality, these smart features elevate our comfort and wellbeing behind the scenes. Features such as heated floors, warming towel racks and toilet seats, smart mirrors, intuitive lighting, and customizable shower and bath experiences are not outwardly visible, but once you’ve experienced the comfort and convenience they bring to your fingertips every day, you’ll wonder how you ever got along without them.

Photography by Stephani Buchman

Surviving the Renovation

The goal of your spa-inspired bathroom is to rest and relax, but getting there can be a bumpy road if not done right. You have a vision for your space, and you likely have a timeline for completion in mind. Unfortunately, this is where a lot of renovation projects go sideways, which can impact your budget. A renovation has a lot of moving parts, from the concept and planning stage, to choosing and ordering materials, to arranging for product delivery and installation—not to mention keeping the various suppliers and contractors accountable. A realistic timeline is critical, and keeping track of renovation milestones is key. Any delays in your renovation can have a costly domino effect on everything that follows.

Photography by Mike Chajecki

Another question that can significantly impact your timeline and budget is whether you’re doing the work yourself or engaging a team of professionals.

Working with a professional has many advantages that pay off in the long run, including a thoughtful design, quality work, and completing jobs by deadlines. When hiring a designer or contractor, please do your due diligence to ensure they have experience with the type of work you need done. Check references and confirm the work was completed as discussed, on budget, and on time. Aside from the design itself, a professional designer’s job is to guarantee the work gets done without a hitch, from start to finish.

Photography by Mike Chajecki

Deciding to renovate your bathroom is a big step, but it’s just the first of many ahead. My best advice is to be prepared. However, when completed, your bathroom will not only be the most used room in your home, but also the most loved!