I'll be honest — I am a spa addict. I'm always on the lookout for good deals and discounts to pamper myself. And, while there's nothing better than spending hours in the steam room or at the massage chair, I have (many times!) run the risk of maxing out my credit card over this indulgence! So, instead, I've been trying to bring some of that spa style into my bathroom. And no, I don't mean by way of a full reno — there are many small (or large) ways to create a soothing oasis in your bathroom. Today I'll let you in on some of the best ideas designers have shared with me to create a serene and calming space for unwinding.
Take a look at these modern bathroom ideas equipped with the most serene, spa-like elements. Get ready to take notes.
1. Choose zellige tiles for a relaxing feel
One of the best ways to create a feeling of tranquility and calmness is with clever bathroom tile ideas. The Moroccan zellige tiles have a natural look with a distinctive glaze that adds a unique charm to the interiors.
"A simple white zellige tile always looks timeless," says interior designer, Kristina Phillips. While these tiles are available in an extensive palette of colors, experts recommend the white, beige, or brown ones to create a spa bathroom feel. Complement the room with lovely brass hardware to add a sparkle to the room.
2. Place the bathtub in the middle
Much like in many saunas, spa rooms, and hammams, the bathtub or plunge pool is usually situated in the middle of the room. And the vibe is a pure luxury bathroom one. Recreate that in your large primary bathroom, and make every visit to the washroom an experience.
"This bathtub was chosen for its modern design and functionality," explains Kristin Dittmar, principal of Kristin Dittmar Design. "I loved how this Water Works bathtub has clean lines and soft curves. The tub's placement in the room adds to the flow of space, making it a natural point to enjoy the fireplace and the TV and also emphasizes both comfort and style.”
3. Marble is a staple in spa bathrooms
The material is inherently luxe, stylish and timeless. A marble bathroom is a great way to create a spa sanctuary. Much like conventional spas, consider using a singular material across the walls, flooring, and bathroom fittings to create a tranquil, calming space.
"The walls and the floor of this bathroom have a singular Italian marble (Venatino)," says Amit Khanolkar, founder of DIG Architects. "We decided to cut this marble into stripes and randomize them to create a unique aesthetic."
4. Go for textured walls
Nothing says calm better than textured, limewash paint. If you want a lovely, eco bathroom with all the spa amenities, consider a textured paint that will give the room depth and dimension. Plus, it's pleasing to the eye.
This bathroom, designed by Safir Shamsi of Studio ROI, was inspired by a property situated outside of Marbella. The bathroom had double doors opening out to the courtyard with a freestanding tub equipped with a brass filler. "I was so inspired by this one bathroom that I had to find a way to pay homage to it. I chose an Italian imported marble with deeply accentuated veining, and went in for textured walls for a coastal villa feeling."
5. Sink your tub
Cocoon yourself in a soothing space by choosing a built-in bathtub or shower bath, set in an alcove. This project by Bungalowe shows how a small bathroom can be made to feel relaxing and comfortable with a sunken bath and colored tiles.
"This property was originally a Spanish style and our main objective as designers will always be to pay homage to the original architecture of the home — with these special tiles," share Karan and Sapna Aggarwal of Bungalowe.
6. Consider a statement sink
Agreed that a statement bathroom sink like this may not entirely be a spa bathroom necessity but it definitely adds to the vibe of a well-designed, carefully considered bathroom.
"The combination of statement materials and thoughtful design makes this space a sanctuary, with ambient light accentuating texture and color," says Gema Gutiérrez, founder of PUNTOFILIPINO. "With its vanity and oval mirror framed by a light fixture that looks like a piece of contemporary art, it speaks to our studio's attention to the full sensory experience of the design. The sink, located on a structure that mixes contrasting textures and colors, becomes an altar for the daily cleaning routine."
7. Choose a double vanity
Striking the perfect harmony between breathtaking natural materials and contemporary design details, this gorgeous bathroom epitomizes spa-like luxury. Designed by French interior design studio Humbert & Poyet, it’s a masterclass in combining different textural materials. "The cabinet is notched wood in French Blue, with Calacatta Sponda marble basins and polished brass taps," say co-founders Christophe Poyet and Emil Humbert. "The onyx wall is a statement choice, yet this natural stone maintains a sense of serenity in the bathroom."
But it’s not just the stunning use of materials that evokes a bathroom spa grandeur — the inclusion of a double bathroom vanity unit is a signature feature of the most luxurious bathrooms. "Our vision of luxury goes beyond the use of materials," say Christophe and Emil. It’s all about making the room work perfectly and fulfilling every requirement of the space. A double vanity instantly creates a feeling of luxury, not just aesthetically but functionally too. "Having two sinks and a larger vanity unit in itself is simply more practical," they say.
8. Go for mood lighting
With relaxation the name of the game, low and gentle bathroom lighting is a feature of every spa — so be sure to factor this into your design. "Lighting will always have a dramatic impact on the feeling within a space," says Hayley Robson, creative director and co-founder of Day True. "In the case of this project, we were able to create simple vertical shafts of natural light to create a pleasing visual repetition as well as provide a soft glow into the room."
As well as considering the interplay of natural light and architecture in your bathroom, apply the same logic to artificial light sources too. Avoid anything bright at eye level; instead, opt for ambient downlights beneath mirrors and cabinets.
Another key feature of this minimalist bathroom project that helps to create a serene feel is a perfectly positioned built-in seating area. "We always try to build a seat into showering areas," says Hayley. "This simple solution can transform the experience and functionality of a shower — being able to sit and relax with cascading water is a simple, but transformative pleasure."
9. Max out on storage
It's the little things that make a bathroom feel like a spa, and there is nothing relaxing about an untidy room. Spa bathroom scan be particularly susceptible to a hoarding of half-used products and grooming gadgets — all of which multiply significantly if you have a family! "Built-in storage is vital to reduce clutter," says Peter Mikic, founder of interior design studio Peter Mikic. "There are so many bits and pieces you need, but only having the essentials on show will help the space feel relaxing."
Cupboards that line the width of your wall will offer a huge amount of storage space and can be concealed to some extent behind mirrors. Beneath the basin is another great place to incorporate drawers, offering instant access to everyday products. Just be sure to design the storage in keeping with the surrounding room, prioritizing sleek and subtle finishes. "Clean lines and muted tones will contribute to the serenity of a space," advises Peter.
10. Avoid stark white
Marie Soliman, founder and creative director of Bergman Design House, knows a thing or two about creating relaxing, spa bathrooms, having designed spaces for the most luxurious hotels, and high end residences around the world. "We’ve seen a huge bathroom trend developing where people want a home bathroom that feels like an oasis of calm; a space that allows the stresses and strains of the day to drain away," says Marie.
If you do opt for a lighter bathroom color scheme, Marie advises that it’s still best to tone down the brightness. "Avoid using white," she says. "It can be harsh and feel too clinical for a relaxing bathroom. Instead, it’s better to use shaded whites and warm ivories."
And, if you love the look of natural stone and marble, but don’t have the budget for a head-to-toe look, its beauty will still shine through in smaller doses. "To save on costs, consider using a smaller quantity of natural stone and treat it more like a statement feature," says Marie. "You could include it as a surface on the vanity, or across just one section of the wall as a focal point, or even just across one item such as an organically shaped basin."
11. Use natural stone where you can
Aesthetically, replica stone and marble have improved considerably in recent years and you may be hard-pressed to tell the difference. However, for the inherent practical qualities, real natural stone is hard to beat for bathroom floor tiles or wall tiles. "100% natural stone is extremely easy to maintain as it is highly resistant to damage from water, scratches, UV rays, and stains,’" says Hege Lundhs, marketing director at Lundhs Real Stone. "It’s the ideal surface choice for bathrooms, as it’s able to withstand the wear and tear of everyday use without fear of damage, marking, or fading."
Not only is it an incredibly practical choice, but natural stone also inspires an increased sense of well-being — perfect if you’re trying to create a spa-like feeling. "Its connection to nature adds a calming touch to any interior, and helps you to embrace relaxation and serenity," says Hege. "The smooth texture and unique detailing help to create a softer, more lived-in feel for an oasis of tranquility away from everyday stresses."
12. Include underfoor heating
"If you are in the early stages of a renovation and have the budget, underfloor heating is one of those edits you're likely to make that you won't regret," says interior designer Evelyn Benatar.
This element can make a huge difference to how you experience the room, creating a warm and inviting vibe, even on those bitter-cold winter days and nights.
13. Plump up the room with luxury towels
Another big element in a spa bathroom is fluffy towels that create a hotel-style bathroom vibe. Choose beautiful varieties from well-known retailers — and if you want to go the extra mile, monogram them with your initials to create a personalized feel. Use a lovely towel storage idea to showcase these beauties in a neat, visually pleasing way.
"Towels folded neatly or organized in baskets keep everything easy at hand and well organized," says designer Lisa Staton. "Some drawer space also allows for items to tuck away that would otherwise create clutter."
14. Let wood be the star element
Most spas and saunas have a woody interior, that instantly creates a feeling of warmth and coziness. If you're remodeling a bathroom, opt for a wood bathroom for the perfect spa feeling.
Also, as part of your reno, you could try vaulting your ceilings for a dramatic yet calming look. This bathroom is serene and the wood roof helps to connect it to the outdoors.
What should you include in a spa bathroom?
Storage is a key element for creating a spa bathroom, as clutter is not conducive to relaxing! Consider built-in cabinets for a seamless look — ultimately you’re trying to give your eye an interrupted view so that you can truly unwind.
A walk-in shower is another thing that can instantly create that spa-like feel. "Focus on the tranquil element of water by incorporating a luxurious rain shower," says Marie Soliman of Bergman Design House. "Complement this indulgence with some elegant tapware, scented candles, fluffy towels, and treat yourself to an upgrade of your toiletries!"
How do you make a bathroom a sanctuary?
For a really relaxing space, you want your bathroom to feel quite distinct from the rest of your home. It should be a place of retreat, somewhere to — quite literally — close the door on the rest of the world.
Color is a great way to do this, and if the rest of your home is very light and bright, a dark and moody scheme will give a cocooning effect. Alternatively, materials will have a huge impact, and deciding to invest a little more in this space will make it feel really special.
