Transforming your bathroom into a relaxing spa retreat is an increasingly popular home renovation goal. With well-thought-out design elements and layout changes, even a small bathroom can provide a soothing, spa-like atmosphere. This week’s featured bathroom remodel demonstrates how opening up the space and incorporating high-end finishes can create a stunning, hotel-worthy oasis right at home.
Introduction: The Benefits of a Spa-Like Bathroom
Having a spa-like bathroom provides a number of appealing benefits:
- Relaxation – With warm lighting, tranquil colors, and luxurious materials, a spa bathroom provides a welcoming place to unwind and de-stress. The ambiance helps create a calm, peaceful environment.
- Revitalization – Features like a large soaking tub, multi-head shower, and plenty of storage for bath essentials allow for rejuvenating soaks and long, relaxing shower sessions.
- Indulgence – Luxurious touches like heated floors, towel warmers, and high-end fixtures lend a sense of pampering and indulgence. It feels like an escape right at home.
- Value – A spa-like master bathroom can also increase a home’s value for resale, as luxury bathrooms are highly desirable.
This stunning bathroom remodel takes a formerly closed-off, cramped space and transforms it into a soothing, spa-like retreat with an open, airy layout and high-end details. It exemplifies gorgeous, functional design.
Before: A Closed-Off, Cramped Bathroom
The homeowners’ master bathroom was stuck in the past – it was very closed-off with a separate tub area and lacked storage and functionality. The outdated lighting and finishes also gave it a very dingy, cramped feeling.
Some of the issues with the previous layout included:
- A closed-off tub area that made the space feel small and disjointed
- Very little natural light, as the only window was in the tub area
- Poor lighting overall, with old fluorescent fixtures that cast a harsh, clinical glow
- Dated materials like worn linoleum floors and a cramped vanity/sink area
- Virtually no storage space aside from the medicine cabinet above the sink
- An awkward layout with wasted space and poor traffic flow
Clearly, a complete redesign was needed to open up the space, allow more light in, improve storage, and give the whole room a modern, spa-like vibe. The homeowners were seeking a soothing, elegant bathroom that felt like a high-end retreat.
The New Layout: An Open, Spa-Like Design
To turn this cramped, closed-off bathroom into a relaxing spa retreat the homeowners hired an interior designer, who came up with a brilliant new open concept layout. Here are some of the major layout changes:
- Removed separate tub area – This instantly opened up the space and made it feel more expansive and airy. Removing the wall between the tub and sink area was a game-changer.
- Added window over tub – Putting in a large window over the soaking tub brings in plenty of natural light. Combined with the open layout, the bathroom feels bright and sunny.
- Relocated door – The door was shifted to open into the space, rather than opening into the sink area. This subtle change really improves the layout and traffic flow.
- Expanded the shower – Removing the wall allowed for a much larger and more luxurious multi-head shower, replacing the old single showerhead unit.
- Double vanity – Adding a double vanity provides functionality for two users, as well as expansive counter space for storage and bath accessories.
- Better lighting – New, soft pendant lights and accent lighting sets a spa vibe.
These layout changes, combined with the gorgeous design details and finishes, completely transformed the once-cramped bathroom into a soothing, spa-inspired oasis.
Design Details: High-End Materials Create a Spa Aesthetic
In addition to the layout, the materials and finishes chosen contribute enormously to the spa-like feel of this bathroom remodel. The designer opted for luxurious, high-end touches throughout:
Gorgeous Tilework
- Heated natural stone floor tile – The heated floors keep feet cozy on chilly mornings. The neutral stone tiles complement the space beautifully.
- Accent tile in the shower – Bold, horizontal tiles on the shower walls add visual interest.
- Mosaic tile backsplash – Tiny shimmering tiles make a big impact behind the tub and vanities.
- Tile wainscoting – Adds a touch of classic elegance and protects walls from moisture.
Plush Fabrics
- Window treatments – Silky drapes in a warm sand hue filter light softly.
- Cozy rug – Plush bath mats continue the spa vibe underfoot.
Luxury Bathtub
- Oversized soaking tub – The huge tub provides ample room to soak in the spa experience.
- High-end fixtures – Sleek tub fixtures in polished chrome finish the look.
Custom Cabinetry
- Double vanity with storage – Provides plenty of space for two users as well as bath necessities.
- Soft-close drawers and doors – Give the vanity a smooth, quality feel.
- Mirrored medicine cabinets – Reflective cabinets keep the room feeling open and bright.
- Floating cabinetry – Wall-mounted cabinets contribute to the room’s minimal, modern aesthetic.
Spa-Like Shower
- Multi-head rainfall showerhead – Provides a luxurious, drenching shower experience.
- Grab bars – Useful for stability and safety while showering.
- Bench seating – Allows for relaxing seated showers.
- Sunken design – The walk-in shower being set into the floor makes it feel like a mini-retreat unto itself.
High-End Hardware & Fittings
- Sensor-activated toilet – High-tech luxury adds convenience.
- Touch-activated faucets – No handles required; water turns on automatically at the wave of a hand.
- Heated floors – Toasty floors are a decadent treat for feet on cool mornings.
- Gently curved rods – Elegant details like softly arched shower rods further enhance the spa motif.
Layout Pros: Improved Functionality
Beyond just looking like a spa, this new bathroom layout has greatly improved functionality in a number of ways:
- Openness – Removing walls opened up the whole space visually and physically. The area feels larger, brighter, and more inviting.
- Better traffic flow – The door location and clear pathways between key areas allow for smooth circulation.
- Multi-user friendly – Double vanity and shower amenities accommodate two people.
- Expansive storage – Plentiful cabinetry and drawer space means all bath essentials can be tucked out of sight.
- Smart shower design – With bench seating, grab bars, and a zero-entry design, the shower is safe and accessible.
- Defined zones – Though open, distinct areas for showering, soaking, vanities, give the space a sensible layout.
- High-end details – Luxurious materials like stone floors and soft-close drawers add functionality in upscale ways.
Overall, the layout improvements help the bathroom better serve its purpose as a welcoming, soothing, spa-like space for owners to enjoy. Form and function are beautifully merged.
Tips for Creating Your Own Spa Bathroom
If you’re looking to add spa-like style to your own bathroom, there are several layout and design tips to keep in mind:
- Open up the space – Remove walls and doors to create a more open, fluid layout if possible. This visually expands the room.
- Let light in – Add windows and skylights to allow plenty of natural light to make the space feel bright and airy.
- Define zones – Keep key areas like tub, shower, vanities separate yet connected through open design.
- Select soaking tub – Install a roomy tub made for leisurely soaks, and surround it with calming details.
- Add luxury materials – Use high-end tiles, counters, cabinets, and hardware for an upscale feel.
- Include storage – Well-designed cabinets, shelving, and drawers keep essentials tidy but accessible.
- Choose spa colors – Stick with muted, peaceful hues like pale greens, warm sand, and soft blues.
- Mind the details – It’s the small touches like soft towels, candles, and greenery that complete the spa vibe.
FAQs About Creating a Spa Bathroom
What is the most important factor in designing a spa bathroom?
The layout and space planning are the most critical factors. Removing walls to open up the space, allowing natural light, and creating clear zones for each function help form the foundation for a spa-like feel. Finishes and materials further enhance the aesthetic.
What layout considerations should be made for two users?
A double vanity provides each user their own sink space for storage and counter area. Two medicine cabinets keep toiletries separate. A roomy shower with dual showerheads and grab bars accommodates two users.
How much natural light should a spa bathroom have?
Aim for abundant natural light. Skylights and sizable windows help make the space feel sun-filled and airy. Place windows strategically near key areas like the tub and shower while maintaining privacy.
What colors work well in spa bathrooms?
Soothing, spa-appropriate colors include pale greens, warm sand, soft blues, and muted grays. Avoid harsh, cold colors. Instead opt for tranquil hues reminiscent of nature that promote relaxation.
What flooring works best in wet spa bathrooms?
Heated stone or porcelain tile floors suit spa bathrooms well for both form and function. The right tiles are elegant, sturdy, easy to clean, and cozy underfoot. Mosaic tiles make attractive shower surround accents.
What unexpected details add spa flair?
It’s the little pampering touches that complete the high-end spa experience – plush towels, aromatherapy candles, fresh flowers, accent lighting, privacy window film, heated floors, speakers to play relaxing music.
Conclusion: A Soothing Spa Sanctuary
This bathroom remodel exemplifies a stunning spa-inspired space. The homeowners now have a soothing sanctuary to escape to, right in their own home. Whether enjoying a relaxing bubble bath by candlelight, treating oneself to a spa shower before bed, or leisurely getting ready to start the day with plush towels and abundant space – this new layout provides a little slice of luxury living.
With an airy open concept, high-end materials, abundant natural light, and plenty of rejuvenating amenities, this bathroom oasis evokes the tranquility of an upscale spa. The strategic layout changes and attention to detail in the finishes allow homeowners and guests alike to unwind and be pampered. Just a quick retreat into this space provides a sense of peace and renewal – no weekend getaway required.
Though once cramped and disjointed, the space has been utterly transformed into a spa-inspired sanctuary. This gorgeous, functional bathroom remodel can serve as inspiration for anyone looking to turn their own bathroom into a private retreat that promotes relaxation and renewal. With a soothing, welcoming atmosphere and plenty of amenities for enjoying spa-like luxuries at home, this bathroom is truly a successful spa retreat.
