Renovating or building a new home provides the perfect opportunity to create the bathroom and closet of your dreams. With thoughtful planning and design, you can incorporate features that make these spaces both beautiful and highly functional. From luxurious materials to smart storage solutions, the possibilities are endless for crafting your ideal bath and closet.
Spa-Like Bathrooms
Transforming your bathroom into a relaxing, spa-like retreat is a popular renovation goal. Here are some dream features to help you create the ultimate home spa bath.
Soaking Tub
A large, deep soaking tub provides a soothing place to unwind at the end of the day. For the ultimate experience, choose an air jetted tub with massage features and heated water. Built-in tubs in materials like stone or acrylic are attractive and easy to clean. If space allows, a freestanding soaking tub makes a dramatic statement.
Steam Shower
Steam showers provide both relaxation and therapeutic benefits. Look for a spacious, fully-enclosed steam shower with built-in seating, temperature controls, waterproof lighting, and premium showerheads for a luxurious spa experience at home.
Heated Floors
Heated floors not only feel decadent underfoot, they also prevent cold shock when stepping out of the tub or shower. Radiant floor heating throughout the bathroom along with heated towel racks help create a comfortably warm environment.
High-End Materials
Natural stone, glass, and metal finishes elevate the look and feel of the space. Marble, granite, travertine, and porcelain tiles make beautiful shower walls and bathroom floors. Use stone vessel sinks, unique faucets, and accessories in finishes like polished chrome, satin nickel, or oil-rubbed bronze.
Spa-Like Amenities
Include features like a wall-mounted towel warmer, plush robes, slippers, luxury bath products, and fluffy towels to complete the spa experience. Soft accent lighting, fresh flowers or plants, soothing music, and artwork also help set the mood.
Luxurious Closets
Well-designed closets with abundant storage make getting ready a pleasure. Consider these dream features for closets that both look beautiful and efficiently organize your wardrobe.
Spacious Walk-In Closet
A large walk-in closet provides ample room not only for clothing but also for accessories, shoes, and other items. Include space to sort laundry, store luggage, wrap gifts, and sit while getting dressed. Customize the layout and storage options to fit your needs.
High-End Finishings
The materials and finishings used in a closet make a big impact on both form and function. Opt for features like solid wood or glass cabinetry, wall paneling, custom closet systems, granite or marble countertops, crown molding, and hardwood floors for a luxurious look and feel.
Ample Hanging Space
No matter the size of your wardrobe, generous hanging space ensures clothes are stored properly. Include a double hanging rod, reach-in hanging rods, and specialty racks for pants, belts, scarves, and ties. Shallow shelves above provide room for folded sweaters, with storage drawers below.
Smart Storage Solutions
Take advantage of every inch of space with customized shelves, drawers, cubbies, and other storage solutions designed to neatly accommodate all your belongings. Features like pull-out trays, hidden compartments, and jewelry drawers keep items organized and easily accessible.
Good Lighting
Proper lighting in a closet allows you to clearly see contents and colors. Include both general ceiling fixtures and adjustable task lighting. Wall-mounted lights above the vanity and on either side of the mirror are ideal for grooming. Dimmer switches set the perfect ambience.
Mirrored Walls
Strategically placed mirrors visually expand the space and allow head-to-toe outfit viewing. Full-length mirrors near the entryway provide one last check before heading out. Vanity mirror lighting ensures perfect makeup application.
Island or Vanity
An island or built-in vanity creates a grooming station and provides additional storage. Include drawers, cabinets, open shelving, and pull-out trays for clutter-free organization. Top it with a countertop and comfortable seating for getting ready in comfort.
Smart Storage and Organization
Clutter diminishes the appeal of even the most beautiful bath or closet. Maximize functionality with features designed to neatly store and organize all your bathroom and closet essentials.
Drawers and Pull-Out Trays
Drawers and pull-out trays in a range of sizes tailored to their contents keep items neatly stowed yet easily accessible. Use them throughout the closet and bathroom for anything from makeup to haircare products, towels, toiletries, undergarments, socks, jewelry, accessories, and more.
Hidden Storage
Take advantage of wasted space with hidden storage options. In the bathroom, use a recessed cabinet behind the mirror, wainscoting with shelves behind, or toilet tank storage. In the closet, install storage cubbies above shelves and cabinets or use an area behind hanging clothes.
Adjustable Shelving and Racks
Customizable systems with adjustable shelves, racks, and cubbies adapt to changing storage needs. Opt for closet organization systems where shelves, rods, and drawers can be repositioned as needed. Glass shelving illuminates contents while acrylic organization trays corral smaller items.
Specialty Storage
Solve storage challenges with specialty solutions designed for particular items. Use narrow pull-out towers for belts and scarves. Install jewelry drawers, trays, and hanging racks to organize accessories. Keep shoes tidy on shelves or racks. Magnetized spice racks and tilted mirrored trays neatly store fragrances.
Charging Station
A conveniently located charging station eliminates clutter from personal electronics. Install integrated USB ports in cabinets or drawers to charge devices out of sight. Opt for individual charging docks or strips mounted under cabinets or on the closet island.
Baskets and Bins
Use an assortment of baskets and bins to neatly corral everything from makeup to bath towels. Complementing styles create a coordinated look. Labels make identifying contents quick and easy.
High-Tech Conveniences
Today’s bathrooms and closets integrate technology for added convenience, efficiency, and luxury. These high-tech features take them to the next level.
Voice Control
Control lighting, music, and other features right from your closet or bathroom using integrated voice control. Use voice commands to turn lights on and off, adjust temperature, play music, get news, and more, all hands-free.
Wireless Connectivity
Built-in wireless and Bluetooth technology makes it easy to sync electronic devices and access features. Play music from your phone on integrated bathroom or closet speakers. Control lighting, mirrors, and more with the touch of a button on a wall panel or remote app.
Touch-Free Fixtures
Touchless faucets, soap dispensers, toilets, and other fixtures prevent the spread of germs in the bath. Wave your hand near the sensor and water flows or soap dispenses automatically. Look for models with programmable settings.
Digital Showers
Digital showers allow you to set and maintain your preferred temperature and pressure with the touch of a button. Customize spray settings and intensity to suit your mood. Digital screens let you know temperatures and flow rate.
Smart Mirrors
Smart mirrors take multi-tasking to the next level, allowing you to check your look, catch up on news, weather, and schedules, listen to music, and more. Choose from models with built-in touchscreens, voice assistants, WiFi connectivity, video calling, and light-up vanities.
Cabinet LED Lighting
Cabinet lighting with integrated LED strips illuminates interiors and contents, so items are clearly visible. Under cabinet lighting also provides ideal task lighting for grooming. Choose models with auto on/off, dimming, and motion-sensing capabilities.
Tranquil Design Elements
Integrating certain design elements into the bath or closet creates a calm, peaceful ambiance, making these spaces even more inviting.
Spa Colors
Cool, tranquil colors like pale blue, seafoam, light gray, and neutral tones have soothing, spa-like qualities. Mosaic glass, stone, and ceramic wall and floor tiles in these hues enhance the vibe. Paint vanities, cabinets, and trim in relaxing shades.
Natural Light
Maximize natural light through ample windows, skylights, and sunlight tubes. The warmth and glow make spaces feel open and airy. Strategically placed mirrors also help reflect and distribute natural light.
Plants
Houseplants infuse spaces with life and greenery. Opt for hard-to-kill varieties like pothos, philodendron, bamboo, and orchids. Install shelving in windows or integrate wall planters to display plants.
Soft Textures
Surround yourself with soft, tactile surfaces for a pleasing sensory experience. Use materials like velvet, linen, cotton, wool, silk, terry cloth, chenille, and cashmere in rugs, towels, robes, and upholstered seating.
Soothing Scents
Pleasant aromas promote relaxation. Display fresh flowers or potpourri. Use calming essential oils in bath products. Light candles or diffusers with relaxing scents like lavender, eucalyptus, lemon, and mint.
Spa Sounds
Curate a peaceful soundtrack in your bathroom and closet. Play soft, soothing music or sounds of nature like running water, rainfall, or chimes. Or create a relaxing silence and tranquility.
Eco-Friendly Features
An eco-friendly bath and closet conserve water and energy while reducing waste and pollution. Greener features benefit both the environment and your utility bills.
Water-Saving Plumbing
Install low-flow showerheads, faucets, and toilets to significantly reduce water usage. Look for EPA WaterSense-certified models. Touchless faucets also use less water than manual ones.
Energy-Efficient Lighting
Use Energy Star-rated fixtures and bulbs, like LEDs or CFLs, which require far less energy. Put lighting on sensors, timers, or dimmer switches. Install skylights and windows to utilize free, natural light.
Renewable Flooring
Choose floors made from renewable and recycled materials, like bamboo, cork, concrete, rubber, and wood composite tile made from sawdust and recaptured wood. Look for tiles with recycled glass or porcelain.
Eco-Friendly Materials
Opt for sustainable elements like FSC-certified wood, emissions-free paint, low- or no-VOC adhesives and finishes, organic textiles, recycled glass and metals, and composite stone surfaces.
Non-Toxic Products
Reduce indoor pollution by selecting non-toxic bath and cleaning products free of harsh chemicals. Look for vegetable-based soaps, all-natural cleaners, and essential oil-based fragrances.
Water Filtration
Installing a whole-house water filtration system or sink filtration unit improves water purity and quality while reducing plastic waste and pollution from plastic bottled water.
Accessible Features
Including universal design elements creates bath and closet spaces usable by people of all mobility levels. These features provide both safety and convenience.
Barrier-Free Shower
A spacious, curbless shower with a zero-entry threshold and wide opening accommodates users of all abilities. Place adjustable shower heads, controls, and grab bars within easy reach. Opt for fold-down or built-in seating.
Comfort-Height Toilet
Higher toilets make sitting and standing easier for those with mobility challenges. Look for comfort height models between 17-19 inches high and ADA-compliant grab bars. Adjustable seats and bidets also increase accessibility.
Easy-Access Vanities
Vanities should be mounted at comfortable heights for various users with ample knee clearance below. Open underneath storage, pull-out drawers, and side-opening cabinets optimize access.
Motion Sensor Faucets
Touchless, motion-sensing faucets allow easy activation with the wave of a hand. These hygienic, hands-free models are ideal for those who have difficulty grasping and twisting.
Adjustable Shelving and Rods
Closets with adjustable shelves and hanging rods can be modified to best suit the height and needs of all users, allowing easy reach. Circular closet layouts with a central island also improve accessibility.
Adequate Lighting
Include ample overhead lighting plus task lighting at vanities and mirrors to aid visibility. Contrast lighting on stairs and between flooring also helps with depth perception and reduces falls.
Lever Handles
Install ADA-compliant lever-style handles on doors and drawers, which require less dexterity and strength than knobs to operate. Levers can be easily opened by arms and elbows if needed.
Safety and Security
Integrating safety-focused design features into your bath and closet gives peace of mind and protects your comfort and privacy.
Slip-Resistant Surfaces
Minimize slips and falls with slip-resistant flooring like textured tile, vinyl, and rubber. Use non-slip mats inside showers and tubs. Apply decals or strips to slippery areas. Install grab bars near seated areas.
Touch-Free Lighting
Sensor-activated overhead lighting turns on automatically when motion is detected for safer navigation at night. Place motion-sensing nightlights in closets and bathrooms.
GFCI Outlets
Install ground-fault circuit interrupter (GFCI) outlets in bathrooms to prevent electrocution if electricity contacts water. Look for water-resistant, tamper-resistant models at vanities.
Audible Alarms
Install smoke detectors and carbon monoxide monitors that trigger loud audible alarms for added warning in an emergency. Units with flashing strobe lights also alert those with hearing difficulties.
Security and Privacy
Ensure peace of mind through features like interior door locks, window alarms, a home security system, and blackout window treatments. Smart locks allow keyless, code-based entry.
Back-Up Power
A home generator or battery back-up system keeps essentials like lighting and medical devices operational during power outages. Surge protectors help safeguard sensitive electronics from spikes.
Non-Skid Flooring
Minimize slippery falls with tile, vinyl, and rubber flooring featuring slip-resistant textures. Use non-skid mats or decals in showers and tubs. Apply slip-resistant coatings to existing tiles.
Easy Maintenance and Cleaning
Bathrooms and closets experience heavy use and require frequent cleaning. Choosing durable, easy-care materials reduces maintenance demands.
Water-Resistant Materials
Moisture-resistant finishes, like porcelain tile floors and walls, granite counters, and vinyl wallpaper, withstand wear and facilitate cleaning in baths. Stainless steel, stone, and glass also repel water.
Mold-Resistant Drywall and Paint
Mold-resistant drywall and primer like Those with Greenguard certification inhibit mold growth by resisting moisture. Use 100% acrylic latex bathroom paint for added protection.
Dust-Resistant Finishes
Since baths and closets are prone to mildew, opt for surfaces like porcelain, glass, and high-gloss or oil rubbed hardware finishes that deter dust build-up and wipe clean easily.
Storage Furniture
Store items in enclosed cabinets and drawers rather than open shelving to reduce dusting. Baskets and bins inside cabinets neatly corral items. Use washable fabric storage cubes.
Steam Cleaning
Steam cleaners sanitize surfaces by penetrating and dissolving soap scum, dirt, and stains. They allow chemical-free cleaning of tile, grout, floors, mirrors, chrome, and other water-safe finishes.
Air Purifiers
Air purifiers reduce odor-causing bacteria and continuously cleanse the air. Look for HEPA and activated charcoal models made specifically for humid bathrooms. Install vent fans to actively circulate air.
Quality Craftsmanship
Expert installation and construction are key to creating bathrooms and closets that stand the test of time. Focus on these hallmarks of quality craftsmanship.
Professional Design
Hire a professional bathroom and closet designer to optimally plan layouts and integrate top-quality fixtures and finishes into a cohesive space that meets your needs and style.
Meticulous Installation
Choose installers with expertise in bath and closet construction to ensure plumbing, wiring, cabinetry, and finishes are properly measured, leveled, aligned, secured, sealed, and connected.
Custom Cabinetry
Invest in custom-designed cabinetry sized and fitted to make the most of the space. Solid wood construction assembled with quality joinery ensures durability. Full-extension drawers provide easy access.
High-Grade Materials
Carefully vet all materials and finishes to ensure they are high-grade, durable, and appropriate for their intended use. Water-resistant drywall, mold-resistant paint, and hardy surfaces stand the tests of time and use.
Precision Craftsmanship
Examine finishes for hallmarks of quality like smooth, consistent textures and colors, tight seams, and precision cuts and drilling with no gaps or uneven edges. Finishing touches should have perfect symmetry.
Structural Reinforcements
Look for sturdy structural reinforcements like backing added to walls and cabinets to properly anchor and support mounted sinks, shelves, hardware, and other fixtures and finishes.
Frequently Asked Questions About Dream Bath and Closet Features
What are some popular dream features for master bathrooms?
Some of the most popular luxury features for master bathrooms include spacious walk-in showers, air jetted soaking tubs, heated floors, steam showers, waterproof TVs, marble finishes, and high-tech conveniences like digital showers and smart toilets.
What design elements make a closet feel luxurious?
Design elements that create a luxurious closet include spacious walk-in floorplans, natural light, custom built-ins and cabinetry, island dressing tables, quality materials like marble and hardwood, automated lighting, and specialty organization systems and hardware.
