Bringing the Luxury of a Spa into Your Own Bathroom
Few things relax and soothe me quite like a day at the spa. When I’m in need of the ultimate pampering experience, I head to the Peninsula Chicago Spa — where I’m instantly transported to a world of complete and utter serenity. As much as I’d love to visit the Peninsula every day, sadly I can’t, which is why it’s so crucial to have a space at home that offers that same feeling of tranquility and escape.
When I design bathrooms for my clients, I always look back to my favorite spas for inspiration. While I can’t offer an in-home masseuse, I can provide materials, amenities, and sensory elements that mimic those at your favorite wellness retreat. Of course, I love a good facial and massage, but so much of the magic at a spa can be found beyond the treatment menu. It’s important to me that my clients feel connected to the aesthetics of a space and know that the materials, and even the linens, they’re surrounded by are of the highest quality. After all, it’s hard to feel stressed when you’re wrapped up in a fluffy robe and slippers!
Wellness and beauty products also offer so much in terms of creating a full spa experience — it’s always a treat to use new, cutting-edge serums and oils. Thankfully, so many of these elements can be replicated at home, even in a smaller bathroom. When a client tells me they want to pull out all the stops and create a true spa at home, we first begin by determining what types of experiences they’d like to build out. For a recent project in the Hamptons, we incorporated an in-home sauna and soaking tub — the perfect additions to a space made for getting away from the city. Other more prominent elements could include a cold plunge pool, steam shower, red-light sauna, and even a fireplace.
Honing in on High-End Materials
Once we’ve established the desired experiences, we turn our attention to the materials that will bring those visions to life. Materials hold the key to luxury, so you can never get too granular when it comes to choosing stone, tile, hardware, and linens. I love to incorporate natural stone, airy curtains, and high-end towels — I mean, imagine getting out of your sauna only to slip on the floor and reach for a subpar towel. The details are what take an experience from so-so to true luxury.
Even when space or budgetary constraints prevent a client from creating a full-blown home spa, there’s still plenty we can do to add tranquility. A smaller shower can be transformed into a relaxing rain shower, an over-the-tub bath tray makes your soak feel more luxurious, and a towel warmer makes getting out of the shower on chilly winter mornings much more enjoyable. And if your home looks out onto a wooded lot or private body of water, a large window can make a great addition — I’m all about bringing the outside in!
No matter the size of the bathroom, quality linens, lotions, and potions can make all the difference. Even the most beautiful sauna in the world can’t compete with poor lighting. Dim lighting encourages us to slow down and take a deep breath, so I recommend all bathrooms feature dimmable overhead lighting. You may need bright lights for your morning hair and makeup routine, but an evening bath should be experienced with low lighting and plenty of candles.
Mastering the Mood
I know overhead lighting often gets a bad reputation, but there are tons of beautiful options, including chandeliers and pendants. If a skylight is accessible to you, that’s another fantastic way to create a sense of relaxation — there’s no better feeling than natural sunlight streaming down on you as you soak in the tub. When it comes to color, I always suggest soft, muted tones to establish a tranquil environment. Avoid high-contrast pairings like black and white or bold, energizing hues. Instead, pair warm neutrals with colors inspired by nature, like seafoam green or sky blue. This creates a peaceful palette that would look right at home in a fancy spa.
Once you’ve got the lighting and color scheme dialed in, it’s time to focus on the little details that truly elevate the experience. Fluffy, luxuriously soft towels are key to achieving that spa-like atmosphere. Choose bath towels made from an absorbent material, such as cotton or bamboo, that will stand up well to repeated washing. Display extra towels in a rolled arrangement or create a neatly folded stack. For an extra special touch, invest in a towel warmer rack so you can wrap yourself in a toasty embrace every time you step out of the shower.
Reinforce the spa look with aesthetically pleasing bath products that blend seamlessly with your color scheme. If your favorite products don’t come in spa-worthy packaging, consider decanting your hand soap, shampoo, and conditioner into pretty bottles. Clear glass jars are great for holding sponges, cotton rounds, and other small items. Organize toiletries on a tray by the sink to add a luxurious feel to your vanity area.
Creating a Spa-Like Sanctuary
Cluttered countertops and jam-packed bathroom cabinets aren’t conducive to relaxation, so start by decluttering and streamlining your space. Get rid of any products that have expired or gone unused in the last year, and neatly tuck away anything you don’t use on a daily basis. Prioritize open counter space and storage for just the essentials you reach for every day.
To further enhance the serene ambiance, incorporate touches of nature like potted houseplants or fresh flowers. Choose varieties that will thrive in a humid bathroom environment, and play around with placement — try hanging a plant from the ceiling or situating one on the countertop. If live plants aren’t your forte, opt for faux botanicals or a vase of freshly cut blooms.
Certain scents can also instantly transport you to a peaceful mental space. Incorporate aromatherapy into your bathroom with calming scents like lavender, rosemary, or ylang-ylang. Essential oil diffusers and scented candles provide simple ways to set a tranquil mood, or you can hang a bundle of eucalyptus in your shower for a fresh burst of fragrance when you turn on the water.
For the finishing touch, consider adding a few luxurious flourishes that mimic the spa experience. A shower bench offers a stylish perch where you can sit back and enjoy the water spray, and an upholstered chair or settee near the tub creates a cozy spot to towel off. These little details may seem minor, but they can make all the difference in transforming your bathroom into a personal oasis of calm and relaxation.
Whether you have the budget for a full-scale renovation or are working with a smaller space, there are so many ways to infuse your bathroom with a soothing, spa-like ambiance. By focusing on high-quality materials, thoughtful design, and sensory elements, you can create a sanctuary that will have you feeling pampered and rejuvenated every time you step inside. And who knows — with a bathroom this luxurious, you may never want to leave!
Ready to start your own bathroom transformation? The team at ABC Home & Renovation in Aberdeen, UK would be happy to help. Contact us today to discuss your vision and bring your dream spa-like bathroom to life.
