Ahhhh…a spa day. What could be more relaxing than that? How about having one every single day?! Imagine stepping into your bathroom and instantly feeling a wave of relaxation wash over you. While spa-inspired bathrooms aren’t a new trend, ever since the pandemic, we’ve seen an increase of people longing to create personal oasis within their homes - a place to relax, unwind and escape the daily stresses of life.

In this blog, we'll explore how you can create a high-end spa vibe right in your home and transform your bathroom into something FAR more than a place for daily routines. From soothing color palettes to embracing organic materials, we'll share with you the essential elements needed to create an in-home sanctuary that enhances your mental health, physical health and your overall well-being.

Happy reading!

Choose a calming color palette

There have been a lot of studies on how colors affect our moods which is why the foundation of a spa-like bathroom all begins with the right color palette. We love blues and greens for creating a soothing atmosphere while neutral tones such as whites, beiges and soft grays provide a light, bright and airy feel.

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In project Luxe Canyon Living, we went for a tonal look, meaning that most of the design elements fall into the same color family. To make sure a tonal space doesn’t fall flat, incorporate a healthy mix of patterns and textures. While the three tiles in this space are all in the same white/gray tone, we used a natural stone mosaic for the floor, large scale porcelain tile for the shower walls, then finished the space with a fun herringbone accent wall behind the bathtub. This beautiful tonal medley created a calming and curated vibe.

Make the Tub the Star of the Show

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It doesn’t get much more relaxing than a soaking tub. If space allows, designate a specific area to showcase your tub and try to create a special moment! Even in a smaller bathroom, accenting the tub area will create a stunning focal point while enhancing the overall spa aesthetic. This could be achieved by creating an accent tile around your tub, using a statement wall tile or wallpaper, placing the tub front and center (or in an alcove), or hanging a statement light fixture above it! Scroll through to see some fun statement tub ideas!

STYLISH STATEMENT IDEAS

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Also, the type of bathtub you choose is important. Make sure to do your research to ensure you select the perfect tub for your space. Here are a few things to consider:

Style: Clawfoot, freestanding, alcove, jetted, oh-my! There are a lot of options out there so spend time gathering inspiration photos of what type would work best for your space and lifestyle.
Plumbing/Location: Measure the available space in your bathroom to determine the maximum dimensions for your bathtub. Ensure there’s enough room for installation and comfortable access. Also think about if moving plumbing will be necessary. If you’re reworking the layout, it might be inevitable but if you want to simply replace, make sure the plumbing lines up!

Embrace Natural Materials

If you’ve ever been to a spa, then you know that channeling the beauty of nature is key to creating a relaxing atmosphere. This means using natural materials in your design, as seen in this dreamy primary bathroom from project So Fresh & So Clean. We let nature inspire us for this space - used warm toned wood cabinetry and a beautiful pebble tile floor that exudes a luxurious, yet earthy vibe.

SPA BATHROOM ACCESSORIES

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Pro tip: Don’t skimp on the little details! Spa-like accessories like a marble soap dish, a splash of greenery, or a luxurious bath pillow can add to the overall ambiance. We especially love a bath caddy for enjoying a glass of wine or watching a show while soaking off the day. These thoughtful touches will elevate your bathroom experience and make it feel like a high-end spa destination!

Take a Minimal Approach

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Going to the spa is about quieting your mind and escaping the distractions of the outside world. So, when it comes to your design, try to avoid bold patterned materials and clutter. Visual distractions make it hard to unwind! Scandinavian or Japandi style bathrooms are great references for this minimal approach. In this bathroom from project Textured Retreat, we kept styling simple and implemented a curbless shower which not only made the space feel larger, but added to the minimal, spa-like essence. We selected a 3D wall tile that features a comforting, water-like pattern to help channel a soothing energy.

MINIMALIST VIBES & STORAGE SOLUTIONS

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CREATE A NOTABLE ENTRYWAY

This is one of our favorite tips! After transforming your bathroom into a gorgeous retreat, consider making an equally notable entryway. A custom door, or even a pretty prefab option will do the trick. Throw on some stunning hardware (or upgrade your builder grade doorknob) and BAM - you’ll instantly elevate the entire experience!

This bathroom from project California Cool features custom, channel wood doors painted in our most asked about paint color, Oyster Bay by Sherwin Williams.

A-DOOR-ABLE INSPIRATION

Thanks for reading!

We hope you found lots of helpful information and inspiration to create a relaxing, spa bathroom getaway in your home. As always, if you have any questions or need help with a specific space, just reach out!

More design help please!

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Secrets to Creating a Spa Bathroom Aesthetic