1Set the Mood
Photography by Julie Soefer; design by Chandos Dodson Epley. One of the first steps in the design of any room is figuring out the room's function and feel. Houston-based designer Chandos Dodson Epley calls this "setting a mood," rather than a theme or color story, as even the most vivacious shades can feel rejuvenating when paired with the right furnishings and fixtures. Think about the key features you adore while attending the spa and how you could emulate them within your own home. Once you've got a list in mind, you can begin working with a designer to figure out what is feasible in your space.
2Invest in High-Quality Materials
Nicole Franzen Not every bathroom needs a complete gut renovation to reach a tranquil status. Sometimes, it comes down to simply swapping out tub fixtures that have lost their luster or replacing dated flooring tiles. Investing in high-quality materials such as cutting-edge stone countertops for the vanity or a wood soaking tub can immediately elevate the room into feeling like it's a new space.
Crisp white marble has ruled as the go-to bathroom material for years. However, designers are starting to reach for bolder flooring and natural stones with wooden accents as a way to connect the space with nature. Playing with natural materials and richer finishes in the bathroom helps give it a sense of timelessness and warmth.
3Think Tonally
Nickolas Sargent (Sargent Photography) San Fransico-based designer Heather Hilliard often encourages clients to leave the bright colors and crazy patterns for the powder room as those tend to feel "activating rather than calming." Instead, the decorator recommends sticking to a tonal color palette of neutrals, blues, and greens. The key is to play with different hues within a color family to add enough interest, so people want to linger and relax within the bathroom. Subtle floral patterns can also help usher in the restorative power of nature without feeling too overwhelming or distracting.
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4Incorporate Some High-Tech Additions
Getty Images When it comes to upgrading the hardware and appliances, don't be afraid to incorporate smart home technology into your bathroom. "Details like medicine cabinets with refrigeration for eye cream, bathtubs that keep a constant temperature, and a fog-free shaving mirror in the shower [turn] any bathroom into a spa experience," explains Epley. "It’s not just a rain shower head and steam unit anymore—you can have it all."
Hilliard adds that water-resistant speakers are another nice touch, since they can easily help set the mood with serene sounds or music. Many brands even have options in neutral or muted shades to easily blend in with your peaceful space.
5Purchase Splurge-Worthy Linens
Alison Gootee Upgrading your bath linens may not be the first thing that comes to mind, but it should be. Plus, a curated set of linens can serve as an unexpected decorating tool, adding a textural yet cozy layer to the bath. Both Epley and Hilliard agree Matouk makes some of the best robes and towels. For linens that can be personalized, our editors adore Leontine Linens and Peacock Alley.
6Hang Some Airy Curtains
Annie Schlechter Floor-to-ceiling curtains in a Larsen fabric add an air of spa-like elegance as part of the white and bright color scheme in this marble-clad space. The wall-height windows light up the space designed by Carolyn Malone with natural light, while a statement-making Artemide chandelier fills with luminescence by night.
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7Incorporate a Showstopping Shower
ROGER DAVIES The floor-to-ceiling glass walls of this shower make its connection to the tones in the rest of the room seamless. Plus, you can step straight outdoors from it, thanks to a clever design by Christina Rottman. The shower fittings are by Hansgrohe and the tiles by Ann Sacks.
8Bring the Outdoors In
Lisa Romerein Talk about dreamy! You’ll feel like you are bathing (or showering) in a garden thanks to lush greenery around the tub, plenty potted plants, and a glass wall and ceiling that almost disappear as they open up the Edenic scenery outside them. Steve Giannetti designed this space.
9Add an Archway Accent
MAX KIM-BEE An archway in the wall emphasizes that the bath, with fittings by LeFroy Brooks, is the centerpiece of this room. A vaulted ceiling and a statement-making chandelier further accent this soaking tub. Fresh flowers also add to the spa-like feel of the space designed by Colette Van Den Thillart.
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10Install a Luxurious Rain Shower Head
BJORN WALLANDER With a large rain shower head like this one, water will fall like rain on your head for a gentler, more spa-like shower experience. Here, the shower head only enhances the natural feel of this earthy space and makes you want to hop in and warm up after spending time outside on a winter day. The bathroom was designed by Daniel Romualdez, and the tub and shower fittings are by Kohler.
11Add an Elegant Fireplace
Gordon Beall Who said you can’t make your bathroom feel more like an elegant living room replete with a fireplace, taper candles, and a gilt mirror behind the antique claw-foot tub? Don’t forget plenty of fresh greenery for the full spa bathroom experience, as you can see in this space designed by Darryl Carter.
12Consider an Elevated Tub Filler
Maureen M. Evans A custom chandelier fitted with a Kohler tub filler feeds a copper bath from overhead—talk about taking things up a notch in this Jeffry Weisman bathroom design!
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13Work in Terra Cotta Textures
Michael Paul Not all spas are white and bright—achieve the rough but refined look of this Belgian design by Joris Van Apers with reclaimed terra cotta tiles as well as a spare, modern tub.
14Soften the Space with a Serene Rug
Amy Neunsinger 15Hang Ethereal Artwork
BRIAN WOODCOCK A handsome landscape painting accents oak paneling above a deep soaking tub (Waterworks) and a more classic square tile in this bathroom designed by Melanie Pounds.
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16Up Storage with Showcasing Shelves
Annie Schlechter Display a collection of your choosing, like this colorful pottery by Paul McDonald (and towels too), on built-in shelving. This airy guest bathroom designed by Philip Mitchell shows that function and beauty can certainly coexist. Plus, we think every guest deserves to soak in a claw-foot tub in an arched nook.
17Decorate with Cohesive Canisters
J. SAVAGE GIBSON 18Bring the Outdoors In
WILLIAM ABRANOWICZ There’s no need for artwork when a full-wall window frames a wooded view. Stepping down into this tub will make you forget any worries that lie beyond this serene spot designed by Campion Platt. Talk about a truly special spa-like bathroom design!
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19Perch a Tray on Your Tub
Robert Passal Set a clear acrylic tray (like this one) over your tub for easy access to your loofah, book, and fresh florals. This spa-like space designed by Robert Passal features handcrafted, pearl-like lighting by Canadian designer Larose Guyon.
20Don't Forget the Spa-Like Bath Salts
FRANCESCO LAGNESE No spa is complete without its treatments, so splurge on bath salts and set them on a stool where you can reach them from the tub. This rusted tub features bath fittings by Van Dyke’s and sits under a photograph by Bert Teunissen. The space was designed by Shawn Henderson.
Sarah DiMarco (she/her) is the associate editor at VERANDA, covering all things design, architecture, art, gardens, jewelry, travel, wine and spirits. She also manages social media for the brand.
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