For many of us, prioritizing our health and well-being is more than a trend. It’s a way of life. It’s no surprise that more homeowners today are incorporating wellness and self-care elements in their home remodels. Spa-like bathrooms with therapeutic amenities are among today’s popular health-inspired home design elements.
Whether you’re going with a professional or tackling your home remodeling project on your own, a spa-inspired bathroom upgrade can create a relaxing, Zen experience in the comfort of your home.
The benefits of a luxury bathroom remodel
Just as a functional, professional-grade kitchen makes it easier for home chefs to create delectable dishes, a luxe, spa-like bathroom can provide a calm, relaxing space to help you lower stress and rejuvenate after a long day. It used to be that enjoying the luxury of a 5-star hotel bathroom was out of reach. But a well-designed bathroom renovation can create that same pampered resort feeling but in your private home retreat.
Beyond the luxurious feeling and vibe that a spa bathroom remodel creates, an updated bathroom also adds value to your home. The National Association of REALTORS® Research Group reports the potential for as much as a 71% ROI on bathroom remodels.
Designing a spa-like bathroom
Transforming your bathroom into a spa-inspired retreat doesn’t mean your space needs to be enormous with an exorbitant renovation budget. It’s all about creating a relaxing ambiance that exudes purity and cleanliness. Start by focusing on the serenity of a spa and how you want to feel in your new bathroom. Then, let that dictate your design and material selections.
Lean toward a clean, uncluttered space—think smart storage options to keep everyday items close at hand but out of sight. Plus, soothing, nature-inspired colors and textures, organic materials like glass, wood and stone, with layers of lighting for everyday function and to set a calm, relaxed mood.
Creating a hotel-like bathroom experience
To enjoy the luxuries of a hotel spa at home, start by designing a functional and comfortable bathroom layout. For example, do you want a free-standing tub, a walk-in shower, or a wet room that includes both? Will you have a linen closet? A separate toilet room? Deciding on these major bathroom elements first will make the rest of the design and planning process more efficient.
After your bathroom layout is complete, move on to selections: To achieve a spa aesthetic, choose materials, fixtures, and accents that evoke the organic feeling of a peaceful retreat, but that also suit your personal style. Here are some materials and amenities to consider for your spa bathroom remodel:
- High-quality natural or organic materials
- Natural stone. Marble, granite and quartzite are popular choices for spa bathrooms because they offer natural color variations that add depth and texture to a space. When sealed and maintained, natural stone is also inherently resistant to bacteria.
- Quartz. Durable, antimicrobial and maintenance-free, quartz surfaces also resist scratches, stains, heat and mold, making them ideal for bathrooms where moisture is present.
- Tile. Porcelain and ceramic tile are ideal for use in spa bathrooms. Porcelain tile is hygienic and healthy—no toxic organic substances such as volatile organic compounds (VOCs), formaldehyde, PVC or other petroleum derivatives. Here’s a link to one of our blogs about how to choose your shower tile: Choosing Your Shower Tile – Sizes, Materials, Patterns and Grout.
- Wood. Natural wood has an earthy feel, which makes it perfect for a spa bathroom installation—use it for cabinets, open shelving, benches, accent pieces and more. You may want to avoid wood on floors and other places where a lot of moisture or water could be present as wood can warp and get discolored from water damage.
- High-end fixtures
- Sinks. Various sink options can create a high-end hotel bathroom look, from vessels and under mount profiles to stainless steel and concrete. Choose an option that fits your budget and flows with your design style.
- Faucets and hardware. A seamless, cohesive look aligns with the spa aesthetic. Select faucets and hardware in matching finishes or use two finishes that work well together without competing.
- Comfort amenities
- Heated floors. In climates like ours in Northeast Ohio, stepping out of the tub or shower onto warm floors is the ultimate luxury.
- Towel warmers. Mounted on the wall or freestanding, towel warmers are an affordable way to upgrade your bathroom to spa status.
- Showerheads. To personalize your shower experience based on your needs and preferences, choose from showerheads with massaging spray patterns, a handheld component, a rain showerhead that sprays water from directly above or a combination.
- Tubs. From soaking and whirlpool features to built-in or free-standing, tubs are on-trend in spa bathroom design. Choose the style that fits in your space and falls within budget.
- Showers. Whether you have the space for a small stall shower or a grand, oversized shower room, you can still follow the trends in spa-inspired showers: natural stone tile, zero-edge entry and duo showerheads.
- Bidets. As a wellness feature, WebMD reports that “Bidets are more hygienic than toilet paper, can potentially limit germ spread, and could lower the risk of hemorrhoids.”
- Entertainment systems. Add Bluetooth-enabled sound and video systems to create the ultimate luxury in-home spa experience.
- Wellness amenities
- Enhanced steam showers. Creating an almost tropical, humid environment by generating hot, soothing steam, these showers are relaxing and eco-friendly—they use much less water than a traditional shower. Installing a steam shower in your home creates a great place to relax and unwind. Read more about how to transform your bathroom with a steam shower.
- Circadian lighting. This popular technology feature ties into smart home systems and automates brightness and color temperature to fit morning and bedtime schedules.
- Infrared saunas. Unlike traditional saunas that use steam or flame-stoked heat, infrared saunas use infrared lamps and electromagnetics to create warmth. Popular due to their therapeutic benefits, these saunas effectively remove toxins, improve circulation and relax muscles. The Cleveland Clinic reports they can boost heart health and reduce blood pressure.
Spa bathroom styling
After you’ve completed the buildout on your new spa bathroom, complete the space with textiles, artwork and other items that bring softness and texture to make the room feel warm and inviting. Here are some items to consider:
- Soft textiles. Plush towels and a rug elevate the comfort factor.
- Plants. Live greenery adds instant spa appeal. Add a vase with fresh flowers or branches if your bathroom isn’t suitable for live plants.
- Scents. Use diffusers with essential oils and candles for aromatherapy benefits. Or hang eucalyptus in the shower for an instant spa pick-me-up.
- Wood accents. A bamboo bathmat or tub caddy adds a sleek, organic aesthetic.
- Artwork. Depending on your space, add framed art, photographs, mirrors or a decorative tile installation to create a sense of peace and tranquility.
Work with Dover for your spa bathroom remodel
Bathroom remodeling projects most often include plumbing and electrical work, proper waterproofing techniques for showers and tubs, ventilation—the list goes on. Hiring a professional contractor like Dover Home Remodelers to remodel your spa bathroom ensures expert design and the use of quality materials, with construction and installation best practices that deliver the high-end results you want from your remodeling investment.
Here’s a checklist of what you should expect from your home remodeling partner:
- Design/build experience to seamlessly manage the project for time and cost efficiencies
- Knowledge of critical construction requirements (plumbing/electrical/structural and local building codes)
- Custom craftsmanship and precision installation expertise
- Confident budget and timeline expectations with a transparent, up-front contract
Ready to create a hotel spa bathroom in your home?
If you’re in Northeast Ohio and want to create your personal spa-inspired bathroom in your home, contact Dover Home Remodelers today to get started.
The best is yet to come.
Beth Orr
