A Retreat From the Chaos
Few things relax and soothe me quite like a spa day. When I’m looking for the ultimate pampering experience, I book some time at the Peninsula Chicago Spa – where I’m instantly transported to a world of complete and utter serenity. As much as I’d like to visit the Peninsula every day, sadly I can’t. Which is why it’s 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 facial and a massage, but so much of the magic at a spa can be found beyond the treatment menu. It’s important to me to feel connected to the aesthetics of a space and to know and feel that the materials and even the linens I’m surrounded by are of the highest quality. It’s hard to feel stressed when you’re 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. When a client tells me they want to pull out all the stops and create a true spa at home, we first begin with what experiences they’d like to create. For a project in the Hamptons, we built 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. The possibilities are endless when it comes to transforming your bathroom into a personal oasis.
Materializing Luxury
Once we determine the experiences we’d like to build out, we look next to materials. 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 home spa, there’s still plenty we can do to add tranquility. Even a smaller shower can be turned into a rain shower, which offers a super relaxing cleansing experience. 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. 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.
Once again, I can’t stress the importance of materials and products enough. Quality linens, lotions, and potions can make even a small bathroom feel like a treatment room at the Peninsula. Even the most beautiful sauna in the world can’t compete with bad 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. 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.
Curating the Full Experience
This is so inspiring – transforming a bathroom into a personal spa oasis sounds incredible. I love your approach of using design elements to create a calming and luxurious experience. It truly elevates the everyday routine.
When it comes to curating the full spa-like experience at home, it’s all about the details. Plush bathrobes, slippers, and high-quality towels set the stage for ultimate relaxation. Candles, essential oil diffusers, and soothing music create an immersive sensory experience. And don’t forget the beauty products – indulge in pampering face masks, body scrubs, and moisturizers that transport you to your favorite wellness retreat.
The key is to make your bathroom feel like a sanctuary, a place where you can truly escape the stresses of everyday life. Incorporate natural elements like river rocks, driftwood, or live plants to evoke a sense of serenity. Consider adding a built-in bench or window seat to encourage you to linger and soak in the ambiance. And don’t be afraid to think outside the box – a freestanding tub, steam shower, or indoor/outdoor flow can take your spa experience to the next level.
Ultimately, creating a spa-like bathroom is about curating an environment that speaks to your personal preferences and wellness needs. Whether it’s a grand, high-end oasis or a cozy, budget-friendly retreat, the goal is to craft a space that allows you to unwind, recharge, and emerge feeling refreshed and rejuvenated. And who knows, with the right design touches, you may even find yourself forgoing those trips to the Peninsula in favor of your very own in-home spa.
Elevating the Everyday
As I mentioned, the details are everything when it comes to creating a spa-like bathroom. But that doesn’t mean you have to break the bank to achieve that luxury feel. In fact, some of the most impactful changes can be both beautiful and budget-friendly.
Take, for example, the simple swap of standard bath towels for plush, oversized options. The difference in both the look and feel is truly transformative. And don’t forget about the accessories – a sturdy, stylish towel bar, a well-placed robe hook, or a sleek soap dispenser can instantly elevate the space.
Another easy upgrade? Swapping out your standard light fixtures for something more spa-inspired. Dimmable sconces or a stunning chandelier can instantly create a sense of ambiance and elegance. And don’t underestimate the power of candles – strategically placed throughout the room, they can instantly set the mood for relaxation.
When it comes to the larger elements, consider investing in a rainfall showerhead or a freestanding tub. These features not only look luxurious but can also drastically improve your daily bathing experience. And if you really want to go all out, explore the world of steam showers, saunas, and hydrotherapy tubs – these spa-like amenities can truly transform your bathroom into a personal oasis.
The beauty of creating a spa-like bathroom is that you can start small and build upon your vision over time. Begin with the essentials – high-quality linens, thoughtful lighting, and elegant accessories. Then, as your budget allows, layer in those larger, more indulgent features. Before you know it, your everyday bathroom will feel like a serene retreat, a place where you can truly escape the chaos of the world and immerse yourself in pure relaxation.
Bringing it All Together
When it comes to designing a spa-like bathroom, I always strive to create a cohesive, visually stunning space that seamlessly blends form and function. It’s not just about the individual elements – it’s about how they all come together to create a truly immersive experience.
Take, for example, the color palette. I often gravitate towards soothing, nature-inspired hues that evoke a sense of calm and serenity. Think soft grays, calming blues, and earthy neutrals. These colors not only look beautiful but also have a psychological effect, helping to lower stress levels and promote relaxation.
The materials and textures I choose also play a crucial role in setting the spa-like tone. Smooth, polished stone, rich wood accents, and plush, fluffy towels all contribute to that luxurious, high-end feel. And don’t forget about the little details – delicate glass jars for cotton swabs, sleek metal trays for beauty products, and woven baskets for storage.
Ultimately, the key to creating a successful spa-like bathroom is to approach the design holistically. Every element, from the fixtures to the décor, should work together to craft a cohesive, immersive experience. It’s about creating a space that not only looks beautiful but also feels indulgent, relaxing, and rejuvenating.
So, whether you’re starting from scratch or simply looking to refresh your existing bathroom, I encourage you to embrace your inner spa lover and let your creativity take the lead. With the right design approach and attention to detail, you can transform even the most ordinary bathroom into a true oasis of calm and comfort. After all, who needs to book an appointment at the Peninsula when you can enjoy your own personal spa right at home?
