Nina Smith
Your bathroom should be a haven of tranquility—somewhere you can shake off stress, relax, and soak up a calming ambiance when you step away from the otherwise hectic household.
The thing is, if your bathroom is as chaotic as the kids’ bedroom or as loud as the living room, chances are you’ll never get to disappear into a peaceful and serene space where you can escape the shackles of everyday life.
Luckily, there are some solutions—some quick and easy, others a little more costly—that can not only bring you a calming and luxurious bathroom but also help to increase the value of your home.
We’ve picked a selection of options so you can begin the bathroom transformation and get the escapism you desire.
Statement Bath or Shower
Are you a bath or shower person? We all have our preferences, and each lends itself to some great designs and styles. A freestanding bathtub can become a focal point of the room and help create a spa-like aesthetic.
If a shower is more your thing, a spacious walk-in shower with rainfall showerheads is a great option if you like the spa theme. You could also consider a glass-enclosed shower with multiple jets.
New Lighting
Lighting is perhaps one of the key tools for creating ambiance. Rather than rely on harsh overhead lights that are overly bright, invest in layered, softer lighting.
Consider backlit mirrors, pendant lights, or even a chandelier. Incorporate a dimmer switch so you can adjust the lighting to create the ideal atmosphere.
Upgrading Fixtures and Fittings
This can be a quick and affordable alteration but may also cost a fair amount of cash. Much depends on how much you want to transform the space. Simple changes that won’t break the bank can significantly alter the appearance of your bathroom.
Sleek, modern taps in brushed gold, matte black, or polished nickel, for example, can accentuate the look and feel of your bathroom without adding huge costs. Add a rainfall showerhead or a statement sink, and the transformation will be elevated significantly.
Add Some Greenery
You may already have some type of flower or plant in your bathroom, but do you maintain it, and does it suit the room? If the answer is no, look at orchids, ferns, and aloe vera. These all thrive in the humid conditions of a bathroom and look great too. If you have deep windowsills or have added some shelving, consider small vases of fresh flowers for an added pop of color, if it suits the style.
Declutter and Implement Stylish Storage
Remember those shelves we mentioned earlier? Think about how cluttered your bathroom might be right now. Wouldn’t the addition of built-in shelving, some woven baskets, or even glass jars help in the fight against untidiness?
It’ll also add more style and luxury to your bathroom. No longer will each shelf be a mess of bathroom essentials, and you’ll never again struggle to find what you need when you need it. This can be a quick and inexpensive part of the transformation that delivers fast results.
Consider Smart Tech
If your goal is to make your bathroom a place to relax while also showcasing luxury, some smart tech could be just what you need. Smart mirrors can be a godsend for bathrooms, offering anti-fog features and built-in lighting. Add a smart speaker for ambient music, and you’ll have a serene space where you can stay relaxed for as long as necessary.
You could even look into underfloor heating to raise both the temperature and luxury of your bathroom. Just be aware that only certain bathroom flooring options are suitable for underfloor heating, so don’t invest if it’s not going to be effective. LVT flooring, for example, would be a good option as it looks great and works well with underfloor heating systems.
Neutral Colours
Soft, neutral colors like whites, creams ,or greys can help create a calming atmosphere. If contrast is your thing, go for deep navy or perhaps an emerald green, then add some gold or brass accents for an air of sophistication.
Add Seating
You may only think about sitting in the bath or on the toilet but adding a small seating area to your bathroom can give it a more hotel-like feel and add a little more practicality to the bathroom. A stool or ottoman can give you a great place to put your slippers or lay out your clothes for when you get emerge from the bath or shower.
Think About Scent
Luxury isn’t just about the type of bath or style of taps. It’s also about how something affects our senses. Scented candles, reed diffusers, and certain bath products can transform your bathroom into a space that helps reduce stress, evokes a sense of calm, and mask less desirable odors.
Consider Comfort
Think about when you’ve stayed at a great hotel or visited a spa. The towels and robes were probably the softest and most snug materials you’ve ever wrapped yourself in. Why not bring that level of comfort into your home? Then, every time you step out of the shower or bath, you can wrap yourself in that very same luxury. Add a heated towel rail to enjoy full comfort once you emerge from the water.
Use High-end Materials
This can be a bone of contention for some, due to the expense it can incur. High-quality materials cost a lot, but they elevate your bathroom significantly. Marble and granite surfaces, for example, look incredible, will last for years, and are easy to maintain. They do come with a hefty price tag, though. As an alternative, laminates and porcelain can replicate the looks for a fraction of the price.
Some of these changes can be implemented quickly, transforming your bathroom into something much more luxurious in no time. Others may take a little longer, but if you feel it’s time well spent, your bathroom could reach new levels of luxury.
