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Image Credit: Creativa Studio/Getty ImagesDesigning a bathroom that offers a sense of relaxation and indulgence might appear straightforward. Typically, these spaces are smaller compared to other areas in your home, such as the kitchen or living room, and the essentials can often be listed on one hand. However, once you dive into the design process, simplicity quickly evaporates. You’re faced with endless tile choices, fixture designs, plumbing considerations, and more.
Don’t worry—take a deep breath! If your dream is to create a luxurious bathroom but you’re either stuck in the planning stage or mid-renovation, these five designer-approved ideas will help you confidently bring your vision to life. Experts Amy Vroom from The Residency Bureau and Gina Gutierrez of Gina Rachelle Design share their top tips for crafting a high-end bathroom from scratch, ensuring you achieve precisely what you desire.
1. Incorporate a shower ledge for added functionality
Photography by Miranda Estes for The Residency BureauWhile many are familiar with shower niches, even if they don’t know the term, Vroom suggests opting for a ledge to achieve a more luxurious look. “A shower ledge offers a sleeker alternative to niches and introduces an opportunity to incorporate additional materials into your design,” she explains. For example, you can match the ledge material with your vanity, ensuring a harmonious flow throughout the space.
2. Combine natural stone with vibrant hues
Max Maloney for Gina Rochelle DesignBold, modern, and graphic tiles have been a popular choice for years, offering a luxurious touch whether applied floor-to-ceiling or as an accent wall. Gutierrez often incorporates vibrant tiles into her bathroom designs, complementing them with natural stone like marble, travertine, river rocks, or terrazzo. “The color adds warmth, while the stone enhances the sophistication,” she explains. Ensure your selections harmonize, and you’ll master this design approach effortlessly.
3. Streamline your bathroom layout
Max Maloney for Gina Rochelle DesignImagine your bathroom as an elegant game of Tetris. To achieve a luxurious feel, careful planning of your layout is essential. “Dedicate time to crafting a floor plan that aligns with your needs and aspirations,” Gutierrez advises. “It might require a few revisions, but the result will be a truly exceptional space.” For her, luxury means creating a sanctuary for relaxation, so she emphasizes incorporating a bathtub, even if it means positioning it beneath a showerhead.
4. Select robust and high-quality hardware
Max Maloney for Gina Rochelle DesignWhile tiles and tubs often steal the spotlight, Gutierrez stresses the importance of smaller details. “Every element in a bathroom is tactile, from faucets and knobs to showerheads and trim,” she notes. For sinks, she suggests opting for hardware that feels solid and substantial, as it conveys a sense of luxury. “Choose pieces that feel weighty and smooth,” she adds. “Not only do they exude quality, but they’re also more durable in the long run.”
5. Highlight the tub with tile or stone accents
Photography by Miranda Estes for The Residency BureauA freestanding soaking tub is inherently luxurious, but Vroom suggests elevating it further. “Tile the tub’s skirt,” she recommends. “For undermount tubs, consider adding a stone slab on top for a unique touch.” The tile can either match the walls or backsplash for a cohesive look or introduce a contrasting element for added visual interest. Either approach ensures your tub becomes a stunning focal point.
6. Embrace minimalist and clean lines
Jacek Kadaj/Getty ImagesTo achieve a modern luxury aesthetic, prioritize clean, streamlined designs. A great way to accomplish this is by using the same material for both the shower walls and the bathroom flooring. This seamless approach creates a cohesive, enveloping effect that’s visually calming and has the added benefit of making the space appear more expansive.
7. Upgrade to spa-inspired showerheads
Imgorthand/Getty ImagesDon’t compromise on your showerhead. A luxurious shower isn’t just about aesthetics; it should also deliver a spa-like experience. For the pinnacle of indulgence, opt for a dual showerhead system featuring both a rain showerhead and a handheld option. Be mindful of your water usage, though—this setup might tempt you to extend your showers longer than planned.
