Let's talk about the one room we all use every day - the bathroom. It's the only place in the house where we can get some privacy and it's the one room that always gets the most compliments. So why not put effort into making it a luxurious space? Whether you're remodeling or starting from scratch, creating a high-end bathroom doesn't have to be complicated. By focusing on a few key elements, you can transform your bathroom into a luxurious oasis that you'll never forget. Discover simple tips to elevate your bathroom game and turn it into a deluxe space that will leave a lasting impression.
Breaking down what these 5 elements mean and how you can get that same feeling of luxury in a bathroom by playing around with them in any space.
1) Bathroom Space
The sense of spaciousness is a common attribute of luxury and high-end bathrooms. And creating a sense of space is key. It's not about the actual size of the bathroom itself, but rather the feeling of spaciousness it provides. This feeling can be achieved through various design techniques that create an orderly, light, and open atmosphere, even in more compact areas.
While the exact dimensions of a bathroom may not be remembered, the feeling it inspires will be. That's why it's important to focus on creating the illusion of space, rather than feeling cramped or claustrophobic. By using some of these design tricks, you can optimize your bath space to make it feel bigger than it actually is, leaving a lasting impression on those who visit
- Mirrors
Mirrors are frequently overlooked as a design element in bathrooms. Often, a small, functional mirror above the sink is the only thought given to this aspect of the room. However, with a little consideration and strategic placement, mirrors can be used to create the illusion of increased space and elevate the overall ambiance of the room.
One effective approach is to add a large mirror to a wall or break up the wall with several smaller mirrors. This simple addition can dramatically diminish the feeling of confinement and expand the perceived size of the room. By using mirrors to their full advantage, the sense of space can be enhanced, making the room feel more open and inviting.
- Doorways
Consider the first thing that people will see when they open the bathroom door. Sometimes, bathroom configurations designed to maximize storage and counter space can result in the toilet being directly in view of the door. Plan accordingly and prioritize what you want to see when someone enters. Optimal features may include a distant wall or a mirror, or perhaps a doorway to a separate bath space like the shower. If necessary, consider changing the location of the bathroom door.
- Placement
Architects have been attuned to the concept of space and its impact on our perception for a long time. They use the interplay between positive and negative spaces when design anything from individual rooms to sprawling city blocks or parks. They recognize that the space itself can be as important as the structure it surrounds.
Negative space refers to the empty space between elements like the toilet, vanity, or bathtub. A bathroom with fixtures randomly placed would create a lot of negative space. Architects understand that negative space often serves a more utilitarian purpose as merely a space to travel through, and therefore, it lacks any allure as a space to linger.
Positive space, on the other hand, involves the deliberate placement of the elements in a way that creates a meaningful and practical space. Positive spaces are inhabited, unlike negative spaces where people tend to move through quickly and without any interest.
By approaching your bathroom design with an awareness of both positive and negative spaces, and moving elements accordingly, you can create an inviting and relaxing spot that beckons people to linger. By designing with purpose, even empty space can become something positive and memorable.
- Frequent-Use Amenities
When planning the perfect bathroom, don't just focus on the must-have items like a great soaker tub or a double shower with gorgeous tiles. Consider all the little things that make your bathroom work smoothly every day—we're talking about the small conveniences that you might overlook, but really help to make a difference. Don't forget them!
-Heated Floors Installing heated floors during a bathroom remodel is a great addition that your clients will appreciate if you plan to replace the floor tiles. It helps maintain a warm temperature throughout the bathroom, especially during the winter or after a shower. Heated floors are the most recommended bathroom feature by design and building professionals. Cold tile flooring can quickly ruin the spa experience. Despite being overlooked, the installation of heated flooring is relatively affordable and easy to install. We should say that every client who invests in heated flooring loves the feature and would never revert to cold floors again.
-Extra countertop space can be added around or between sinks to prevent countertop items from sliding into the sink and provide under-counter storage.
-Install appropriate electrical service to power your bath fixtures’ features such as water heaters, steam pumps, air baths or whirlpools, and for other conveniences like exhaust fans, heat lamps, and various lighting options. -Place ample electrical sockets in convenient areas, making it easy to plug in small appliances or beauty tools. -Install bars or hangers for towels, robes and clothing. Keep them conveniently distant from the immediate toilet area. You can also make space for a laundry hamper.
2) Tub Materials
When thinking of a fancy bathroom, you shouldn't picture old or dingy things. Instead, luxurious bathrooms have modern and high-quality materials like bamboo, rocks from rivers, marble, quartz, or wood that give a feeling of richness without costing too much.
Acrylic bathtubs are the epitome of luxury and should never be overlooked as a stunning focal point in any bathroom design. These tubs come in various shapes and sizes including freestanding and whirlpool options, making them a versatile material to incorporate in your bathroom. They offer an exceptional level of durability, are easy to clean, and can effortlessly withstand everyday wear and tear. With their smooth, glossy finish, acrylic tubs come in a range of stunning colors that can set the tone and overall aesthetic of the bathroom. So, consider acrylic bathtubs when designing your bathroom, along with a functional and stylish shower, to create the ultimate in relaxation and luxury.
Also, incorporating river rocks into your shower or flooring , either in a patterned or freeform style. This not only looks unique and exciting but also feels great underfoot.
For a cozy and exclusive spa feel, try using bamboo or hardwood panels in the bathroom. Dark teak or maple boards on the walls can transform a dull space into a marvelous one. Using materials like this can make the bathroom appear less utilitarian and more like a luxurious addition to your home.
3) Bathroom Lights
Proper lighting is essential to transform any space into a welcoming and comfortable one. Insufficient or poor lighting is the primary reason for a room feeling under-decorated and under-appreciated. Dark rooms are not usually the preferred choice for spending quality time. Instead, we tend to favor light and bright rooms that feel airy and open.
There's no excuse for lack of natural light in internal bathrooms anymore. Solar tubes can be used to bring sunlight from the roof into any room of your house. It's like having a skylight available anywhere. However, even if natural light is hard to come by, it doesn't mean that your bathroom needs to be gloomy and depressing. The right lighting and fixtures can make all the difference.
Bathroom remodeling experts highly recommend giving attention to lighting during the designing process.
- Using a layered approach with various lighting options, including overhead lights, sconces, and decorative lighting such as chandeliers. When designing a bathroom, it's vital to
- Incorporate a nightlight under the floating vanity or toe kick, which is set on a sensor for brightness regulation to avoid blinding oneself during night trips to the bathroom.
- Include skylights above the shower area, if possible, as it provides natural light and ventilation. A dimmer switch for light fixtures is also highly suggested, allowing you to adjust the lighting depending on the situation or mood.
- Lighting fixtures should be placed on either side of the mirror to avoid casting shadows on the face. Remember to shop for bathroom vanity lighting fixtures to achieve the perfect bathroom lighting setup.
4)Quality Plumbing
In smaller bathrooms, placing water supply and waste lines on the same wall is often the most efficient and affordable option, as routing pipes across distances or around obstacles can be expensive. Additionally, moving plumbing lines can be a significant expense, especially in homes built on slabs.
Prioritize high-quality plumbing fixtures in any bathroom design, regardless of the layout. While you may be tempted to choose fixtures based on appearance alone, it's crucial to consider the internal components. Poorly made fixtures with plastic gaskets and other cheap materials can quickly break down, leading to issues with water flow and overall performance. According to a designer, quality plumbing fixtures are not an area to skimp on, and should be considered a starting point for any bathroom design process.
5) FEATURES
Of course, every space in a bathroom requires a feature or focal point that will induce a feeling of amazement or wonder upon seeing it. It can be anything, such as a wall treatment, a graphic floor tile, an elegant lighting fixture, or a standout vanity, that adds an exciting element to the space. Designers often try to incorporate something unexpected that would bring a fresh and exciting flair to the room, like funky light fixtures or wallpaper. Therefore, it's best to shop from a collection of curated bathroom vanities to create the perfect bathroom centerpiece, which will make you smile and say "wow" every time you enter the space.
- Luxury Freestanding and Hydromassage Tubs:
A freestanding tub isn’t a purchase you may have made in the past so you may want to check out the page we made about different styles and forms of the freestanding tubs.
It's become a norm to include a freestanding bathtub and separate shower in luxurious bathroom designs. Even if not everyone uses their tubs frequently, it creates a spa-like atmosphere that elevates the entire experience. Therefore, including these features is an expected element in high-end bathroom designs, and your clients will most likely request it. With the help of bathroom design software, you can plan a functional layout that works best, incorporating these luxurious amenities in a beautiful way.
Here are our two personal favorite freestanding bathtubs.
Empava-59FT1518LED
Empava-59FT1505
- Privacy
If you share your bathroom with your partner or family, it's essential to remember that you both might want to use amenities at once. One helpful solution is to place the toilet behind a shallow wall or in a small alcove with a door. This way, the second person can access the sink or shower areas without disturbing the person using the toilet. Another creative option is to utilize a shower wall to tuck the toilet on the other side. With these simple adjustments, you can ensure that both of you can comfortably use the bathroom while still maintaining a level of privacy.
- Storage
Proper storage is a crucial element in any functional bathroom design.
- Use a mix of drawers, cabinets, niches, and open or closed storage options to maximize space and functionality.
- Elegant cabinetry is an effective way to create practical storage while also enhancing the overall look of the bathroom, as suggested by designer Christie Veres.
- To prevent cluttering and keep dirty clothes and towels away, consider installing a hidden hamper near the shower. Designer Melvin Stoltzfus recommends placing it in either a vanity or a linen cabinet.
- Specialized shower niches are a standard feature in modern bathroom designs. Pay attention to the height and amount of products typically used in the shower when incorporating a niche, making sure it can also cater for overflow. Designer Sheila Mayden suggests placing a middle shelf for soap and razors in the bottom third of the space and using the top shelf for taller items like shampoo, conditioner, and body wash.
- In-Drawer Outlets. To prevent plug-in gadgets like hair dryers from encountering pooled water and creating hazards, hide the outlets inside drawers or cabinets. Storage with built-in outlets for electric toothbrushes and razors is also a good idea, as suggested by designer Selena Fitch. This can be in the form of a medicine cabinet or plug strip inside a vanity cabinet and helps keep unsightly outlets from diminishing the look of a backsplash or other feature.
Conclusion
This guide is filled with fantastic tips and valuable insights for transforming your bathroom into a luxurious and inviting space that you can enjoy every day. By focusing on key design elements like bathroom space, mirrors, doorways, placement, frequent-use amenities, tub materials, bathroom lights, quality plumbing, and additional features like luxury freestanding and hydromassage tubs, privacy, and storage, you can create your own high-end oasis that provides comfort and relaxation. Plus, this guide emphasizes the importance of simplicity, making it easy for anyone to update their bathroom without feeling overwhelmed.
Read more: 7 Design Elements You should Avoid in Designing the bathroom