LINGERING IN LUXURY

Above Photo: Michael Patch

All the latest enhancements to create a spa-inspired bathroom

When winter’s chill keeps you cozied up inside, it’s only natural to dream of ways to make your home more beautiful, comfortable and restorative. Coupled with a growing focus on enhancing wellness and quality of life, there’s no better room to begin that transformation than the bathroom. 

Once a simple utilitarian space, primary bathrooms are now receiving the attention and time they deserve. With high-end fixtures and finishes more accessible than ever, homeowners are reimagining their bathrooms from practical pit stops to luxurious retreats. Spa-like touches, bold colors, sumptuous materials and smart technology transform boring daily routines into pure, attainable luxury. 

Here are a few ways you can breathe elevated living into your bathroom and make it your favorite room in the house. 

Photos: Michael Patch

Personal spa time
Who doesn’t love a relaxing spa day? Deep, freestanding tubs, dimmer-controlled lighting and multi-function showerheads and body sprays are just some of the ways we can bring that luxurious “spa-feel” home to our personal bathrooms. 

Aromatherapy shower systems and chromotherapy lighting also enhance relaxation and sensory wellness. According to Multi Trade Building Services, chromotherapy showers emit various colored lights that are thought to improve mood. Aromatherapy uses essential oils in diffusers or as part of a shower system to improve emotions, enhance sleep and boost energy. 

Both aromatherapy and chromotherapy systems can be included as part of steam showers which have become a staple in luxurious bathroom living. These showers are sealed enclosures fitted with a steam generator that produces warm, vaporous steam. Digital controls activate intensity, temperature and set time. The ultimate in luxury showers, they do require a significant amount of square footage but can also double as a regular shower with the push of a button. 

Space-efficient infrared saunas are also rising in popularity. Unlike traditional saunas that heat the air around you, these saunas use infrared light waves to softly warm your body. The experience is more comfortable, operating at a lower temperature than traditional saunas as they detox, improve circulation and enhance muscle recovery. 

Bold and beautiful 
Bathroom luxury isn’t for the faint of heart these days. Bold color statements — think jewel tones like navy, forest green and aubergine — are a welcome relief for those weary of the neutral trend. 

Whether achieved with a simple paint upgrade, statement wallpaper, or tile drenching, color saturation creates a dramatic and comforting aesthetic. Surround yourself inside the color by using a single shade on all surfaces including the walls, ceiling, doors, trim and even furniture and accessories. 

This immersive trend also extends to tile. But be aware that using the same tile on the walls and floor of your bathroom is a commitment. While a fresh coat of paint can be quickly swiped on in a weekend, tile is far more permanent, time-consuming and costly. 

Smart style 
The use of cutting-edge technology (so second nature in our daily lives) is just as useful in today’s high-end bathrooms, though a little less obvious. 

Wireless, voice-activated audio that controls lighting and temperature from your phone, and touchless faucets are some of the basic elements to include in a luxe renovation. 

Docking drawers hide unsightly wires from hair dryers and electric shavers and give your space the clean, sleek feel that modern bathrooms require. 

App-enabled heated floors and towel warmers are fairly easy additions that make a huge impact on your mood, keeping you and your bathroom cozy even during the coldest of months. 

Soak the day away with a bath while catching up on your favorite TV show at the same time with a smart mirror TV. Specifically designed for the humid environment of a bathroom, they feature waterproof remotes and built-in speakers. Making them double duty masters, the surface transforms back into a mirror when the TV is turned off. 

Photos: Michael Patch

Tubs, showers and toilets — oh, my!
No longer is a toilet simply a toilet. High-tech toilets now offer advanced features such as heated seats, automatic flushing, built-in bidets and air purifiers. Some models even clean themselves while deodorizing the room. 

According to TrueLux Fine Homes, seamless slab showers are overtaking traditional tile as the shower material of choice. Fewer grout lines make cleaning easier, and the dramatic impact from these natural stone or large-format porcelain showers promises a clean and elevated aesthetic. 

Merging the tub and shower into an open-plan “wet zone” with the rest of the room creates a waterproof and airy space. The minimalism in the design yields easy accessibility, making it attractive for aging homeowners. 

Hardly just hardware
Swapping out old hardware is a simple upgrade that adds loads of elegance. From sleek, minimalist knobs and pulls to jewelry-like, antique options, changing out your vanity hardware is an easy way to make your own statement without undertaking a wholesale renovation. 

Whether it’s a quick refresh — like swapping out tired hardware — or a full-scale renovation with the latest in showers, toilets and smart technology, morning and evening rituals will become moments of indulgence and renewal. Your bathroom transforms into a place to linger, long after the steam evaporates. ✦