When it comes to designing a new bathroom, creating a luxurious haven for self-care is often the ultimate goal. Whether you want to capture the serene ambiance of a spa or the ultra-luxe style of a 5* hotel, a new bathroom design gives you the opportunity to experience your dream bathing experience every single day in the comfort of your home.
To give you some ideas for your luxury bathroom design, here are our top tips for a high-end finish…
1) Invest in your fixtures
To set the overall tone for a bathroom, fixtures and fittings are key. When it comes to showerheads, the general consensus is the bigger the better! Rainfall showerheads have stayed firmly at the top spot of many bathroom designers’ wish lists for years now, and for an opulent shower experience it’s easy to see why. For the most premium shower experience, body jets are a must.
Waterfall taps and wall-mounted bath fillers add an unexpected element that can really elevate your design. Double sinks and double showers are a truly luxe bathroom addition, allowing you to make a real statement that also enhances your bathing experience, and a stunning freestanding bath can really steal the show. Floating vanity units create the illusion of space when it’s at more of a premium by increasing the available floorspace, and complement a minimal design perfectly. Tech like integrated speakers, touchscreen mirrors and sensor taps take things up a notch, too.
If you’ve opted for tiled floors, no ones likes the shock of cold feet after a hot shower – keep things toasty with underfloor heating. A heated towel rail will give you hotel-standard fluffy towels 24/7; With many statement styles now on offer, deviate from the traditional ladder style with a more art-led option that’s sure to wow.
When it comes to metals, chrome is a timeless classic, with matt brass another popular choice right now for a premium feel. Go monochrome with matt black, or mix your metals for a bespoke look.
2) Go big with tile
If budget’s no object, a fully tiled bathroom makes a statement that’s synonymous with luxury (and makes cleaning easy)!
Large format tiles add drama and visual interest, creating an unrivalled sense of opulence – just make sure you go for matte slip-proof tiles for the floor, and keep things light and bright if you want to add a sense of space.
As an alternative to a fully-tiled room, micro-cement is growing in popularity as an all-surface material for a unified feel, as well as wood panelling to introduce natural textures.
In areas with no water contact, a maximalist wallpaper can add impact and striking contrast – just make sure it’s a vinyl paper to keep it looking pristine.
3) Add personality
For a room that feels professionally designed, seeking out more unusual fixtures and fitting goes a long way. Think freestanding bath tubs, quirky taps or hand-glazed tiles.
Don’t be afraid to do what you love – ditch the Pinterest board and introduce your own aesthetic with a splash of colour against a neutral backdrop, or embrace pattern with a vibrant mosaic-style tile.
To future-proof your new bathroom, opting for tiles that fit your personal style, rather than a current trend, avoids things dating too quickly. If you’re after a burst of colour without too much of an intense look, smaller areas of statement tile such a niches or floor trims allow you to add personality without overtaking the room.
4) Introduce texture
If one thing is consistent in professional-designed space, it’s textures. Mixing luxe fabrics, sleek tiles and grained materials makes a space feel more dimensional by adding depth.
Incorporate texture into your bathroom design with warm wood accents such as mirror frames, drawers or seating. Matt metals make a great contrast against gloss tiles, and smooth stone sits happily alongside houseplants for a natural, earthy feel that transports you to a Balinese spa.
Cutting the clutter makes a space feel larger and more premium – corral cosmetics in textural wicker baskets, stash cotton balls in chunky glass canisters, and opt for extra-plush towels and bath mats to create a tactile sensation.
5) Let the light in
When aiming for a high-end feel, lighting makes all the difference. Gone are the days of a lonely bulb illuminating the whole room!
A great place to start is your vanity mirror – opt for backlighting to create a modern and tranquil feel, or light from above for the ultimate cosmetic mirror.
Integrating custom lighting into your shower or bath can create a whole new experience. Spotlights in niches are wonderful for illuminating your bathing accessories, and a statement light suspended high above a bath adds a touch of drama to the space. Dimmable lighting or various lighting options allows you to create a bright space for those sleepy mornings, as well as a calming vibe for at-home spa sessions. Opt for extra-large mirrors to bounce light around and reflect a key element of the room, like the bath or statement tiling.
Make the most of windows – positioning the bath by a window makes the most of a tricky space and gives you a grand view from the tub, whilst strategic placement of a skylight can transform a dull space into a light-filled spa.
6) Don’t forget the little touches
The finishing touches for a new bathroom can make or break the whole ambiance. Consider storage – a clever vanity unit can make the most of lost space under the sink, fitted storage adds formal elegance, and smart stashing keeps the rest of your bathroom clutter-free. Hooks for robes is a must if you’re aiming for hotel chic!
Scent is a sense that’s easy to neglect when considering the visual aspects of a design, but one that definitely sets the tone of a space. Essential oils, candles and even fresh flowers can elevate your bathroom for that authentic spa vibe.
Whilst wall art may not be an automatic choice in a bathroom, well-chosen pieces bring a curated feel to a luxury bathroom, as well as a sense of personal style.
Adding seating to a bathroom space is a clever way to add a hotel feel. From cushioned benches to an antique stool or wicker ottoman, a seat adds a comfortable focal point and texture to an otherwise clinical space.
7) Go frameless with glass
For the utmost in modern bathroom elegance, a glass shower is a must.
We may be biased, but opening your shower space up with a seamless pane of toughened glass makes your bathroom feel larger, lighter and far more premium. Walk-in showers and frameless enclosures keep your bathroom open, minimal and easy to maintain, with less fixtures and fittings to clean, and can be custom-made to suit even the trickiest of spaces.
Sliding shower doors allow you to make the most of more compact spaces, freeing up more room for a larger shower space. We also love fitting glass shower panels to elegantly divide up a wet room or larger bathroom.
