By‌ ‌Ashley‌ ‌Zimmermann,‌ ‌Creative‌ ‌Content‌ ‌Director‌ ‌for‌ ‌@designREMODEL‌ ‌

Self-care is a lifestyle theme that has been carried into 2021. Let’s face it, we all need it. Additionally, over the past two years, our homes have been repurposed to serve as 24/7 hubs of living and working; whereas many of us spent much less time at home before 2020. Remodeling your bathroom into a spa-like design could be a welcome update that would function as an in-home sanctuary of relaxation, allowing you to practice some self-care. There are three main aspects of a spa-like bathroom that you can incorporate when crafting your design: elements of luxury, zen, and nature influences.  

Luxury

I know I am not alone in my love of baths. A relaxing soak at the end of the day is always a welcome way to wind down, and better yet, a simple bath can be elevated into something luxurious when it takes place in a spa-like setting. BA Studio TV tells us that freestanding tubs and spa showers will continue to be popular in 2021, compared to outdated shower/tub combos. The Spruce suggests positioning your tub under a window.

BA Studio TV also suggests modern updates like statement lighting (even chandeliers), floating vanities, concealed shower drains, and high-tech fixtures like waterfall showerheads. Luxury House Search suggests towel warmers, large or oversized circular mirrors, and grey tones. These elements are sleek, artistic, and high-end, instantly making the space feel luxurious. Hotel-quality towels will add another refined touch.

Clean, elegant white-walled bathrooms are classic. White makes the room feel open and evokes feelings of the spa and high-end hotel rooms. Luxury House Search suggests a modern update by combining grays and whites to create a soothing and sophisticated aesthetic. They say, “Counterbalance [gray’s] coolness so that it doesn’t end up feeling sterile and institutional. You can do this by adding warm wood tones or by choosing a shade of gray on the warmer end of the spectrum.” 

Zen Vibes

A sense of calm and relaxation is key when designing and decorating your bathroom oasis. The intent is to channel the spa-like experience, you may want to incorporate elements of Japanese Zen interior design. Foyr explains the interior design style this way: 

“The Japanese culture is steeped in paying homage to ancient traditions, inculcating minimalism and Zen, and living in harmony with the natural world. True to form, they use greenery as much as possible in their design ideas. You will also see a lot of open spaces and natural light.”  

A candle or reed diffuser can also instill a sense of calm. Be sure not to overdo the scent, though, as this be distracting and even off-putting rather than adding to the relaxing nature of the room. Stylecaster suggests fresh linen, lavender, and ‘water’ scents. A sweet citrus scent could also do the trick.

Nature Influences

As mentioned above, many nature influences are built into the Japanese Zen design style. Nature is calming, so dress up the room with plants. The definition of an oasis is a fertile spot in the desert, so make your bathroom look fertile and alive with plants! A list of “24 of the Best Bathroom Plants That Thrive in Humidity” is linked below. A few options include an aloe plant (who doesn’t love a succulent?), a snake plant, English Ivy, air plants, and bamboo. 

Scenes of nature inspire a sense of tranquility, so make sure to feature a peaceful view of the greenery outside your bathroom window, if you can. See the photo above for inspiration. Foyr suggests using “sky-lights, large windows, and glass doors to contribute plenty of natural light.” Incorporating these upgrades could be part of your remodeling project. 

Natural woods are another key feature to add to your bathroom oasis. Foyr tells us wood tones are a minimalist element featured in Japanese Zen design, as they fit into the philosophy of man and nature in harmony. The Spruce says wooden cabinets, flooring, or accessories can be added. 

Starting small is perfectly acceptable when creating your oasis. A few added elements here and there can make a big difference; you’ll be surprised what a few candles, plants, and wooden accessories can do to the ambiance of your bathroom. Incorporate more elements as your time and budget allow. Kick your feet back and enjoy your upgraded bathroom!

References: 

https://www.bhg.com/bathroom/remodeling/planning/2021-bath-trends/ - 2021 Bathroom Design Trends That Will Be Huge This Year

https://www.bhg.com/bathroom/remodeling/planning/our-favorite-bathroom-upgrades/ - 19 Luxurious Bathroom Upgrades to Consider for Your Next Remodel

https://www.thespruce.com/zen-bathrooms-4159878 - 9 Ways to Create a Zen Bathroom

https://www.thespruce.com/expert-tips-create-organic-modernism-home-5188971 - 5 Expert-Approved Tips to Create a Calming Organic Modernism-Inspired Space

https://www.thespruce.com/make-your-bathroom-look-expensive-4053172 - How to Make Your Bathroom Look Expensive

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ck8zaZKhOpA - 2021 BATHROOM DESIGN TRENDS | OUT & IN | BA Studio TV

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5bBUYHb9kQs - Top Luxurious Bathroom Trends

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cK77IaGiTUU - Top 5 Bathroom INTERIOR DESIGN Trends and Ideas, Tips for Home Decor

https://www.bustle.com/p/the-8-best-luxury-shower-heads-22932303 - This Luxury Shower Head Drenches You In A Waterfall — & 7 More Options For Pure Bliss

https://foyr.com/learn/japanese-interior-design/ - Japanese Interior Design: Minimalist Sophistication

https://stylecaster.com/feature/best-candles-for-bathrooms-amazon-1131822/ - Transform Your Bathroom into a Spa with These Luxury Candles

https://www.housebeautiful.com/lifestyle/gardening/g28471402/best-bathroom-plants/ - 24 of the Best Bathroom Plants That Thrive in Humidity

https://foyr.com/learn/minimalist-interior-design/ - Minimalist Interior Design