Making your bathroom feel luxurious is all about the details. With careful planning and smart upgrades, you can transform your bathroom into a relaxing oasis without breaking the bank. Here are 9 key details to focus on when giving your bathroom a luxe makeover:
1. Install High-End Fixtures
The fixtures in your bathroom make a huge impact on the overall look and feel. Upgrade to high-end fittings with these luxe options:
Rainfall Shower Head
A large rainfall shower head creates a spa-like experience and makes a dramatic statement in your shower. Choose a high quality brass or stainless steel fixture with adjustable water flow.
Freestanding Bathtub
A freestanding soaking tub serves as a focal point in your bathroom. Look for tubs made from porcelain, acrylic or natural stone in a contemporary or classic style.
Dual Sinks
His and hers sinks convey luxury. Opt for wall-mounted or counter-top vessels in materials like porcelain or natural stone. Include high-end faucets with metal finishes.
Smart Toilet
A smart toilet with features like heated seats, bidet function, air dryer and automatic lid create a high-tech luxe experience. Top brands include Toto and Kohler.
Brass Hardware
Upgrade faucets, shower fixtures, cabinet hardware and other accents to brass for an instant dose of luxury. Polished brass, champagne bronze and matte black finishes all look refined.
Stone Countertops
Granite, marble or quartz countertops elevate your space instantly.quartz brings durability and style. For natural stone, select neutral colored marble or granite with decorative veining.
Statement Mirrors
Frameless beveled mirrors or oversized statement mirrors gleam with luxury. Incorporate built-in lighting or anti-fog features for function.
2. Create a Spa-Like Ambiance
Pamper yourself daily by creating a tranquil, spa-like environment in your bathroom. Consider these tips:
Soft Lighting – Install layers of light like recessed ceiling lights, sconces and vanity lighting. Swap out harsh overhead lighting for dimmable fixtures.
Candles – Strategically place candles near the bathtub and on the vanity top. Opt for relaxing scents like lavender, eucalyptus or cedar.
Music – Adding speakers to stream spa playlists enhances the vibe. Make sure they are moisture resistant.
Plants – Greenery brings life to your bathroom. Choose varieties that do well in humid environments like ferns, orchids or bamboo.
Textures – Incorporate natural textures like woven baskets, rattan mats, fluffy towels and marble surfaces.
Minimal Clutter – Limit clutter and display personal items in a tidy, organized fashion for a serene look.
Heated Floors – Warming your feet is pure luxury. Options include electric and hydronic systems.
3. Choose Luxurious Materials
The materials you select for surfaces, fixtures and decor impact the overall luxury quotient of your bathroom. Consider these luxe options:
Marble Tile – Elegant marble tile instantly elevates walls and floors. Choose larger tiles with distinctive veining. Use marble mosaic tile as accents.
Travertine – For floors and walls, travertine brings texture and style. This natural stone comes in warm neutral tones.
Quartz Countertops – As an alternative to natural stone, quartz like Caesarstone resists staining, etching and scratching. It offers sophisticated style.
Wood Accents – Blend natural wood touches into your design with paneled walls, vanity furniture, shelving or flooring. Opt for moisture-resistant teak or bamboo.
Bronze and Brass – Metallic accents in bronze and brass bring glamour. Try framed mirrors, faucets, shower fixtures, drawer pulls and wall sconces.
Crystal Chandeliers – For drama, hang a mini crystal chandelier above your bathtub or vanity space. Opt for protected fixtures rated for humidity.
Faux Fur – Add ultra-luxurious texture with faux fur bathroom rugs in white, grey or black. Look for moisture-wicking fabric bases.
4. Create a Spa-Inspired Shower
The shower is center stage in most bathrooms. Make this area feel like a relaxing visit to the spa with these special touches:
Rain Shower Head – As mentioned earlier, a wide rainfall shower head feels incredibly luxurious. Choose large 8-10 inch diameter fixtures.
Body Jets – Install sidewall body spray jets for a total surround experience. Opt for adjustable jets to target sore muscles.
Steam Shower – A built-in steam shower offers therapeutic benefits and feels indulgent. Look for units with steam generators,seats, glass doors and waterproof controls.
High-End Door – Ditch the plastic shower curtain for framed glass doors. Frameless glass and bronze metal-framed doors both exude luxury.
Bench Seating – Built-in teak or marble bench seating lets you relax in the shower. Include a shelf for bath essentials.
Premium Shower Floor – Skip basic plastic or fiberglass in favor of tiled marble, slate, pebble or quartz shower flooring. Add radiant heating for luxury.
Rainfall Shower Head – As mentioned earlier, a wide rainfall shower head feels incredibly luxurious. Choose large 8-10 inch diameter fixtures.
Luxury Fixtures – Upgrade to thermostatic valves, hand showers, polished metal trim and handles in finishes like brushed bronze and champagne gold.
5. Include High-End Surfaces
From gleaming countertops to spa-worthy flooring, luxe surfaces elevate your bathroom’s aesthetic. Consider these exquisite options:
Marble Countertops – Elegant marble countertops make a glamorous statement. They come in a range of natural patterns and neutral tones.
Travertine Tile – Warm, textured travertine tile used on walls, floors and showers brings nature indoors.
Heated Bathroom Floors – Radiant heated bathroom floors are a dream. Options include electric and hydronic systems installed under marble, tile or wood floors.
Mosaic Tile Accents – For luxe detail, incorporate mosaic tiles on walls, showers and in floor medallions. Opt for stone, glass or metallic mosaics.
Natural Stone – In addition to marble and travertine, natural stones like limestone, granite, and onyx add luxury underfoot or on walls.
Wood Flooring – Complement stone tile with wood flooring. Teak and bamboo are moisture-resistant options that bring warmth.
Glass Tiles – Mirrored, frosted or clear glass tiles lend unique style and reflect light beautifully. Use them on walls, shelving and in shower niches.
6. Provide Plenty of Storage
While minimalism is key for a luxe look, you still need functional storage. Optimize space with these upscale storage solutions:
Hidden Shelving – Recess shelving into nooks and crannies to maintain clean sightlines. Try glass-front cabinets for displaying luxe accessories.
**Under-Sink Cabinets **- Maximize space beneath sinks with rollout trays, slide-out baskets and compact organizers for toiletries. Keep interiors tidy.
Medicine Cabinet – Well-designed medicine cabinets keep essentials at hand without clutter. Look for mirrored cabinets and custom-built-in units sized to your space.
Drawers and Cabinets – For ample but discrete storage, add soft-closing drawers and cabinets for linens, toilet paper and cleaning supplies. Maintain a cohesive look.
Compartmentalized Trays – Use trays and drawer organizers to neatly arrange bath items. Look for materials like bamboo, metal and acrylic to coordinate with your decor.
Baskets – Woven baskets and bins stow towels and bathrobes in an elegant fashion. Select neutral colors that tie into your palette.
Washlet – For the ultimate luxury, install a high-tech Japanese washlet bidet toilet with heated spray, dryer and deodorizer features that reduce surface clutter.
7. amp-Up the Style with Design Details
It’s often the little details that take a bathroom design to the next level. Elevate your space with these indulgent touches:
Wallpaper Accent Wall – Make a bold statement with wallpaper on a single wall or nook. Opt for neutral grasscloth, muted metallics or organic patterns.
Wainscoting – Classic paneled wainscoting lends traditional luxe style. Use stone, wood or faux treatments on lower walls.
Sconces – Warm ambient lighting from crystal wall sconces or modern metal fixtures adds soft elegance. Flank vanity mirrors for optimal light.
Artwork – Hang artwork – from inspiring photography to abstract prints – to elevate your walls. Black and white palettes feel luxe.
Towel Warmers – Heated towel warmers are a luxurious upgrade. Choose freestanding units or models that integrate with existing plumbing.
Window Treatments – Floor to ceiling drapes or roman shades provide privacy and sophistication. Opt for neutral solids or muted metallics.
Freestanding Tub – As mentioned earlier, a freestanding soaking tub serves as a focal point. Place it beneath a window, by a fireplace or with a spa-like view.
8. Prioritize Quality Craftsmanship
Careful attention to detail and quality craftsmanship ensures your luxe bathroom design stands the test of time. Avoid cutting corners with these essentials:
Custom Cabinetry – Invest in fully custom cabinets for a tailored look. Choose water-resistant materials like moisture-proof plywood wrapped in veneers.
Solid Core Doors – Upgrade to solid wood core doors instead of hollow cores for durability and luxury feel.
Sealed Countertops – Opt for nonporous natural stone counters or properly sealed surfaces that resist staining and damage from water exposure.
Waterproof Flooring – Choose tile, stone, and treated wood flooring that won’t warp or degrade over time, especially if adding radiant heating.
Curbless Entry – A curbless entry to walk-in showers prevents leaks and drips while providing a clean, contemporary look.
High-End Fixtures – Spend more on high-end shower fixtures, faucets, drains and supply lines that live up to daily wear and tear.
Professional Installation – Hire specialists for installing stone counters, tile and flooring. Proper technique prevents issues down the road.
9. Work with an Experienced Designer
Unless you have substantial design expertise, work with a professional bathroom designer to optimize the layout and specify luxe finishes and products while avoiding costly mistakes. Look for these credentials:
Specific Bathroom Focus – Search for designers who specialize in bathrooms, not just general residential design. Bathrooms require distinct technical knowledge.
Industry Qualifications – Many designers earn qualifications like Certified Master Kitchen and Bath Designer (CMKBD) from the National Kitchen and Bath Association (NKBA).
Strong Portfolio – Review a designer’s online portfolio to judge their aesthetic sensibilities and ability to realize high-end bathrooms.
Project Management Skills – Experienced designers have the vendor relationships and project management skills to oversee the work properly.
Familiarity with Building Codes – Bathroom designers must be well-versed in plumbing codes and standards to ensure safety and compliance.
3D Rendering Ability – Look for designers who can provide 3D renderings so you can visualize the space fully before renovating.
Willingness to Travel – If you don’t live near showrooms, seek designers willing to bring product samples and conduct virtual meetings.
Luxurious Bathroom Ideas: Frequently Asked Questions
Here are answers to some common questions about creating a more luxurious bathroom:
What are some small touches that make a bathroom feel more luxurious?
Some easy ways to make a bathroom feel more luxurious include installing sensor-activated lights, incorporating warm lighting, decluttering surfaces, displaying fresh flowers and plants, using electronic bidets and heated toilet seats, hanging artwork on the walls, upgrading the showerhead, and providing soft, plush towels.
What type of tile is most luxurious for a bathroom?
Marble, travertine and slate natural stone tiles are very luxurious options for bathroom floors and walls. Glass, metallic and mosaic tile accents also convey luxury. Make sure the tiles are properly sealed for water resistance.
What features make a bathtub feel high-end?
Freestanding tubs, air-jet tubs, drop-in tubs, large soaker tubs, and those made from materials like stone, enameled cast-iron, and acrylic with aluminum reinforcement feel the most luxurious. Automatic tub fillers also add luxury.
Should I install a separate shower and bathtub?
Having both a spacious shower and separate soaking tub creates a spa-like experience. However, this may not be feasible in smaller bathrooms. Some luxury tubs double as showers with the right fixtures. Consider your space and needs.
Is a bidet worth the investment?
A bidet provides luxury by reducing reliance on toilet paper. Electronic bidets with features like heated washing, drying, deodorizing, and hands-free operation make using the bathroom a lavish experience. If space allows, a bidet is worth the splurge.
Should I install bathroom radiant heating?
Radiant heated bathroom floors provide pure luxury underfoot and enhance comfort. Options include electric and hydronic systems installed beneath floor surfaces. This investment may be worthwhile for those living in colder climates.
How much space do I need for a double vanity?
To comfortably accommodate two people, allow for a vanity top that is at least 60 inches wide. This provides enough counter space for dual sinks spaced 36-48 inches apart. Factor in more space for built-in storage and drawers.
Should I hire a designer for a bathroom remodel?
Professional bathroom designers have the expertise to handle technical considerations, recommend luxury products, optimize layouts, and oversee the work properly. Their fees provide value if you want a magazine-worthy result.
Where should I splurge in a luxury bathroom?
Smart splurges include steam showers, soaking tubs, bidets and towel warmers. Also invest in quality flooring, counters, custom cabinetry and lighting. High-end fixtures tend to last longer while elevating the look.
Conclusion
Transforming your bathroom into a relaxing, luxurious oasis is feasible without exorbitant costs. Pay attention to all the details—from spa-inspired ambiance to opulent finishes and indulgent accents. Quality craftsmanship ensures your design withstands the test of time. Collaborating with bathroom design experts helps optimize the layout and product selection. With the right upgrades your bathroom will feel like a luxury you deserve.
