Spa Bathrooms at Home: Steam Showers, Wet Rooms, Natural Stone and Wood-Look Tile
More homeowners are asking for a bathroom that feels like a spa: a quiet place to unwind at the start or end of the day. A spa bathroom isn't about one fancy fixture. It's about how the materials, light, water and layout come together. Here are the elements I'm designing most often right now.
Are Steam Showers In or Out?
Steam showers are very much in, especially in primary bathrooms. A steam shower turns an everyday shower into a wellness ritual, and many homeowners use it to relax after golf, tennis or a long day.
A steam shower needs to be planned from the start, not added at the end. A few things to know:
Fully enclosed glass. The shower needs glass that runs to the ceiling, or close to it, so the steam stays in.
Built-in seating. A bench is essential, since you'll sit while you enjoy the steam.
Waterproofing for steam. The walls and ceiling need waterproofing designed for steam, not just water.
A home for the generator. The steam generator needs a nearby, accessible spot, often a closet or vanity cabinet.
If a full steam shower isn't in the plan, a large walk-in shower with a rain head, a handheld and a bench still delivers much of the spa feeling.
Natural Stone
Nothing feels quite like real stone. Marble, travertine and quartzite bring natural veining and texture that make a bathroom feel timeless. Honed (matte) finishes are especially popular right now. They feel softer and more organic, and they are less slippery than polished stone on floors.
Natural stone does need care. It should be sealed and cleaned with gentle, pH-neutral products. If you love the look but want less maintenance, today's porcelain and quartz can mimic stone remarkably well, and you can use the real thing where it matters most, like the vanity top or a feature wall.
Wood-Look Tile
Wood-look porcelain is one of the best ways to bring warmth into a spa bath without worrying about water. It works on bathroom floors, shower floors and even shower walls. Run it in a herringbone or chevron pattern for a custom look, or carry the same plank from the bedroom into the bath for a seamless, open feeling.
Paired with a real wood vanity in oak or walnut, wood-look tile creates that warm, natural spa feel that's replacing the cold all-white look.
The Wet Room: Tub and Shower Together
One of the newest spa bath ideas is the wet room. Instead of a separate tub and shower, the freestanding tub sits inside a large glass-enclosed shower area, so the whole zone is designed to get wet. You can shower, then step into the tub, all in one beautiful space.
A wet room feels luxurious and open, takes up less floor space than a separate tub and shower, and is easy to clean because water stays inside the glass. It's also wonderful for bathing small children or grandchildren.
Because the entire area gets wet, a wet room has to be carefully planned:
Waterproofing everywhere inside the enclosure, not just in a shower pan.
A floor that slopes properly to the drain, often a linear drain, so water never pools.
Slip-resistant floor tile, such as a honed stone or textured porcelain.
Good ventilation to manage the extra moisture.
A tub that's made to sit in a wet area, with the faucet placed so it's easy to reach from inside and outside the tub.
More Elements of a Spa Bathroom
Curbless walk-in showers that feel open and are easier to use as we age.
Towel warmers and heated floors for everyday comfort.
A freestanding tub as a sculptural focal point, if you love to soak.
Dimmable, layered lighting so the room can go from bright mornings to calm evenings.
A soft, natural palette of stone, wood, plaster and greenery.
Hidden storage so nothing clutters the counters.
Plan the Spa Before You Pick the Tile
The most relaxing bathrooms are designed around the way you'll use them: where the light falls, how the shower is laid out, where towels and toiletries live, and how the room is ventilated. Getting the layout right first is what makes the finishes shine.
About the Author
Anna Landolac is the founder and principal designer of Landolac Designs, an award-winning kitchen and bath design studio and NKBA member serving Naples, Bonita Springs, Estero and Fort Myers.
Landolac Designs
Anna Landolac
25987 S. Tamiami Trail, Suite 102, Bonita Springs, FL 34134
239-893-9400
sales@landolacdesigns.com
www.landolacdesigns.com
Comments