Whether it is the stress of work or the need for a brief escape from a busy household, many people are spending more time in their bathrooms to relax, decompress and find a moment of quiet. The bathroom has evolved into a personal wellness retreat, which has led to growing interest in remodeling bathrooms with design elements that reflect the calming atmosphere of a spa.
This shift provides a strong opportunity for bathroom remodeling professionals to create environments that feel restorative while maintaining functionality and durability. The following strategies outline how remodelers and designers can help homeowners achieve bathrooms that support wellness, relaxation and everyday comfort.
Choose a Calming, Neutral Base
Color is one of the fastest ways to influence the overall mood of a bathroom. Spa-inspired spaces typically rely on palettes that promote calm and clarity, including soft whites, warm grays and nature-based greens and blues. A tonal palette can complete the room, keeping it uncluttered and serene.
Photo: Re-Bath
For homeowners who still want personality, desaturated earth tones provide subtle depth without disrupting the sense of calm. Consistency across wall finishes, tile selections and surface materials reinforces cohesion and creates a backdrop that immediately feels soothing and inviting.
Recommend Shower Upgrades for Ultimate Impact
The shower is often considered the centerpiece of a spa-inspired bathroom, and even modest upgrades can significantly elevate relaxation. Features such as rain-style showerheads, handheld sprayers and steam functionality create a warm, enveloping environment that feels like an escape. When remodeling bathrooms, integrated benches or seating add comfort, while clear glass enclosures visually open the space and create a more modern look.
For homeowners with smaller bathrooms, converting a traditional alcove tub into a walk-in shower can dramatically transform the room. Low-threshold entries improve accessibility and contributes to a clean, contemporary aesthetic. Together, these enhancements create an immersive, restorative experience that allows people to disconnect from daily stress and feel fully recharged to carry on their day.
Photo: Re-Bath
Use Lighting to Shape the Atmosphere
Lighting is a pivotal element in any bathroom remodel, but in wellness-focused spaces, its impact becomes even more significant. A layered approach works best, starting with bright, even task lighting at the vanity to support grooming and daily routines. Ambient lighting then establishes the overall tone. Soft overhead fixtures, dimmable LEDs, concealed lighting and natural light help create a warm, tranquil environment that reflects the calming ambiance of a spa.
Accent lighting provides the final layer of refinement when remodeling bathrooms. Subtle illumination around mirrors, niches or architectural details highlights design features without overwhelming the room. Together, these layers give homeowners both flexibility and functionality, ensuring the bathroom provides enough light to support essential daily tasks while also providing opportunities to unwind and recharge.
Incorporate Sensory Elements
Creating a spa-inspired bathroom is about engaging multiple senses. Scent often signals relaxation, so features such as integrated diffusers, steam enhancements or strategically placed candles can elevate the room’s calming qualities. Texture is also critical, whether through plush towels, soft bathmats, or smooth tiles that soften the room and create tactile comfort.
Photo: Re-Bath
Biophilic touches, like humidity-tolerant plants or fresh flowers, bring natural color, movement and a restorative connection to nature. Thoughtful acoustics such as background music, a waterfall feature, or white noise can further reduce echo and outside distractions, creating a peaceful, insulated retreat.
When combined with layered lighting, aromatherapy and other sensory elements, these features transform the bathroom from a purely functional space into a wellness-focused sanctuary. A thoughtfully designed bathroom makes daily rejuvenation effortless, giving homeowners a space where relaxation and restoration are accessible every day. Remodelers who prioritize wellness-focused design not only meet homeowners’ evolving needs but also capitalize on a trend that continues to grow in popularity.
—By Leah Tuttleman, an Allied member of ASID and an interior designer for Re-Bath
