LUXURY BATHROOM DESIGN: How to create a spa like Bathroom

If you are renovating your bathroom or en-suite and want to make it feel luxurious, as if it was designed by an interior designer then this blog is for you. 

The bathroom can be a difficult space to design, until you think like an Interior Designer. 

A well designed bathroom should be more than just look pretty. It should feel calm, relaxing and effortless to use. Whether it’s a family bathroom or ensuite, getting the design right from the beginning can make a huge difference.   Firstly, ask yourself;

Who is going to be using the space?

What are the daily routines for each user?

How do you want the space to feel?

What storage do you need?  And then add some more!

You will then need to consider these points; 

Layout

The most beautiful bathroom in the world will not work if the layout is wrong and not working for you and your family.

Before choosing tiles, taps or colours, think about how the room will function.

Think about:

• The position of the shower, bath, basin and toilet
• How many people use the space at the same time
• Traffic flow through the room
• Privacy when entering the room
• Sight lines from the doorway

Ideally, avoid having the toilet as the first thing you see when you walk into the room. Instead, create a layout that draws the eye towards a beautiful vanity, statement bath or feature wall.

Functionality

Everything is exactly where you need it to be.

Think about practical details such as:

• Worktop space around the basin
• Easy access to storage
• Sufficient towel rails and hooks
• Shower niches for toiletries
• Easy-to-clean surfaces
• Ventilation

The most successful bathrooms balance beauty and practicality equally.

Storage 

One of the biggest mistakes I see in bathrooms and en-suites is not including enough storage.  You will need more storage than you think!

Bathrooms quickly become cluttered with toiletries, cleaning products, spare toilet rolls, towels, and everyday essentials.  So, when planning storage, think beyond what you currently own and consider what you’ll need in the future.

Some great storage solutions include:

• Vanity drawers rather than cupboards
• Tall storage cabinets
• Recessed wall niches
• Built-in shelving
• Hidden storage behind mirrors
• Storage benches where space allows

The less visible clutter you have, the more luxurious your bathroom will feel.

Tiles

Don’t Be Afraid to Mix Tiles. 

Using different tiles often creates a much more interesting and high-end result.

You might choose:

• A feature tile within the shower
• A different floor tile
• Textured wall tiles
• Decorative mosaics
• Large-format tiles paired with smaller feature tiles

The key is ensuring they relate to one another.  They don’t need to match, but they should connect through colour, tone, texture or style.

Thoughtfully layered materials create depth, character and personality, making the room feel designed rather than simply fitted.

Mixing Metals

Yes you can mix metals.  In fact mixing metals can elevate a bathroom.

Brass, black, chrome, nickel and bronze can all work beautifully together when used intentionally.

My advice is simple: choose no more than two metal finishes.

For example:

• Brushed brass and black
• Chrome and matte black
• Brushed nickel and brass

Introducing too many finishes can make a scheme feel disjointed, whereas two complementary metals create a curated and sophisticated look.  

Lighting

So often I see just ceiling recessed lights, but lighting is so much more.  It has a huge impact on the overall feel of the space.

Layering different types of lighting helps create both atmosphere and practicality.

Consider incorporating:

• Ceiling spotlights for general illumination
• Decorative wall lights
• Pendant lighting where appropriate
• LED lighting beneath vanity units
• Mirror lighting for grooming tasks
• Dimmable lighting for evening relaxation

Lighting should support everyday tasks while also helping the room feel calm and inviting.

A bathroom should feel equally comfortable when you’re getting ready for work at 6am as it does when you’re enjoying a relaxing bath at the end of the day.

The Finishing Touches

Luxury is often found in the smallest details.

Beautiful towels, carefully selected accessories, quality mirrors, natural textures and thoughtful styling all contribute to the overall feel.

You don’t need an enormous budget to create a bathroom that feels luxurious. What matters most is thoughtful planning and making intentional design choices.

When layout, functionality, storage, materials and lighting all work together, the result is a bathroom that not only looks beautiful but feels wonderful to use every day.

And that’s what great design is really about.

If you are reading this and feel it’s to take your bathroom or en-suite to the next level, I would love to hear from you.  If you would prefer to receive ongoing inspiration, thoughtful design advice and sometimes a behind the scenes look at my work then sign up to my monthly newsletter.