The modern bathroom is no longer just a utilitarian space. It has transformed into a personal sanctuary where design, comfort, and wellness converge. Homeowners are increasingly viewing bathroom renovations as investments in daily relaxation and self-care, transforming these intimate spaces into luxurious retreats that rival high-end spa experiences.
Contemporary bathroom designs blend cutting-edge technology with aesthetic elegance. Some of the most popular spa-like features include immersive shower experiences with rainfall and multi-directional jet systems, radiant heated flooring for year-round comfort, and smart mirrors with integrated lighting and digital interfaces.
Not every popular spa-like feature will work in every bathroom. Working with professional designers and contractors can help translate a homeowner’s vision into a cohesive, functional bathroom that respects their budget and increases their home’s value.
Abby Cunningham, an interior designer with Arose Interiors, has worked with homeowners interested in incorporating spa-like features into their master bathrooms. She recommends starting with a wish list and then comparing it with the budget. “Figure out the must-haves and match them against your budget,” she said. “Then, determine if it will all fit into your space. Keep in mind that existing plumbing and electrical wiring can sometimes limit what you do.”
Establishing a focal point and designing around it is another of Cunningham’s recommendations. Most of her clients choose the shower as the central feature and then build out to complement it. She has designed many dual-showerhead luxury experiences. Homeowners who go this route should consider how they plan to enclose the shower to protect their privacy and retain heat, as larger showers can lose heat quickly. If a bathtub serves as the focal point, Cunningham recommends a feature wall of stone or tile behind it. She favors concrete or lava stones for their unique appearance.
“Vanity and countertop storage space are also important,” she said. “Most of my customers are looking for extra space, so I have creative ways to find additional storage opportunities.”
When deciding on which materials to use, Cunningham said cleanliness is a top concern for most of her clients. It’s one of the reasons why she recommends quartz instead of marble. “We avoid marble because it can stain, especially in showers where soaps and lotions are used more often,” said Cunningham. “Quartz makes great built-in niches in showers or for curbs to keep the water in.”
For flooring, luxury vinyl products have gained popularity because they’re easy to clean and water-resistant. Spot-shield finishes for plumbing fixtures are another crowd-pleaser, as they help prevent hard water stains that can make fixtures look old and dirty.
A common design question she receives is whether it’s best to go with a freestanding tub or shower or incorporate a wet room design instead. “I think the wet room design will take some time for homeowners to be comfortable with because it’s so unique,” Cunningham said. “One design option is for zero-entry or curbless showers to replace the wet room design, helping the space feel more open without going full-on wet room.”
North Hills resident Jen Gebrosky said that when she and her husband were ready to remodel their bathroom, they focused on upgrades that would make it clean, classic and modern. “I knew this was a one-and-done kind of thing, and that I wouldn’t be remodeling again in five or ten years,” she said. “We went with higher-end gold fixtures and gold mirrors—we just wanted that high-end look with clean, modern lines and upscale appeal.”
Budget was a primary concern. Gebrosky appreciated that the contractor who completed the work, Matt McMillan, would tell her if one of her ideas wouldn’t work for the space or her budget. “We had a budget, and we stuck to it,” she said. “I would ask Matt what I could do with the budget, and he would give me limitations, so I didn’t go hog wild and pick out something I really wanted, only to find out I couldn’t afford it.”
The Gebroskys ended up removing their soaking tub to make room for a shower twice the size of the original one. They opted for a showerhead with a rain feature that included a dual-capability handheld sprayer. With the extra space, they also chose to relocate their first-floor laundry room and incorporate it into the remodeled master bathroom. Originally located off her kitchen, Gebrosky said it always felt like the laundry was overflowing into the living areas of the house. “You miss one day of laundry, and it overflows. I always felt like I had a laundry basket in my kitchen or living room.”
Gebrosky loves her new luxury bathroom and recommends that other homeowners find a reputable contractor if they plan to add spa-like features to their bathrooms. “Do your homework and stay within your budget,” she said. “And remember that just because you see it on Pinterest doesn’t mean it’s a viable option for your bathroom.”
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