What is a spa-like bathroom supposed to be like?

19 years ago

I keep on hearing that people want bathrooms that are spa-like, but I have no idea what this means. I've never been to a spa, so I don't really know what these spas are supposed to be like and thus what these spa-like bathrooms are supposed to be like. What makes one bathroom spa-like vs. one that isn't?

Featured Answer

MongoCT

19 years ago

"Spa-like", as it has been related to me by others who want it, means:

Minimalism. Not a whole lot of specific busy detail.

Clean lines, contemporary-like. Usually a more open floor plan, a walk-in shower. Not a whole lot of busyness to obstruct clean sight lines. While not neccessary, a few have requested vanity cabinets suspended from the wall so the floor is clean underneath.

Showers always seem to have a rainshower head. Gentle flow of water relaxing. But you still need a traditional head for blating shampoo/conditioner out of long hair. Most people want body sprays, but follow-up discussions reveal that after the novelty wears off, the body sprays seldom get used.

A soaking tub of some sort. Many people still prefer the vigor of a jetted tub over the gentler air tub.

Glass tile. Always seems to be a lot of glass tile. Wood cabinetry has either been a dark natural wood, or if painted it's been painted a darker color, or ebonized.

Colors meld. You see specific detail, but it doesn't hit you over the head with "look at me."

Colors are somewhat close in color and shade. Differences are fine, but no jarring, contrasting colors from opposing sides of the color wheel.

A couple that I've done along these lines were a lot of glass tile, some had concrete countertops with intergal cast sinks, some had vessel sinks. Clean, sleek, more modern than traditional.

But then I did one that was totally colonial-esque. Coffered ceilings, 9-piece built-up crown, lots of painted wood trim.

People have different versions of "spa-like", my wife, who has been to a few, says her experiences lean more towards the contemporary and quiet former rather than the colonialesque latter.

Ideally, you want to minimize distractions, whether they be visual or aural. A quiet room that allows relaxation, music to provide "white noise" to cover the noises from the outside world, adjustable mood lighting, visually smooth.

A destination within the home.

Mongo

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Comments (13)

button
19 years ago
Hey Mongo, thanks for that write up. I am in the middle of doing some what of a "spa" type bathroom so your write up gave me some good food for thought.

Also you gave me some tips for doing white concrete counter tops a few months ago and the tests I did came out great. I should be pouring the vanity counter top next week.

Cheers. Chris
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shelacious
19 years ago
That's a really nice summary Mongo. I'm doing a modified spa look, and incorporate some of the same concepts--I have dark wood vanity, neutral tile, clear tub screen, clean, simple lines, lots of white and light.
monicakm_gw
19 years ago
shelacious, THAT'S the word I was looking for..."modified". I've been calling my master bath remodel a "spa inspired" remodel. Then I read Mongo's eloquent summary of "spa inspired" and, well, I'm pretty sure I can stop using that phrase now (lol) I am using the dark wood vanity, neutral tile, cool "sea tones" glass accent tiles and a glass sink, an air tub with chromeatherapy, an sleek Jado faucet, and a Toto Washlet for my Toto toilet. So maybe it's a poor country girl's "modified" spa inspired bathroom :)
pharaoh
19 years ago
Take this with a grain of salt :)

Other spa necessities -

Ultra luxurious white towels

Only handmade french soaps

Imported shampoos and salts (nothing from costco)

Teak bench/floor/ceiling

Stone, marble, teak buddha

Rainhead

One phalaenopsis orchid

Very large window overlooking a bamboo forest or atleast a grove.

Soothing flute or harp music

Here is the list of what is NOT spa like
Ornate vanities
Colored towels with florals
Floral wall paper
Large brandname soaps, shampoos, etc
Synthetic bath mats
Floral shower curtain and rubber duckies
Single plastic shower and bathtub unit
View of freeway!
melisande
19 years ago
LOL, [b]Pharoah[/b].

This thread rules. Now all it needs is...pictures.
monicakm_gw
19 years ago
Gee thanks pharoah. I can't even use the word "modified" now :o I guess I'll have to call my new master bath a "spa inspired wannabe" (g)
Monica
pharaoh
19 years ago
Monica, oh no, I have insulted your 'spa-inspired-wannabe' masterbath :(

It is interesting how 'derived' our design has become...right? It used to be japanese bath, then it became asian bath, then spa bath, then spa inspired bath, now it is spa inspired wannabe, what is next - 'i-have-never-been-to-a-spa-
but-this-is-where-i-got-my-inspiration-on-my-forum-bath-designed-by-monicakm'

:)
monicakm_gw
19 years ago
LOLOL! I've kinda been to a spa, a floating spa...aboard the Grand Princess cruise liner. But honestly, I probably wouldn't know a spa if it jumped up and bit me! (g)
hmg58
19 years ago
LOL-what a great way to start the day.
I'd been planning my spa inspired wannabe last fall when I actually went to my first spa ever (not on purpose, DH had business, I really don't like spas) and--guess what? There were my glass tiles! And my dark cabinets! And my neutral floor and wall tiles!
I seem to be missing the masseuse...
amy_d-r
19 years ago
Spa baths are definitely clean and minimalistic, more modern than not. The only thing that seems to missing from the lists is nature. I envision Pharoah's windows overlooking a view, the sound of falling water, and an abudnance of natural materials--teak or bamboo, natural stone, and plush organic cotton. When man-made materials are used, it is nature-inspired, like glass tile that mimics the play of light on water or stone-like concrete. Definitely no plastic. It also has to smell good--maybe this is where the all-natural, handmade, minimally processed and packaged soaps, etc come in...

Maybe this could be called Madison, WI modified hippie spa inspired design...

I wouldn't say my bath is a spa bath, it's more retro modern something or other on a budget, but I was inspired by the whole spa experience to be even more clean and minimalistic in the design and to buy expensive towels :)
downtowner
19 years ago
Our model.

Here is a link that might be useful: Enlarge picture and view
bigideaslittlefunds
19 years ago
i saw this post and i to have a spa inspired bathroom.
my inspiration came from a reed air diffuser: NATE BERKUS
LINDENWOOD fragrance.

it can be bought at linens n things--- i highly recommend this fragrance

it smells like a spa- LOL - cause i have never been to one
and if i ever go to one i hope it smells like this or i may be dissapointed!!!!!

i hope they don't discontinue it!!!!