Start and End Your Day in Luxury: Imagine yourself in a tranquil, spa-like oasis—right in your own home. As our clients increasingly prioritize wellness and self-care, their primary bathrooms are being transformed into luxurious retreats that promote relaxation and rejuvenation. From steam showers and saunas to aromatherapy and wet rooms, today’s bathroom remodeling trends are all about crafting a calming, Zen-inspired atmosphere.
Katie Florjancic, UDCP, Designer at The Cleary Company in Columbus, Ohio, shares her insights on these emerging trends: “A well-designed bathroom can become a personal sanctuary. It’s about more than aesthetics; it’s about creating a space that supports your well-being.”
7 features to consider when remodeling your primary bathroom into a retreat-like haven.
1. Steam Showers: The Ultimate Relaxation Experience
Steam showers are becoming a must-have feature in modern bathroom remodels. These enclosed spaces use a steam generator to produce warm, soothing mist, offering both physical and mental health benefits.
“Steam showers are perfect for relieving stress and promoting muscle relaxation,” explains Florjancic. “They’re especially popular among clients who want that spa-like experience without leaving home.”
In addition to relaxation, steam showers can improve circulation, clear sinuses, and promote healthier skin. Advanced systems often include built-in aromatherapy, chromotherapy, and Bluetooth sound systems, creating a fully immersive sensory experience.
Design Tip: Opt for materials that retain heat, like natural stone or tile, and ensure the enclosure is properly sealed to maximize steam retention.
2. Saunas: Heat Therapy at Home
Home saunas have gained popularity as people recognize the wellness benefits of heat therapy. Saunas help with detoxification, circulation, and stress relief—all while offering a cozy retreat from daily life.
“Incorporating a sauna into your bathroom design doesn’t have to mean sacrificing style or space,” says Florjancic. “There are sleek, compact options that integrate beautifully into the overall design.”
Traditional wood-paneled saunas remain a favorite, but infrared saunas, which use light to generate heat, are also on the rise. Infrared models are energy-efficient and heat up quickly, making them an ideal addition to modern homes.
Design Tip: If space allows, consider a combination sauna/steam room to maximize the therapeutic benefits of both.
3. Aroma, Chroma, & Sound Therapy: Engage Your Senses
Aromatherapy has long been associated with relaxation and wellness, and now it’s finding a permanent place in primary bathrooms. Essential oil diffusers can be integrated into steam showers or installed as standalone features to release calming scents like lavender, eucalyptus, or peppermint.
“Aromatherapy adds an extra layer of tranquility,” Florjancic explains. “It engages the senses in a subtle but powerful way, helping to create that ‘zen’ feeling we all crave.”
Chromotherapy, also known as, color therapy, uses color to improve physical and mental health. It is based on the belief that different colors have specific healing properties. Not only can it help relieve stress and anxiety but it can also boost your energy levels by stimulating blood flow throughout the body. It’s excellent for detoxifying as well.
Design Tip: Choose a system that allows for easy scent customization, so you can switch aromas based on your mood or needs.
4. Wet Rooms: Open-Concept Luxury
Wet rooms offer a sleek, modern solution for creating a spa-like atmosphere. These fully waterproofed spaces typically combine a shower and a freestanding tub in an open-concept design, eliminating the need for shower doors or curtains.
“Wet rooms can make even a small bathroom feel more spacious,” says Florjancic. “They create a seamless, open environment that enhances both function and style.”
Beyond aesthetics, wet rooms improve accessibility and are easier to clean due to their minimalist design.
Design Tip: Use slip-resistant tiles and strategically place drains to prevent water pooling.
5. Heated Elements: Warmth and Comfort
Few things are as comforting as stepping onto a warm floor on a chilly morning. Radiant floor heating, heated towel racks, and warming drawers for robes are simple yet luxurious additions.
“These elements might seem like small details, but they make a big difference,” says Florjancic. “Clients always rave about how these features elevate their daily routines.”
Design Tip: Pair heated floors with programmable thermostats to ensure energy efficiency.
6. Natural Materials and Calming Colors
The use of natural materials like wood, stone, and bamboo adds warmth and texture to bathroom designs. Earthy tones, soft neutrals, and organic textures create a soothing atmosphere.
“We love incorporating natural materials whenever possible,” Florjancic shares. “They’re timeless, elegant, and inherently calming.”
Popular choices include marble countertops, teak benches, and matte black or brushed gold fixtures for a modern touch.
Design Tip: Add greenery with potted plants or a small vertical garden to enhance the natural aesthetic.
7. Smart Technology: Convenience Meets Relaxation
Bathroom technology has evolved significantly, with smart mirrors, digital shower controls, and voice-activated lighting systems becoming common features.
“Smart technology helps simplify routines,” says Florjancic. “Imagine stepping into a shower that’s already at your preferred temperature or adjusting lighting with a simple voice command.”
From Bluetooth speakers for calming music to toilets with built-in bidets and heated seats, these features blend convenience with luxury.
Design Tip: Ensure that all technology is moisture-resistant and user-friendly.
Your Personal Sanctuary Awaits
A well-designed primary bathroom can serve as a daily escape from life’s stresses. By incorporating steam showers, saunas, aromatherapy, and other luxury features, you can create a space that promotes relaxation and enhances your overall well-being.
As Florjancic concludes, “Your bathroom should be a place where you feel completely at ease. With thoughtful design and the right features, you can transform it into a true personal retreat.”
Meet the Designer
Pro facts: Katie brought her expertise to our team in January 2020. She’s an experienced professional with 14 years of experience in the home design industry. She earned her bachelor’s degree studying Interior Design and Business Management at Ohio University, where she was an active member of the OU Design Group. Committed to excellence in her field, she holds a Universal Design Certified Professional (UDCP) accreditation from the National Association of the Remodeling Industry (NARI).
Fun facts: She’s an award-winning chef and dabbles in home wine-making with her father. Her dream project would be designing a boutique hotel because I love to travel and believe an aesthetically pleasing space can enhance your experience.
Social Media: Follow her and her projects on Instagram @katieflodesign
What do you enjoy the most about working for The Cleary Company?
“The people! I enjoy not only collaborating with my Team but we also like to have fun together outside of work. We also have some pretty amazing clients many of whom I enjoy keeping in touch with after their project is complete.”
Ready to create your own spa-like sanctuary?
Contact our Client Relations Coordinator today by scheduling a call or completing a new project form on our website.