Transforming Your Shower into a Luxurious Spa Retreat
Escape the ordinary and embrace the tranquility of a high-end spa right in the comfort of your own home. Forget the travel hassles and generic hotel robes; it’s time to transform your shower into a personal sanctuary, a haven for relaxation and rejuvenation. This trend, which gained significant traction during the pandemic, is poised to become a staple in modern homes. According to the National Kitchen and Bath Association, a staggering 87% of designers anticipate a surge in spa-like bathroom features in the coming years.
To delve into the latest shower designs and remodeling ideas, USA Today consulted with New Jersey-based interior designer Ellie Mroz of Ellie Mroz Design, and her husband, Michael Mroz, president and CEO of Michael Robert Construction. Their insights offer a roadmap to creating your own luxurious shower experience.
“There’s a big trend towards people creating spa-like rooms that’s more of an experience,” Ellie explains. “It’s becoming a part of people’s self-care ritual. They’re making their homes their haven.”
The core principle of elevating your shower lies in harnessing the calming and pampering power of water. A crucial element in this transformation is the water flow from the shower fixtures, which simultaneously serve as a design focal point.
"The perfect shower has several shower heads, body sprays, and a steam unit," Michael suggests, emphasizing the multi-faceted approach to achieving a truly spa-like experience.
There’s no need to settle for a basic showerhead when a vast array of options awaits. As Ellie notes, there are "showerheads that feel like rain, ones that create more of a waterfall feeling." The options extend further, with some featuring different temperature settings to enhance the experience, and even chromatic features like color-changing lights to create a specific mood.
Beyond water flow and temperature, some showerheads cater to other senses, such as smell and hearing. Aromatherapy, delivered through sprays of popular scents and fragrances, can transform your shower into an olfactory paradise. Audio integration allows you to enjoy your favorite music or calming soundscapes.
The Mrozs once designed a rain moon shower head for a client that epitomized luxury. Measuring four feet in diameter and 12 inches deep, it mimicked the soothing effect of rainfall while its moon shape provided a striking visual element. This showerhead also featured dimmable lighting and three shower modes.
"A sheet of water falls from the perimeter, and it spins in a circle," Michael describes. "It’s one of the coolest experiences I’ve ever seen."
Mimicking the high-end baths and showers of five-star hotels and spas requires a commitment to quality materials and finishes. High-quality tiles and natural stone, such as marble, granite, travertine, and quartzite, are essential for creating a luxurious aesthetic. For a sophisticated look, Ellie recommends large-format porcelain tiles with fewer grout lines, contributing to a cleaner, more seamless appearance.
Lighting plays a crucial role in setting the mood. Michael suggests using indirect lighting instead of traditional high hats. Wall washers, which bounce light off the walls and space, create a softer, more ambient glow. Adding sconces and lighting under shower benches, in shelving, and cove sections of the ceiling further enhances the atmosphere. “It will help put you in the right mental state," Michael says.
A heated floor further elevates the experience, providing warmth and comfort underfoot. To enhance relaxation, Ellie advises using a soothing color palette, avoiding jarring bright colors that can be disruptive.
Another way to create the feel of a personal spa is a "wet room," an open-plan area that is fully waterproofed, eliminating the need for a cubicle or door to separate the shower area. This approach allows you to go big in your master bathroom, with dual showerheads, a soaking bath, and ample space to pamper yourself.
In addition to these core elements, several other touches can contribute to the spa effect:
Steam Showers: If relaxation, detoxification, and rejuvenation are your goals, consider adding a steam shower. This eco-friendly feature not only saves water but can also relax your muscles, lower stress, and provide your skin with a deep cleanse.
Built-in Bench: A built-in bench adds comfort and beauty, whether you’re detoxing in steam, listening to music, shaving, or applying body treatments. “Use stone slabs that really show off the beauty of the stone and the veining,” Ellie suggests.
Glass Doors: “The more glass the better,” Michael says, emphasizing the importance of showcasing your beautiful finishes. "You don’t want to cover up all your beautiful finishes.”
When transforming an old shower into a spa-like getaway, avoid cutting corners.
"Everything needs to be demoed and taken down to the studs," Michael advises. "It’s really important to level and square all the walls and ceilings. You want to make sure everything is straight and plum."
Focus your spending on the elements you interact with most frequently. Ellie recommends prioritizing flooring materials, faucets, and shower heads.
"The hardware should feel and look like jewelry," Michael emphasizes, highlighting the importance of quality and aesthetic appeal.
Ellie recommends polished nickel for hardware coloration, citing its universal appeal and compatibility with various hardware brands, unlike brass.
Before embarking on your project, ensure your design is well-thought-out. "The mistakes you make are just so costly," Ellie warns. Careful planning and research are essential to avoid expensive missteps.
Finally, opt for timeless styles and finishes rather than fleeting trends.
"These finishes are permanent until your next renovation," Ellie reminds us. "It’s not like a throw pillow or accent rug." Choosing classic designs will ensure your spa-like shower remains a haven of relaxation for years to come.
