Soak up a spa-like bathroom with full-on renos or simple decorative touches

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When choosing a colour palette, Murayama prefers hues found in nature: oak or walnut browns, greens that evoke the forest, blues inspired by the ocean, off-white to reflect clouds. “The shapes of leaves, ocean waves, volcanic stones, and white sand, as well as the textures of seashells, also inspire me,” she says.

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Woven baskets or wood accents, can help temper glossy or cooler tile and make the space feel warmer and more spa-like. Photo by Adobe Stock /Pixel-Shot - stock.adobe.com

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As for cabinetry, she says it depends on space, lighting, and storage needs. “If space is limited, like in a condo, we consider how to utilize the height rather than the width. Tall storage will go all the way to the ceiling to maximize space. We can also incorporate soft or motion-sensor lighting under the cabinet.”

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Murayama loves to use marble to create a spa-style atmosphere, but most clients are hesitant because of its susceptibility to stain. Instead, she chooses quartz countertops which are easier to maintain.

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She also recommends radiant floor heating to avoid the shock of cold tile on warm feet. “I like to add different textures to create depth and have the flooring different from the wall tile. I’ll use a different colour but keep the undertone the same to complement.”

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For a recent project, her clients wanted a dramatic, stone-like look so she used terrazzo tile, a mix of materials like marble, granite, and quartz. “It’s not for everybody but it worked here.”

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Lastly, ventilation is important when your new spa-inspired bathroom is generating a lot of steam. Murayama has replaced older systems with new ones like Panasonic’s WhisperChoice DC, which is super quiet.

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Ultimately, she says, when creating a spa-like bathroom, you should first consider your personal lifestyle rather than copying someone else’s design. “Everyone interprets the idea of ‘spa-like’ differently. By understanding what it means to you, you can discover the perfect setting that allows you to truly enjoy the experience. There’s no right or wrong answer to the design; if you love it and want it, that’s the answer.”

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Decorate to reinvigorate

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Updating mirrors and decorative hardware is a budget-friendly way to dramatically shift the style of a bathroom. Photo by Adobe Stock /ImageFlow - stock.adobe.com

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If you’d rather not knock down a wall or tear out your tub in pursuit of a Zen-like bathing experience, there’s a simpler, more affordable way. Kelly Grimes, interior decorator and founder of Go To Your Room Interior Decorating and Design, says when creating a calming atmosphere, she recommends starting by decluttering. That means clearing out overcrowded counters, drawers and cabinets, and tossing expired products and half-used hotel toiletries. “A clutter-free surface instantly creates mental calm and allows a few intentional decorative pieces to shine.”

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On a recent project, she incorporated custom shelving above the toilet that doubled as a space for must-have items while reflecting a more personalized decor.

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“We also incorporated two pieces of art in the space: a vintage ocean print on wood panel, to connect with the soft feeling of the space; and a punchy-coloured piece to tie in with the calm greens that draw your eye all the way to the back of the room to visually enlarge the space. My client still tells me that every time she walks into her bathroom she feels like she is staying at a luxury hotel.”

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For the toiletries you do keep, Grimes suggests decanting and presenting them in simple, matching pump bottles or onto trays to create visual cohesion. “A tidy, intentional display feels far more luxurious than a mix of branded packaging. Clear glass containers, small stone trays or even a single sculptural object made from marble or alabaster can add quiet elegance without cluttering the space.”

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She also recommends updating mirrors and decorative hardware. “A new mirror can dramatically shift the style of a bathroom and is often more budget-friendly than replacing plumbing fixtures. Swapping dated cabinet pulls for something more refined can also elevate the overall look without construction.”