When designing interiors, lighting frequently guides the mood. In your bathroom, take control of the light to dictate the vibe and how it shifts throughout the day.

For your morning shower, for instance, plenty of natural light is the perfect way to start the day. If you can, open up your curtains and let the light in. For bathrooms where privacy is an issue, explore options for made to measure blinds that allow you to control the flow of light while still blocking the view of your space.

When dipping into a calming bath in the evening, a darker room with a warm glow gives the restful vibes of a luxury retreat. For this, focus on using multiple light sources for a more balanced, ambient mood.

Start, for example, with wall lamps and sconces in areas you need better visibility (such as by your mirrors). These bring plenty of character and a touch of luxury to elevate your interior decor. For a more contemporary aesthetic, try under-unit strip lighting and a dimmable overhead light.

Layer candles around your bathroom for a spa-inspired glow. Large pillar candles are a go-to choice as they’ll bring plenty of soft lighting and burn for hours, ensuring you’re not left in the dark halfway through your bath. Add your candles to holders and lanterns for extra stability and reduce fire-related risks.

Biophilic design involves grounding your interiors in nature. It’s been proven that this design method reduces stress and anxiety, inducing a calming effect that’s perfect for a luxury bathroom retreat.

But how do you bring nature to your bathroom? There are plenty of ways, including:

• Adding houseplants: Bring the outdoors inside with a variety of houseplants. Thinking of trailing Ivy, air-filtering Snake Plants, and large Parlour Palms for a zen-like atmosphere.
• Using earth tones: Choose a colour palette inspired by nature, with terracottas, deep greens, and plenty of neutrals for an earthy interior.
• Adding eucalyptus: Hang branches of fresh eucalyptus in your shower or by your bath. Steam from hot water helps release the natural oils for a fragrant bathroom scented by nature.
• Ditching plastic: Keep plastic to a minimum, favouring soap bars, sponges, and 100% cotton towels.

You can also design a more grounded space by renovating using natural materials. Opt for our wood effect tiles and natural stone tiles*, for example, to mimic the colours and textures found in the great outdoors and curate a bathroom that’s a natural stress-reliever. 
*Natural Stone does usually require sealing before usage in high-traffic and wet areas.

Luxury isn’t just about how your space looks, but how it feels. Introducing pleasant textures creates an environment that’s comfier and more indulgent, which is key if you want it to feel like a retreat.

Start with plush, oversized towels in natural fibres like 100% cotton or bamboo. These are softer, more absorbent, and more sustainable than synthetic alternatives, and align with the biophilic design theme. A thick bath mat underfoot, especially in high-pile or woven styles, adds a cosy touch when you step in and out of the tub.

For an extra layer of comfort, consider a soft dressing gown and a pair of slippers. Towelling robes are particularly popular in spas, allowing you to wrap up in something warm when you’ve just gotten out of the bath or shower. Hang your gown or robe within easy reach to mimic the hotel experience. 

Blend biophilic design with the luxurious feel of a spa by using natural toiletries.

Look for soap bars, bath salts, and bath oils that contain plant-derived ingredients and plenty of essential oils. Products with eucalyptus, lavender, or sandalwood not only nourish the skin but also create a calming atmosphere.

A quick switch to higher-quality products can instantly elevate your bathroom, encouraging you to be more mindful and turning everyday routines into indulgent rituals.

Scent plays an important part in helping you relax. It can trigger positive feelings, remind you of good memories, and even encourage the release of serotonin and dopamine (happy hormones!).

In your bathroom, explore different ways to incorporate fragrance. You don’t want to overwhelm your senses, but a scented candle or fragrant bath salts can be ideal for adding calming aromas to your space.

Essential oils are a popular choice for bathrooms, too. Add a few drops of your favourite scent directly to your bath water or the floor of your shower. You can also heat the oil in a candle-lit diffuser or use an electric diffuser for a fire-free option (great if you have little ones running around!).

If you have a bath, it should be a key focus of your retreat-like bathroom. A freestanding tub instantly evokes a sense of luxury, but even a standard tub can feel high-end with the right accessories. 

Start with a wooden bath tray. This sits along the width of your bath and provides a handy space to hold a few of your luxurious toiletries, or your bathing essentials (think a book, candle, and hot cup of tea). 

You can also bring more comfort to long soaks with a bath pillow. This attaches to your bath using suction cups and can be removed and tidied away after you’ve bathed.

When in the bath, pamper your skin by upgrading from a standard flannel to a spa-like experience. Explore natural sponges, exfoliating brushes, and sugar scrubs for a luxurious clean that’ll leave your skin soft and polished.

For bathroom renovations, you could also consider designing a wet room for a high-end experience.

When it comes to creating a luxury bathroom, clutter shouldn’t be a feature. Overflowing shelves and a shower that’s full to the brim with toiletries aren’t going to help you relax.

If your bathroom is cluttered, sort through what you have. Keep what you need and donate or gift products you never use, cutting down on the number of unnecessary tubs and bottles in your space.

You can also minimise the look of clutter with plenty of functional storage. Have at least one unit with doors or drawers you can close, hiding away your must-have products that don’t suit your spa-like aesthetic. Use open shelving to highlight your more luxurious items, like folded fluffy towels and bath oils in glass jars.

Your bathroom shouldn’t just be a place of function. It should be a haven of comfort, where you can feel at peace and forget about the worries of everyday life. Hopefully, these bathroom retreat ideas have given you plenty of inspiration to create a space you love to relax in.

Looking for more decor inspiration to renovate your home? Take a peek at our Advice & Guidance to discover a world of nature-inspired walls, flooring, and interior decor.