Bathrooms have been elevated over the years from simply utilitarian rooms to highly stylized spaces that not only evoke personal taste but customized lavishness. Whether a “spa-like” retreat or simply a classic look that is big on functionality, today’s bathrooms deliver large on luxury.
Today’s bathrooms are finally garnering much needed design attention with homeowners who are increasingly looking to five-star resorts for inspiration where freestanding baths, beautiful surfaces and high-end finishes are synonymous with the world’s most luxurious hotels and spa oasis. With a wealth of luxury materials and products available, it’s now possible to create the look of a chic hotel bathroom in the home.
Homeowners are happily investing in their bathrooms the same way they are in other living spaces throughout their homes. Realizing that investing in hotel-style luxury in the bath can bring a higher return on investment (ROI), we have been seeing a surge in clients that are now seeking the best in design and finishes in order to maximize their ROI while also enjoying the luxuries of travel right in their own homes.
From tubs to warm metal finishes for lavatory faucets, beautiful quartz surfaces reminiscent of old vintage marble to one-of-a-kind custom designed vanity options, homeowners are striving to experience high-end design features in their own homes. According to a recent article in This Old House magazine, “People buying a house look first at kitchens and baths,” says Kermit Baker, director of the remodeling futures program at the Joint Center for Housing Studies at Harvard University. By investing in a luxurious bathroom, it’s likely to pay for itself when the time comes to sell; while creating a relaxing retreat for your client in the interim.
When homeowners make an investment in high quality products, they invest for a lifetime. High-end products and finishes are not only about the design aesthetic but also the quality and the design inspiration they evoke. Toronto-based designer Daniel Harland from Roundabout Studio has certainly noticed this, “When our client bought their house with intentions to do a full-gut renovation, the bathtub was the only item he specifically requested that we keep and re-use. In many ways, the new space was designed around this particular bathtub. Its shape and scale informed many of our decisions throughout the process.”
The refurbished bathroom is designed with a contemporary, earthy palette and features a practical wall-hung vanity and statement freestanding tub – a spa-like scheme that would be at home in a luxury hotel. Designing bathroom spaces around a particular statement piece help to create the “high-end hotel feel” in homes.
Well-appointed, beautiful, quality products and finishes are being sought out by homeowners and manufacturers, such as Victoria + Albert, are not only seeing the appeal but designing for it. They have recently released luxe looking tubs that are geared towards a slightly smaller footprint, responding to homeowners’ desires for upscale luxury. As we know, good design is not determined by the size of the space so as a designer being able to offer clients a luxury bath space on a smaller scale is definitely a great benefit.
When designing bathrooms, tubs such as these are a popular choice with clients who are looking to create the perfect sanctuary for relaxation from the bustle of everyday life. So whether designing a luxury retreat bath space on a commercial level or for a client with a small urban home, look to incorporate quality high-end finishes such as these to create the luxe oasis feel a bathroom deserves.
Linda Mazur is a nationally publicized designer and principal of Linda Mazur Design Group. With almost two decades of experience, the design firm is known for creating relaxed stylish spaces and full-scale design builds within Toronto, the GTA and throughout Canada. www.lindamazurdesign.com @LindaMazurGroup
photo: Victoria + Albert
