Life can be busy and stressful, both at work and at home. With so many obligations placed on us in this modern life, we’re expected to be ‘on call’ around the clock. This can be very mentally draining! Now more than ever, we need to find a way to switch off once in a while and take stock of our inner wellbeing.

More and more of us are realising that our bathrooms can help set the tone for the start of the day and also be a relaxing escape at the end of the day. There’s been a noticeable shift in bathroom trends in which designers are trying to capture the look and feel of a day spa or a luxurious retreat. People want a space where they can rejuvenate and focus on self-care. 

For this blog post, we reached out to interior designer Melissa Leung from Elenberg Fraser to get her top tips on how to design a bathroom that’s your very own personal wellness oasis. 

Select natural materials 

To create a truly relaxing atmosphere in your bathroom, you want to choose materials that are natural and authentic. Think stone and reclaimed timber as these materials radiate warmth and comfort. Try to bring the beauty of nature into your selections for surfaces such as your vanity and wall treatments.

There’s a real trend now in moving away from materials that try to ‘look like’ other materials. For example, rather than opting for floor tiles that create a concrete look, designers are just using real concrete instead. This approach will enhance the overall feeling that your bathroom design is ‘all real’ and natural. 

Add a touch of greenery 

Adding some plants here and there to your bathroom is an easy way to transform it into a lush hideaway. Plants invoke a connection to nature and minimise the feeling of a space being cold or clinical. 

The air is moist and damp in a bathroom – which most plants tend to love. The main thing to consider when choosing plants is how much natural light you have in your bathroom and how much air and light your plants need. Orchids are a good choice as they like indirect, filtered light. Zanzibars are lush and easy to grow indoors. Boston ferns are another popular plant for bathrooms as they need minimal care and the feathery ferns drape beautifully.

Get creative as to where you position plants in your bathroom. You don’t have to just put them in pots on surfaces. Why not try hanging planter baskets from hooks in the ceiling? Doing this above your bathtub will create a truly luxurious bathing experience.

Incorporate layers and warm tones

It can be tempting to try to fit as many styles and features in your bathroom as possible. But a wellness focused bathroom shouldn’t feel busy or as if there’s ‘too much going on’. You want to ensure that everything works together seamlessly. No design feature should feel as if it’s competing against something else. 

Pick a primary focal piece, maybe it’s a stunning freestanding tub, and design your bathroom around that. Add more depth to the design by adopting a layered approach to supporting features. This could include a floating vanity to make the space feel more inviting and open or a leaning towel ladder to show off your towels.

To create a more calming and relaxing feel to your bathroom, you want to have less noticeable contrast between colours. Experiment with different shades of white and pale blues or pinks for a more subtle and layered look. Couple this subtle approach to colours with different textures, such as with rustic wood shelves and fluffy towels, for added interest. These little hits of contrast give the bathroom a grounded, earthy element. Also, find ways to incorporate warm tones where possible. For example, brushed nickel fixtures have a much more warming look than chrome.

Integrate design and technology 

There’s no need to book into a day spa when you can create your own spa-like experience at home by choosing the most modern bathroom fittings.  

Anyone who has ever enjoyed a soak in a hot tub will know just how pleasant a warm water massage can be. There’s a wide range of whirlpool bathtubs available for the home which gently stimulate circulation and help to soothe the body and soul. You can use the nozzles in the morning to start the day on an energetic note or take time out to relax in the evening if you can still feel, quite literally, the previous hours in your bones. 

There’s also plenty of innovative showers available which are designed to enhance relaxation. For example, the Embrace range of shower heads from Villeroy & Boch include different jet modes - Relax, Massage and Intense - and can be individually adjusted. This allows you to have full control over your showering experience. If you need to unwind at the end of the day, you can choose the Relax setting. If you want to recover your muscles from an intense workout, use the Massage setting. To invigorate yourself in the morning, you can use the Intense setting. 

It’s important to remember to choose products which will match the wellness focused design you’re trying to achieve. For example, don’t put a sharp angular whirlpool bath in a space that is curved and organic. Keep your ultimate goal of creating a calming atmosphere at the forefront of your mind.

Need help designing a beautiful wellness inspired bathroom? Talk to the team at Argent. 

Whether you’re designing a home bathroom or working on a commercial project, Argent is here to help. Our bathroom experts have all the right know-how to recommend the perfect products for your needs so that you can make that final decision with confidence. 

Click here to get in touch with us today. We have Resource Centres in Brisbane, Sydney, Melbourne and Perth. Or give our Customer Support team a call on 1300 364 748.