Dream Home Spa Becomes Reality

The concept of luxury within one's home has expanded beyond traditional indicators like extensive car collections, designer bags, high-end watches, or palatial residences. A new status symbol has emerged: the personalized home luxury spa. This trend, which gained significant traction in 2017, sees affluent homeowners incorporating advanced wellness facilities into their living spaces. These bespoke spas often feature bio-saunas, iced plunge pools, experience showers, Russian-style banyas, and even decorative elements like aquarium walls, moving beyond the simple presence of an indoor swimming pool. This shift reflects a growing consumer focus on health and well-being, drawing inspiration from both ancient relaxation traditions and modern scientific advancements. The global wellness industry, valued at an estimated $3.7 trillion annually, underscores the significant interest in such offerings. Manufacturers and designers in the high-end spa sector are responding to this demand by blending technological innovation with established wellness practices to create ultimate bespoke vitality experiences. A notable example of this trend is observed in properties like Cromlix House, acquired by Scottish tennis star Andy Murray. Following its refurbishment in 2014 into a five-star hotel, Murray further announced expansion plans in 2017 to include an athlete’s gym and state-of-the-art spa treatment rooms featuring designer bio-saunas, Russian banyas, and aquarium walls. This illustrates how even commercial luxury properties are adopting and promoting these comprehensive wellness amenities. Aqua Platinum, a prominent company specializing in high-end swimming pool design and construction, highlights the evolution of consumer preferences. They emphasize that homeowners are no longer content with just an indoor pool but seek a full suite of spa facilities, including saunas, steam rooms, Jacuzzis, and specialized massage jets. This demand is driven by a more educated consumer base that understands the value of wellness and seeks to integrate both historical and contemporary approaches to health into their daily lives. Saunas, a centuries-old Finnish tradition, are a prime example of this blend. While traditional models remain popular, there is an increasing interest in cooler, wetter bio-saunas and Russian-style banyas. The practice of combining a hot sauna with an immediate cold plunge pool (5-10°C), a technique similar to traditional Japanese Onsen, is gaining traction for its perceived benefits to muscles and blood flow, a concept often endorsed by elite athletes like Jessica Ennis-Hill and Andy Murray. This demonstrates a cross-cultural synthesis in wellness practices, combining treatments for maximum efficacy. The aesthetic of these home spas also marries the traditional with the modern. Natural materials like wood and stone are often combined with sleek, contemporary features. Soft lighting, concealed benches, and fibre optics mimicking starry skies (similar to those found in luxury automobiles like Rolls-Royce) create a serene ambiance. A particularly popular modern design element is the aquarium wall, which, supported by research suggesting its anxiety-reducing benefits, blends ancient relaxation knowledge with contemporary visual appeal. As the high-end home spa market continues to expand, the range of available facilities and treatments diversifies, establishing the luxury home spa as a new, comprehensive status symbol focused on holistic well-being. #LuxuryHomeSpa #HomeWellness #LuxuryHomeDesign #SpaTrends #InteriorDesign #BioSaunas #PlungePools #WellnessIndustry #AquaPlatinum

The concept of a spa-like primary bathroom has evolved significantly, especially since the COVID-19 pandemic, shifting from mere relaxation to encompass the holistic well-being of the mind, body, and soul. Designers are increasingly incorporating elements that foster peace and calm, responding to clients' demanding lifestyles and their desire for personal retreats within their homes. This evolution is driven by various factors, including the influence of hospitality design and advancements in materials and technology. Lana Nguyen, a senior designer at Design by the Jonathans, observes that travel experiences have inspired residential clients to bring spa aesthetics into their homes. She highlights a demand for natural or natural-look materials, monochromatic palettes, and warmer tones, combined with functionality like abundant storage and large showers. Luxury features such as heated towel racks, smart toilets, and bidets are also common requests. Nguyen illustrates this with three projects: one emphasizing a neutral, Armani-esque palette with a stone-encased tub and floating vanity designed for extensive storage; another featuring pops of pink in a feminine yet sophisticated style with arches and gold-tone fixtures; and a third where a vibrant teal blue vanity set in a warm wood niche with gold wallpaper creates an Old English-inspired focal point against a calm backdrop. Jacqueline Norrise, founder of ADL Interiors, notes a transition from literally replicating spas to creating a "feeling" of a spa, which involves personalization. She prioritizes natural materials like stone and wood, and thoughtful lighting, including advanced LEDs for mood setting and ample natural light. To soften the abundance of hard surfaces in bathrooms, Norrise advises layering with textiles such as towels and bath mats. Her recent project for clients seeking a nature-inspired escape incorporated a wood vanity, a porcelain top resembling natural stone, and moss-colored handmade clay tiles in the shower, with a freestanding tub overlooking a mountain view, and organization to minimize clutter. She emphasizes that these spaces provide a much-needed escape from daily stressors, allowing for prolonged self-care. Harmony Weihs, owner/designer of designHARMONY, also designs primary bathrooms as personal spas, integrating radiant heat floors, dimmable LED lighting, and low-voltage speakers for soothing music. Her designs often include calming colors, natural materials, curbless showers with dual showerheads, body sprays, and steam and aromatherapy options. One project featured voice- and temperature-controlled shower valves, sophisticated color palettes with bold contrasts, and natural elements like a teak shower bench and living plants. Another renovation involved reconfiguring a less functional layout to create a more spacious and spa-like environment with a freestanding tub under a window, combining warm wood and cool marble with brass accents to achieve balance. Tamara Magel, president and creative director of Tamara Magel Interior Design, reports clients are investing more in primary bathrooms, viewing them as an oasis for wellness and self-care, similar to kitchen budgets. She favors natural materials like wood and marble, believing they connect occupants to nature and promote a sense of calm. Her work with True North Construction showcases bold Fantastico Arni marble alongside bleached white oak and handmade zellige tile, blending casual and formal elements. Magel integrates heated floors, steam showers, freestanding tubs, and luxurious brass plumbing fixtures, strategically placing the tub for views and adding practical elements like a marble shelf for display. She highlights how glass shower enclosures with white metal frames allow the interplay of textures, patterns, and fixtures to create an interesting, spa-like space. Libby Palmieri Schwartz, owner/lead designer of House of L Designs, reflects on the shift from jetted tubs as the pinnacle of luxury to a broader focus on wellness for the body, mind, and soul. She attributes this to the increasing pace of modern life and social media's promotion of longevity and well-being. Schwartz introduces advanced options like cold plunge pools, red light and infrared light therapy, rain simulation, and dry saunas. In one project, she designed a shower with body sprays on two sides for an immersive water experience, utilizing porcelain tile resembling natural stone throughout. Another project involved reconfiguring a small bathroom layout to create a larger, more functional shower with a bench for steam therapy, emphasizing personalization to meet specific client needs for a truly special space.

The ongoing global coronavirus pandemic and associated lockdowns have significantly impacted daily life, including access to public spa facilities. This article proposes an alternative solution for self-care and relaxation: transforming one's home into a personal luxury spa. It acknowledges the challenge of being unable to visit traditional spas in the foreseeable future and offers a guide to creating a similar rejuvenating experience within the comfort of one's living space. The article emphasizes that with the right products and a little effort, individuals can recreate a spa-like atmosphere at home. To facilitate this at-home spa experience, a curated selection of products is presented, each designed to contribute to a sense of pampering and tranquility. The first item highlighted is the Olive & Cocoa Peony Blush Spa Crate, a comprehensive kit featuring peony-scented hand cream, shea butter bar soap, luxurious bath bombs, a rose-scented candle, and a rose quartz facial roller, all elegantly gift-wrapped. Next, Venus ET Fleur's new collection of floral arrangements is introduced, lauded for its ability to elevate ambiance and provide a divine fragrance reminiscent of a high-end spa. For aromatic indulgence, Home of Chiji Energy Candles are recommended. These 100% soy wax, clean-burning candles come in various scents, from deep woods to seaside, and include ethically sourced crystal fragments with a larger crystal for meditation. Skincare is addressed with Bliss That’s Incredi-Peel Spa-Strength Glycolic Resurfacing Pads, which offer spa-quality exfoliation with 10% glycolic acid to improve skin texture and tone overnight without irritation. The HoMedics Shiatsu 3D TruTouch Massage Cushion provides an authentic massage experience at home, featuring TruTouch technology that mimics a real masseur's hands and offers both kneading shiatsu and tapping percussion. Bastide Hand Blown Candles are presented as another option for creating a luxurious atmosphere. These candles, made in Provence, come in hand-blown amber bubble glass and offer 45-50 hours of burn time, with signature fragrances designed to transport users to the south of France. For a plush bath experience, the eLuxury Bamboo Ultra Soft 6 Piece Set of towels is suggested, noted for its blend of rayon from bamboo and combed cotton, and its ability to become softer with each wash. Athena Club’s Soft Facial Wipes are included for convenient skincare, described as gentle yet effective wipes that cleanse and nourish the skin with multivitamins and antioxidants. Finally, the 100% Pure Self-Care Spa Kit is featured, a vegan and cruelty-free collection designed for deep relaxation, including a Matcha Oat Milk Nourishing Mask, Eucalyptus Sea Therapy Bath, and French Lavender Nourishing Body Cream. The HoMedics Duo Climate Facial Wand is also mentioned, offering hot and cold modes with sonic vibration for customized facial treatments. #AtHomeSpa #SpaDay #Wellness #SelfCare #LuxuryHome #Relaxation #BeautyProducts #HomeComfort #StressRelief

This article details the collaborative effort behind the transformation of a formerly notorious beach lot at 11 E. Asheville Street into a modern coastal haven in Wrightsville Beach. The project was a result of the combined expertise of homebuilder Tanner Konrady of Konrady & Son Construction, Architect Eric Jabaley of Dogwood Architecture, and Lead Designer Brandy Crawford of Bridgett Mazer Interiors, all working closely with homeowners Wanda and Ron Copley. The Copleys initially purchased a property known for its past as a fraternity party house, with the intention of tearing down the existing structure and building a new home. Their decision to work with Tanner Konrady stemmed from his previous work repairing their condo after Hurricane Florence, establishing a foundation of trust. Konrady, a fourth-generation builder with extensive experience in coastal construction, emphasized the importance of durability and low maintenance in beach environments. His approach involved building with consideration for salt air, high humidity, storm exposure, and sun damage, utilizing materials like closed-cell foam insulation, sound-dampening interior walls, hurricane-rated windows, and pre-finished PVC siding and concrete-look panel systems that are designed for longevity and minimal upkeep. Konrady's team also facilitated the installation of expansive sliding doors and oversized windows to maximize ocean views and promote indoor-outdoor living, requiring careful structural planning. The architectural vision, led by Eric Jabaley, focused on creating a modern yet coastal-inspired home that blended with the local aesthetic while capturing ocean views. Jabaley worked to incorporate Wanda Copley's sophisticated vision, which desired a modern design rooted in the Wrightsville Beach vernacular. A key design element is the top-floor main living area, which extends onto a spacious wraparound porch through large sliding doors, effectively creating an additional outdoor room for relaxation and entertaining. This seamless transition between indoor and outdoor spaces allows residents to fully experience the coastal environment. Brandy Crawford, the lead designer, guided the interior aesthetic toward a "coastal modern" style, incorporating light, clean lines, and a less fussy approach. Wanda Copley's bold sense of style and love for color, particularly pink, were central to the interior design. This is most notably expressed in "The Pink Room," an office that doubles as a guest suite, featuring a hot pink sleeper sofa, ottomans, acrylic chairs, and pink cabinetry. Other design highlights include a powder bath with a floating, backlit vanity, and a wall-mounted resin art installation by Alex Turco in the second-level sitting room, referred to as "living glass." The home also includes an independent downstairs suite for the Copleys' daughter, complete with a kitchenette, en suite, and private porch, designed for independent living. The success of the project is attributed to the strong synergy and communication among the homeowner, builder, architect, and designer. The team's collaborative approach and shared commitment to the client's vision resulted in a custom-crafted home that reflects a unique lifestyle and personality. The project serves as an example of how a unified team can transform a challenging property into a beautiful and functional coastal residence, built to withstand environmental elements while exuding modern elegance. #CoastalRetreat #InteriorDesign #ModernArchitecture #IndoorOutdoorLiving #WrightsvilleBeach #Architect #CoastalConstruction #Homebuilder #ModernHome #Innovation

Ty Bhojwani, an Indian-born Canadian businessman, embarked on a decade-long journey to create his dream getaway home in Alibag, near Mumbai, India. After exploring numerous plots, he finally settled on a 1.8-hectare (4.4-acre) patch of land in 2012, drawn by its breathtaking vistas of the sea, hills, and verdant valleys. Despite initial challenges such as the absence of water, electricity, and roads, Bhojwani remained committed to his vision. Construction of the five-bedroom house, named The Ray after the manta rays found in the Arabian Sea, began in 2017 and took four years to complete, rather than the initial 18-month estimate. The Ray consists of two distinct two-storey pavilions: one is light and airy, while the other is substantial and monumental. Interestingly, neither pavilion primarily focuses on maximizing sea views; instead, they offer diverse vistas, including a central courtyard featuring boulders set in gravel. This design approach, advocated by Robert Verrijt and Shefali Balwani, co-founders of Architecture BRIO, aimed to give the house more dimension. Their design was a thoughtful response to Bhojwani's request for a modern plantation-style home reminiscent of grand mansions in Barbados and the Bahamas. The white pavilion incorporates traditional plantation elements such as shuttered expanses and high ceilings to promote natural airflow, ensuring the structure felt integrated with its environment rather than alien. To further blend the house with its surroundings, landscape architect Kunal Maniar collaborated with Architecture BRIO to enhance the undulating site. They designed a dense screen at the entrance to build anticipation for visitors. The arrival sequence leads guests through a crushed stone path to a cave-like lobby featuring a manta-ray floor mosaic. From there, a spiral staircase descends into a bright, open living area with steel-framed windows on three sides, offering views of an infinity pool and green paddy fields, with the bay visible in the distance. The stone pavilion, housing the bedrooms, is accessible from the double-height living room, including a "secret" passage at the rear. The master bedroom, located on the upper level, connects to an outdoor staircase resembling stepped pyramids. Gardens surrounding the two top-floor bedrooms help to maintain cooler temperatures in the rooms below. The wraparound infinity pool and an adjacent louvred outdoor lounge, extending from the living room, contribute to the home's inviting atmosphere. Esha, Bhojwani’s wife, chose the hand-fired turquoise blue tiles for the pool, preferring them over popular black-bottom or cement pools for their welcoming aesthetic. The furniture and furnishings, both indoors and outdoors, were either custom-designed, selected from existing collections, or sourced primarily from Indonesia by Timothy Oulton Studio, emphasizing comfort with washed linens. Unique natural basalt boulders on the property were either retained as features or carved by Rajasthani artisans into distinctive bathroom basins, adding to the home's remarkable character. Despite the lengthy development process, Bhojwani finds moments by the pool surreal, fulfilling a vision he held for a decade. #Architecture #LuxuryHome #InteriorDesign #AlibagIndia #ModernPlantationHouse #InfinityPool #TimothyOulton #ArchitectureBRIO #LandscapeDesign

Katharine Pooley Limited (KPL) has designed a luxurious home-gym, fitness, and relaxation space that combines elegance with functionality. This unique area is intended for cardiovascular workouts, weight training, yoga, and swimming, demonstrating that fitness and luxury are not mutually exclusive. The design draws inspiration from five-star hotel indoor pools and gymnasiums in Asia and Europe, aiming to create a cohesive aesthetic that complements both the external and internal architecture of a private villa or home with views. The core philosophy behind the design emphasizes a balance between timeless luxury and intelligent design, a key aspiration for KPL. The project incorporates contemporary trends, including multi-functional spaces and the sophisticated application of glamorous finishes. Pooley highlights the use of materials such as cleanly veined marbles, polished plasters, poured resins, and organic textures like sand plaster timbers and cast bronze. These material choices contribute to a chic, minimal aesthetic. The design pays meticulous attention to detail, impacting both the visual appeal and practical utility of the space. For instance, the high-end sprung flooring features a timber-look plank design with integrated matting and bronze trims. Light timber veneered joinery is custom-designed to offer flexibility, allowing gym accessories to be either prominently displayed with LED lighting strips or discreetly stored to maintain a sleek appearance. Technological integration is a significant aspect of the design, with walls adorned with tall mirrored panels, bronze trims, and state-of-the-art televisions and sound systems. The lighting scheme is carefully considered to provide consistent yet functional soft illumination. This is achieved through a variety of high-specification LED lighting units, strips, niche lighting, and directional lighting, creating a curated system that offers flexibility and diverse light settings. The pool hall area also includes a jacuzzi and a plunge pool, further enhancing the relaxation aspect of the space. The overall concept underscores a growing demand for luxury home environments that cater comprehensively to wellness, fitness, and relaxation, all within a sophisticated and intelligently designed setting. #LuxuryHomeGym #KatharinePooley #InteriorDesign #FitnessSpace #WellnessDesign #SmartHome #ArchitecturalDesign #MaterialSelection #LuxuryLifestyle

This article details the renovation of a dark, unused attic space in an Edwardian top-floor flat in Wanstead, east London, into a stylish and spacious ensuite bathroom. Lily Bell, who works in interiors PR and lives with her partner Henry, spearheaded the project due to a lack of space and storage in their home, especially after Lily moved in during lockdown. The renovation aimed to create an additional bedroom and an ensuite that felt integrated rather than an afterthought. A key design decision was the implementation of a pocket door, which maximized space efficiency by eliminating the need for a traditional swinging door. Storage was also a major consideration, addressed through the use of wall-hung sanitaryware and built-in niches, contributing to an airy and uncluttered aesthetic. The aesthetic choices for the bathroom blended traditional and modern styles. A bold emerald green tiling was chosen for the shower area to introduce a vibrant 'pop of color' against an otherwise neutral backdrop. Initially, Victorian-style flooring was considered, but a sample of terrazzo tile convinced the couple to use it, as it added visual interest without being overly busy. The brushed-gold brassware further complemented the modern-yet-period look they sought to achieve. The renovation faced several challenges, primarily due to the COVID-19 pandemic and associated lockdown restrictions. These included builders occasionally needing to self-isolate and unpredictable scheduling for electricians and tilers. These delays often forced the couple to make quick decisions without extensive deliberation, making the project a significant learning experience for them, as it was their first renovation. An example given was the late decision on towel hook placement, which necessitated cutting into freshly plastered walls. Despite the hurdles, the couple expressed high satisfaction with the final outcome. The contrast between the traditional green wall tiles and the modern terrazzo flooring was particularly highlighted as a favorite feature. The lighting fixtures were also praised for contributing to a 'boutique hotel feel,' making the room feel luxurious and a comfortable space to spend time in. The article concludes with a sourcebook of suppliers for various materials and fixtures used in the renovation, including Farrow & Ball for paint, CTD Tiles and Tiles-Direct for tiles, Drench for sanitaryware and brassware, Plank Hardware for hardware, Bathroom Mountain for mirrors, and Next for wall lights. The total estimated cost of the renovation, including paint, labor (builder, decorator, tiler, plumber, and electrician), tiles, sanitaryware, hardware, and accessories, amounted to £12,100. #LoftConversion #EnsuiteBathroom #HomeRenovation #InteriorDesign #SpaceSaving #ColorScheme #TerrazzoTiles #EdwardianFlat #DIYProject

This article highlights the creation of a 7,812-square-foot dream home on Maxwell Bay of Lake Minnetonka in Orono, Minnesota. The homeowners, having previously resided in several lakefront properties, sought a contemporary design that harmonized with rustic materials, reflecting the natural surroundings. Architect Peter Eskuche of Eskuche Associates was commissioned for the design, with construction handled by Stonewood, LLC. The resulting aesthetic is termed 'mountain-modern,' characterized by clean lines, a low-pitch roof, and the incorporation of reclaimed barn-wood siding, cor-ten steel, and other dark metal accents. The entrance of the home features a grand 10-foot-tall door, opening into interior spaces that blend metal, glass, and wood, further enhanced by reclaimed timbers and stone. A notable architectural element is a stone-clad wall that bisects the house, creating steel-framed openings from the foyer to the main living areas. Within the gathering room, a steel and glass wine cellar serves both a functional and artistic purpose. A steel staircase with substantial wood treads connects the three levels of the residence, complemented by a glass and steel elevator for accessibility. Interior designer Annie Graunke of Studio M focused on incorporating beautiful woods with distinct grains to introduce warmth into the expansive, open-plan home. The design maintains straight lines while integrating plush textures and materials, creating subtle parallels between the furniture and the architectural elements. The kitchen, which flows into the dining and gathering spaces, boasts custom brown-stained, vertical grain, clear oak cabinets and marble countertops, including a waterfall edge on the island. Sliding glass doors in the kitchen lead to a versatile porch equipped with a wood-burning fireplace, infrared ceiling heaters, an outdoor kitchen with a grill, and automated screens and vinyl shades, facilitating year-round outdoor living. Upstairs, the home accommodates private bedrooms and bathrooms for the daughters. The master suite features a fireplace and a glass door that opens onto a deck with an outdoor gas fireplace. The master bathroom is appointed with stone vanities and a glass shower. The lower level includes a fitness room, a bathroom with a sauna, a guest suite, and a linear fireplace with a blackened steel surround and a floor-to-ceiling Cambria wall. A multi-panel glass Marvin door provides access to the pool deck, which offers views of the lake. Sven Gustafson, president and CEO of Stonewood, LLC, noted that the home embodies the couple's long-held dreams and travel-inspired ideas, meticulously integrated into a residence tailored to their lifestyle and aesthetic preferences. This property was also featured on Midwest Home's 2018 Luxury Home Tour, with sponsors including Andersen Windows & Doors and Phantom Screens. #LakesideHome #LuxuryHomeTour #MountainModernDesign #StonewoodLLC #EskucheDesign #LakeMinnetonka #ContemporaryArchitecture #RusticMaterials #OronoRealEstate

This article explores ten trending outdoor room design ideas that interior designers are embracing for summer 2024, focusing on enhancing comfort, functionality, and aesthetic appeal in outdoor spaces. These trends highlight the evolving perception of outdoor areas as extensions of indoor living, offering diverse possibilities for relaxation and entertainment. One popular trend is the creation of outdoor tubs, transforming screened-in porches into 'spa porches.' This involves adding plumbing outdoors, a typically feasible modification, to create a magical and relaxing retreat filled with plants. Another significant trend is the incorporation of outdoor fireplaces, which serve as focal points in rear yards and contribute a timeless aesthetic with materials like limewashed brick that develop a rich patina over time. Front yard patios are also gaining popularity, moving beyond traditional backyard setups. These spaces create welcoming conversation areas, allowing residents to interact with neighbors and supervise children playing. Embracing youthful elements by integrating nostalgic features, such as daybed swings, helps create a backyard that is a personal escape for relaxation and happiness. Designers are moving away from matching furniture sets, instead advocating for collected-looking spaces. This involves mixing various textures and materials like wood, woven elements, and metal pieces, along with patterned and colorful pillows, to create unique and personalized outdoor environments. Entertaining-ready cabanas are another trend, offering multifunctional spaces equipped with sitting areas, wall-mounted TVs, marble bar counters, built-in grills, sinks, and other kitchen amenities, complete with ambient lighting for seamless day-to-evening transitions. Inset hot tubs are favored for their ability to blend seamlessly with the landscape, ensuring ease of access and an unobstructed view of the surrounding scenery, such as a beach. Luxurious screen porches are designed to incorporate traditional indoor elements like mirrors and curtains, allowing for greater design freedom without the typical concerns of rain and wind. For those prioritizing practicality, low-maintenance living is a key trend, focusing on high-performance fabrics and materials that can withstand heavy use from children and pets, making outdoor spaces durable and easy to care for. Finally, cocktail corners, featuring bar carts styled with trays, ice buckets, plants, and vintage pieces, add an element of sophistication and convenience for entertaining in any outdoor setting. #OutdoorDesign #HomeDecor #InteriorDesign #OutdoorLiving #PatioIdeas #BackyardTrends #OutdoorFurniture #HomeRenovation

Mark Wright and Michelle Keegan have offered their followers a comprehensive tour of their newly renovated bathrooms, which now feature a full-size sauna and steam room. The couple, known for their dedication to fitness and healthy living, completed the work on their Essex mansion last summer. These additions transform their home bathrooms into luxurious, spa-like retreats, reflecting their commitment to both wellness and lavish home design. The tour begins with a focus on a primary bathroom, expansive enough to accommodate a dedicated sauna and steam room. The sauna is constructed from wood, featuring two levels of decking to provide ample seating space. Adjacent to it, the steam room is elegantly tiled and includes a marble bench, designed for ultimate relaxation and comfort. These facilities are not merely for indulgence but also cater to their active lifestyles, offering a convenient solution for post-workout recovery by reducing muscle and joint pain, alleviating soreness, and improving circulation and pore cleansing without the need to visit an external spa. The main bathroom also showcases a chic bathing area, distinguished by luxurious marble tiling and a generously sized freestanding bath. This bath is outfitted with stylish gold fixtures, including a tap and shower head, complemented by a matching gold radiator on the adjacent wall, contributing to an opulent aesthetic. The design emphasizes both functionality and high-end detailing. Further highlighting the couple's preference for sophisticated design, the bathroom features a double sink area. This space maintains the marble theme, offering separate 'his and hers' areas. It is thoughtfully decorated with a eucalyptus plant in a vase, a reed diffuser, a NEOM candle, and luxury hand soaps and creams. Elegantly framed mirrors and sconces on either side complete the refined look, enhancing the overall spa-like ambiance. In addition to the main bathroom, the couple revealed a secondary, slightly smaller bathroom, presumably intended for guests. This guest bathroom also includes a freestanding bath, strategically placed beneath a window to maximize natural light while ensuring privacy with a blind. It also boasts a double 'his and hers' sink, detailed with silver fixtures and framed mirrors above each basin. The consistent use of marble throughout this room, with walls seamlessly transitioning into the floor, creates a continuous and cohesive design aesthetic, reinforcing the home's luxurious feel across all its private spaces. #CelebrityHomes #HomeDesign #LuxuryBathroom #SaunaAndSteamRoom #InteriorDesign #MarbleInteriors #WellnessAtHome #EssexMansion #HomeRenovation

The article discusses the collaboration between Waterworks and Shinola Hotel to bring high-end hotel bathroom design elements into residential settings. It highlights the desire among individuals to replicate the luxurious experience of hotel bathrooms in their own homes, a sentiment often sparked by the amenities and aesthetics encountered during travel. Christine Gachot, co-founder of Gachot Studios and lead designer for the Shinola Hotel accommodations, noted this trend, stating that "People want to bring hotels into their homes." This new initiative addresses that demand by making previously exclusive design elements accessible to a broader audience. Waterworks launched "The Ludlow Shinola Edition," a collection of custom bath accessories that replicate those found in the Shinola Hotel. This line, available starting October 21, includes plated nickel-and-steel fittings such as towel bars, paper holders, and floor-mounted tub fillers. These fixtures are inspired by the distinctive backings of Shinola's watches, incorporating a unique design element from the brand's heritage into bathroom hardware. The meticulous design and material choice aim to offer both functionality and a sophisticated aesthetic that mirrors the hotel's style. Beyond just metal fixtures, the collaboration also extends to ceramic tiles. The article announces the release of a special ceramic tile assortment called "Cottage Shinola Edition." This collection features four distinct shades: matte white, brown, green, and Shinola blue. The Shinola blue, a deep navy hue, was specifically developed by Gachot Studios for the hotel space and was also integrated into the hotel's upholstery and wall paint, ensuring a cohesive design language across various elements. This tile collection allows consumers to incorporate the hotel's color palette and material choices into their home bathrooms, further enhancing the ability to recreate the desired ambiance. The overall aim of these product lines is to provide consumers with the means to infuse their private bathrooms with the sophisticated, vacation-like atmosphere often associated with luxury hotels. The article emphasizes that while travel-sized toiletries are temporary, these permanent design elements offer lasting luxury and a continuous sense of indulgence. Christine Gachot also commented on the design philosophy behind the Shinola Hotel, mentioning the creation of "large rooms with little surprises throughout" and expressing hope that guests would explore each other's rooms to discover these unique details. This reflects a broader intention to create memorable and inspiring spaces, an experience that the Waterworks and Shinola collaboration now seeks to extend into individual homes. #HotelDesign #BathroomDesign #LuxuryHome #InteriorDesign #ProductLaunch #ShinolaHotel #Waterworks #HomeRenovation

The "Sense of Self" bathhouse project in Collingwood, Australia, redefines the wellness experience through an inclusive, immersive, and design-led approach to self-care. The facility, located within a converted warehouse, spans 275 square meters and was completed in 2021 by a collaborative team including Setsquare Studio, Chamberlain Architects, and Hearth Studio, with photographs by Martina Gemmola. The design prioritizes healthy hedonism and features a large mineral bath, a Hammam steam room, a Finnish sauna, a light-filled vegetated courtyard, and a cold plunge pool. The architectural and interior design emphasizes sensory experiences, utilizing materials like concrete and brick to create a calming and restorative environment. The project is categorized under Spa, Bath House, and Wellness Interiors, reflecting its focus on holistic well-being. Key manufacturers involved include Haymes Paint and Sussex Taps. The construction was managed by MIC Projects, with Plant Charmer handling vegetation, and Striking Pools responsible for pool construction. Co-designers on the project included Caitlin Perry, Ella Leoncio, and Sarah Trotter, with Fraser Munro of Munro Builds providing feature concrete work. The bathhouse is designed to promote relaxation and rejuvenation, offering a unique urban sanctuary. The integration of a vegetated courtyard ensures natural light and greenery contribute to the serene atmosphere, enhancing the overall wellness journey for visitors. The design successfully transforms an industrial warehouse space into a tranquil retreat, demonstrating a thoughtful blend of architectural vision and functional requirements for a modern bathhouse. The project's completion in 2021 highlights contemporary trends in wellness architecture and interior design, focusing on creating spaces that foster physical and mental well-being within an urban context. #Spa #BathHouse #WellnessInteriors #SetsquareStudio #ChamberlainArchitects #HearthStudio #CollingwoodAustralia #ArchitecturalDesign #InteriorDesign

This article details the creation of a unique resort-style home in Bali for Alexander Jovanovic, designed by the A2Kreasitama (A2K) team. The project addressed the challenge of an irregularly shaped plot of land, which ultimately inspired the central octagonal foyer, serving as a functional meeting point and a symbolic compass for the house. The design aimed to merge the characteristics of a resort villa, emphasizing natural airflow, with the functionality of a traditional home where spaces could be fully enclosed. To achieve this dual functionality, the A2K team incorporated aluminum glass doors that can be fully opened to allow natural ventilation while also being tightly sealed to prevent insect intrusion. Strategic placement and height of the house were crucial in maximizing natural airflow, effectively eliminating the need for air conditioning. The home's location in Dreamland – Pecatu, Bali, allowed for the integration of Balinese contemporary design elements, starting with intricate wooden carvings at the main entrance. The octagonal foyer, inspired by Taoist cosmology, was intended to bring balance and stability to the irregular landform. The interior of the foyer features white granite tile floors, a sleek console table with a painting, and a contemporary chandelier above a central round table. From the foyer, access is provided to two bedrooms through oversized solid wood doors, and a glass door opens to the swimming pool. The guest bedroom is situated to the left, adjacent to a staircase leading to the upper floors, while the master bedroom on the right offers direct access to a green-stone swimming pool and a private wooden parquet patio. The master suite includes a walk-in closet connecting to a Balinese semi-outdoor bathroom, which features a freestanding bathtub, a solid wall finish, and a stonescape garden, enhancing the private resort-like ambiance. An outdoor whirlpool is located between the master bedroom and the main pool. The guest bedroom also has an open terrace for entertaining or enjoying sunsets, and its bathroom is equipped with a glass wall shower and a small garden leading to the swimming pool. All bedrooms are finished with wooden parquet floors and adorned with solid wood and natural stone accents. An eye-catching contemporary staircase, constructed from steel and solid wood with frameless glass railings, leads to the upper levels. A high synthetic rattan ceiling above the staircase not only serves as an aesthetic feature but also demonstrates a clever use of local materials. The living and dining areas are uniquely positioned on the upper floor to offer magnificent views during daily activities, cultivating a recreational, resort, and tropical atmosphere. The living room, encased by transparent glass doors and solid wood columns, is a focal point of the house. It includes a solid wood dining table with an integrated teppanyaki-style stove for entertaining. Above the dining room, an attic serves as a relaxing space and provides access to a rooftop with panoramic views of Jimbaran Bay and the airport runway, ideal for social gatherings. The lower ground level accommodates a service area, laundry room, and a spacious garage with a carport that can function as a versatile multi-purpose space. Given the owner's background in the hospitality business, the A2K team meticulously designed the home to offer luxurious comfort and a distinct resort feel. The public and private areas are clearly delineated, and the designer used scale effectively to maximize space and apply hospitality industry standards to a private residence. For example, the octagonal foyer's atrium was designed to be larger than typical for a home of its size. The innovative design on the 505 sqm plot successfully integrated various functions to cater to the owner's lifestyle, resulting in a truly unique resort-style home. #ArchitectureInterior #ResortStyleHome #BaliDesign #A2Kreasitama #SustainableDesign #BalineseContemporary #LuxuryLiving #ArchitecturalInnovation

The demand for spa bathrooms in homes is growing, driven by a broader trend towards wellness and self-care, as well as the impact of recent global events. Interior designer Sharon Sherman notes that what was once an indulgence for the affluent has become a mainstream desire, with technology making these features more accessible. J. Philip Hotarek, a plumbing contractor, observes an increase in requests for features such as infrared saunas, enhanced steam shower systems, and whirlpool tubs, all integrated into a broader "health and wellness" plumbing trend. The pandemic significantly contributed to this trend. The need for relaxation and unwinding became a necessity to manage stress, extending beyond women to men. This period accelerated the adoption of steam showers, aromatherapy, chromotherapy, and air-jet tubs. The early 2020 toilet paper shortage also boosted the popularity of bidet functionality, which is now available in more affordable options, moving from luxury toilets to add-on seats with heated water and drying features for under $1,000. This increased accessibility was evident at the recent Kitchen & Bath Industry Show, where more manufacturers offered bidet functionalities across different price points. Technology plays a crucial role in modern spa bathrooms. Voice-activated systems, such as those from Alexa, control temperature, switch between showerheads or body sprays, and even turn off water. Multi-function showerheads are essential for a personalized showering experience, offering various spray modes. These systems can connect to on-demand water heaters, allowing users to preset their preferred temperatures and spray modes. Waterproof televisions are also being installed in wet rooms to enhance the immersive experience. Circadian lighting systems, integrated with smart home technology, adjust brightness and color temperature to align with natural sleep-wake cycles. Hotarek reports a rise in installations of chromotherapy, sound, and aromatherapy features in Bay Area bathrooms, reflecting the region's embrace of luxury tech. Other popular technological features include touchless faucets, Japanese soaking tubs, and extra-large rain heads with multiple water modes. Sherman highlights that contemporary showering systems are easier to integrate than older models, often coming as simple, pre-configured components. However, Hotarek cautions against hiring unqualified professionals for installation, emphasizing the challenges posed by expensive products and improper installation. Beyond luxury, technology in spa bathrooms also offers significant safety benefits. Modern fall detectors, particularly useful in bathrooms, can alert others if someone falls, even if they cannot press a button or are disoriented. These are crucial given the bathroom is often considered the most dangerous area of a home. Occupational therapist Brittany Ferri points out that while natural light is a popular design trend, it can be problematic for individuals with low vision due to glare and contrast sensitivity. This underscores the importance of adjustable lighting and remote-controlled window coverings, ideally operable by voice commands, to create a safe and comfortable environment. Accessibility is another key aspect of contemporary spa bathroom design. Modifying bathrooms to accommodate aging individuals or those with mobility challenges has become increasingly important, especially after millions of seniors moved into relatives' homes during the pandemic. Features like bidet functionality, decorative grab bars, wall-mounted toilets and vanities, and zero-barrier walk-in showers can provide independence while maintaining a luxurious aesthetic. These walk-in showers, often spacious and equipped with benches, handheld showerheads, and linear drains, are beneficial for a wide range of users, not just those with mobility issues. Ferri also recommends larger bathroom sizes, wider doorways, and open layouts between the toilet and shower. Vanity areas designed for seated use, such as roll-under wall-mounted cabinetry or console/pedestal sinks, further enhance accessibility. Leading design recommendations include bidet seats with automatic opening, closing, flushing, and sanitizing capabilities. Anti-microbial materials for fittings, features, and surfaces are favored, along with large-format tiles for shower walls to minimize grout. Multi-function showerheads and therapy tubs, heated floor systems, heated towel bars, optimized lighting, and quiet vent fans are also considered best-in-class features for a comprehensive spa experience. Decorative grab bars are also recommended for independent living. Ultimately, a spa bathroom should be more than just a collection of fixtures; it should be a thoughtfully designed space that enhances wellness and fits the client's lifestyle. Creating such an environment doesn't necessarily require a massive budget or extensive space, challenging limiting perceptions for both designers and clients. #SpaBathrooms #WellnessDesign #SmartHomeTechnology #AccessibleDesign #InteriorDesignTrends #BathroomRenovation #LuxuryBathrooms #HomeWellness

This blog post highlights a newly constructed, multi-million dollar residence located at 1222 Mississauga Road in the affluent Lorne Park neighbourhood of Mississauga. Priced at $6.9 million, this property is designed not merely for living but to offer a comprehensive wellness experience, setting it apart from conventional homes. The article details the property's significant features, emphasizing its integration of luxury amenities with daily living spaces. Upon entering the residence, guests are greeted by a dramatic 23-foot Neolith stone wall, establishing a tone of sophistication. The entrance leads into expansive, open-concept living and dining areas, characterized by abundant natural light, built-in display cabinetry, and integrated ceiling speakers. The main level further includes a thoughtfully designed family room, which features a Regency-style gas fireplace, providing a focal point for gatherings, complemented by extensive custom storage solutions. The kitchen is presented as a culinary haven, equipped with smart and premium appliances from renowned brands such as SubZero for refrigeration and Wolf for its induction cooktop with dual ovens. Additional features include a panelled Miele dishwasher, a built-in coffee machine, a pot-filler faucet, a warming drawer, and dual sinks. The kitchen's aesthetic is enhanced by a modern chandelier and layered under-cabinet and base strip lighting, creating a warm and inviting ambiance. The primary suite, located upstairs, boasts 12.6-foot ceilings and cove lighting, contributing to a spacious and tranquil atmosphere. It includes a walk-in closet secured with an electronic lock and a built-in safe. The accompanying ensuite bathroom is a sanctuary for relaxation, offering dual vanities, a deep soaking tub, heated floors, and a steam shower with massaging jets. The upper level also accommodates three additional bedrooms, each featuring its own ensuite bathroom and walk-in closet, with one bedroom providing a private balcony. The lower level of the home is specifically designed as a comprehensive wellness and recreation space. It houses both SaunaCore Infrared and traditional saunas, a steam room equipped with rain and massage showerheads, a dedicated spa vanity, and a changing area. For fitness enthusiasts, there is a mirrored gym with anti-slip floors and a built-in TV mount. This entire basement area benefits from natural light, heated floors, ceiling speakers, and a fireplace, ensuring a warm, inviting, and serene environment, effectively transforming the home into a private wellness retreat. The property, a custom-built residence, is a first-time listing and represents a unique opportunity for elevated living within a desirable community. #LuxuryRealEstate #MississaugaHomes #WellnessRetreat #HomeDesign #SpaAmenities #DavidSmallDesigns #SmartHome #LornePark #CustomBuilt

The final high-rise tower at Bonita Bay, named Omega, signifies the last residential building to be constructed within the Bonita Bay community. The tower, a project by The Ronto Group, is designed to offer a luxurious high-rise living experience with a nautical aesthetic, reflecting its location adjacent to the Estero Bay Aquatic Preserve. Omega has set new records for price-per-square-foot in Bonita Bay, with a limited number of residences remaining, starting at $4.25 million. Scheduled for completion in late 2022, the 27-story building features 67 units. The design philosophy behind Omega focuses on providing residents with the spaciousness of single-family homes combined with the convenience and amenities of high-rise living. With only three residences per floor, the units are generously sized, none being smaller than 4,210 square feet. The residences offer expansive views, with west-facing units overlooking Estero Bay and the Gulf, and eastern units providing golf course vistas. The interiors are equipped with high-end appliances from brands like Sub-Zero, Wolf, and Miele, along with Dornbracht fixtures, and feature large-format tile flooring that mimics wood or stone. Buyers have significant customization options, including the ability to incorporate premium materials like Italian marble or reconfigure living spaces, provided these changes do not impact structural integrity or construction timelines. Beyond individual residences, Omega boasts an array of resort-style amenities. These include a swimming pool with private cabanas, a state-of-the-art Technogym fitness center, a theater, a billiard room, and a library. The common areas, conceptualized by Beasley & Henley of Naples, exude a sophisticated yet playful coastal Caribbean theme, characterized by the integration of teak elements, and white and gold accents. The architectural curves of the building are echoed in the interior design, with sinuous and sculptural details incorporated into social spaces and the fitness center. Residents of Omega also benefit from access to the broader Bonita Bay community's facilities, which include five golf courses, a marina, a private spa, a private beach club, and various dining establishments. The project aims to leave a lasting impression as the last development within Bonita Bay. The article also highlights a private home spa, known as a "Spa Casita," designed by John Cooney of Stofft Cooney Architects for Radka and David Mogull's family home in Naples. This standalone structure, mirroring the main house's tropical modern architecture, was a key priority for the homeowners. Interior designer Wilfredo Emanuel created a minimalist spa environment, incorporating elements inspired by the couple's international travels. The spa features a glass-enclosed steam sauna with cedar wood interiors, alongside an adjacent cold plunge pool. The design integrates a smooth stone sink basin perched on a Brazilian zebrawood vanity, complemented by built-in storage to maintain a clutter-free space. Adjoining the wet areas, a flexible space with wood floors and a mirrored wall serves multiple purposes, from a yoga sanctuary to a practice area for ballroom dancing. This versatile room, described as a "little gem," can also function as a guest casita. Floor-to-ceiling windows provide views of the resort-like poolscape and backyard. The spa building is connected to the main house through a private courtyard, designed by Christian Andrea of Architectural Land Design. This courtyard, accessible from the primary suite, features lush greenery, black stones, a hot tub, a two-seater lounge, and a bartop table, creating a secluded oasis for relaxation and unwinding. #LuxuryLiving #HighRiseDesign #SpaDesign #ZenOasis #BonitaBay #ArchitecturalDesign #InteriorDesign #CustomHomes #WellnessLifestyle