April 28, 2022

In my opinion, the new statement bathroom is one that makes people feel as though they have been whisked away to a spa overlooking water in some gorgeous locale. It’s a space that allows for the creation and practice of self-care rituals. That means luxurious finishes like natural stones and unlacquered brass; automation of any elements that can be operated remotely; large soaking tubs; framed views bringing the outside in; cabinetry that looks more like something you’d see in a high-end cocktail bar than in a bathroom; and speakers that integrate with the rest of the home’s system.

Photo caption: New windows in this primary bath allow for the indoor-outdoor connection. They replaced the previous clunky glass block, and the one shown bathes the freestanding soaking tub in ample yet subdued natural light. Photo by Ryan Ford

The Need for Heat
Some of the most luxurious showers are wet rooms that encompass both showers and tubs. With all these open-concept bathrooms (and homes in general), keeping the bathroom warm when coming out of the shower or tub is high on the list when it comes to statement and wellness bathrooms. That can mean towel warmers and radiant heat, wet rooms that keep warmth and moisture in while the space is in use and tubs that are either insulated or constructed from materials that hold heat well.

A Place for Everything
Storage is always key to feeling uncluttered in mind, body and spirit. The new statement bath takes into consideration all the elements and components needed for easy use (linens, towels, paper products and bottle storage) and in-drawer plugs for styling tools and charging. It’s also important to consider the elements you DO want to display, like art and candles, which could require a ledge for display and to hold a wine glass during baths.

While many of our clients still want vanities that meet the floor, we’re seeing more people opt for floating or wall-mounted units, which create a light, airy feel; an opportunity for some indirect, ambient low lighting; and enough space between the bottom of the vanity and the floor to allow for easy cleaning. We’re also seeing much more attention to detail when it comes to the vanity designs themselves: fluted motifs, curved or rounded woods to reduce sharp edges, celebrating beautiful wood grains – all of which are a far cry from the basic builder-grade white we’ve seen plenty of.

Coveted Fixtures
People are having a little more fun with their plumbing fixtures and treating them like design features rather than simply functional elements. That may translate to a variety of shapes (round, oval, longer), installation types (undermount, vessel or integrated), colors (brighter, unexpected), different materials (concrete, stone, hand-painted). Some of our most requested shower features include two wall-mounted showerheads, a rainhead and a handheld, steam showers – with or without body sprays – larger niches to comfortably house lots of products and, always, a bench (or two). Wall-mounted sink faucets create more space on countertops and less opportunity for mildew, soap and scum to build up. Touchless faucets are a great feature for both kids and the aging population without sacrificing look.

The little details are important to consider. Typically, unsexy components like drains and air vents should be considered to integrate with the design of the bathroom. Home Depot and Lowe’s aren’t the only sources for those elements, and putting some thought into how they look, what they’re made of and where they’re located is the difference between basic and beautiful.

The toilet, another typically less-than-sexy component, is really seeing a renaissance as more people opt for wall-mounted, touchless, highly automated products with washlets, seat warmers, motion-activated seats and lids, air deodorizers, illumination and more. Some even have music. Talk about setting a mood!

Going Au Natural
Indoor-outdoor connections have become more valued in all parts of homes but especially in the wellness bathroom. Whether that translates to bigger windows or outdoor showers (or a combination of the two), people want to be connected to the outside. Natural light is the best for applying makeup and creating a spa-like feel, which keeps the space light, bright and cheery.

Natural stone and tile with unique and/or dramatic veining patterns are having a moment, and how those materials are applied makes all the difference. Some of our clients are opting for large-scale slabs covering the walls, while others want to see an interesting pattern and layout. Large-format stones and tiles are great for reducing busy grout joints, but it’s important to consider safety on floors, so we still prefer to use smaller tiles in showers to guard against slipping hazards. Curbless showers not only look sleek and result in uninterrupted transitions, but they are also great for accessibility.

Basically, it’s all in the details. There is a shift to designing less for resale and more for homeowners doing it for themselves. My clients are considering the small details and wanting special, unique moments that truly reflect themselves and their rituals – what makes them feel ready to face the day or shake off a stressful day before bedtime.

By Killy Scheer, founder of Scheer & Co., a high-end residential and commercial boutique interior design firm based in Austin, Texas, with projects nationwide