Last Updated on May 29, 2025 by Tanya Janse van Rensburg
Wondering what it takes to transform a plain bathroom into a sanctuary for relaxation and self-care?
Well, with a little creativity and a few thoughtful upgrades, it's possible to turn even the most basic space into a luxurious retreat.
With our busy daily routines, having a place to unwind and recharge at the end of the day can be truly rewarding.
This explains why so many homeowners are looking to create bathrooms that are more than just functional spaces.
Here are a few tips that you can use to create a spa-worthy bathroom you’ll never want to leave.
More than just a place to soak, a freestanding bath is a statement piece that adds style and a spa-like feel to the bathroom.
Its ability to stand proudly on its own makes it a focal point that draws attention the moment you walk into the room. Plus, there is something about a freestanding tub that feels indulgent.
Stepping into one after a long day feels like entering a place where you can unwind and soak away the stresses of everyday life. Freestanding tubs also offer design freedom.
Available in a wide range of shapes, materials, and finishes, they allow you to express your taste, whether that's sleek and modern, classic and clawfoot, or something bold and contemporary.
Their standalone design means they can be placed anywhere you want, including in the middle of the bathroom or tucked near a window for a soaking-with-a-view experience.
Just make sure the size of the tub suits your space, both visually and practically.
A tub that's too large can overwhelm a smaller bathroom, while one that's too small may not deliver the full comfort and impact you’re after.
When choosing a freestanding bath, there are some features you'll want to look for to ensure a spa-like soaking experience. One of them is ergonomic design.
This means interior contouring seating with supports that promote proper posture and curved lines that provide optimal positioning for the head, back, and arms.
You'll also want the bath to be made from non-porous materials that are resistant to chipping and that prevent growing mould or bacteria. Great examples of these materials are acrylic and gelcoat.
Hydrotherapy jets will give you the ultimate spa-like relaxation. Water jets deliver a targeted massage that soothes sore muscles and relieves tension, transforming your bath into a therapeutic retreat.
Paired with candles, soft lighting, and essential oils, the effect is pure tranquillity.
The purpose of conventional light sources is to illuminate the whole room. Hidden lighting, on the other hand, is meant to set a particular ambience.
In the bathroom, hidden lighting creates a softer, more intimate atmosphere, transforming a purely functional space into a place of relaxation.
Hidden lighting comes in the form of LED strips that you can tuck behind mirrors, beneath vanities, or along recessed ceilings.
The glow that this lighting provides is indirect, casting gentle light that highlights textures, contours, and finishes in a more refined way than overhead lighting alone.
The glow can be cool white or warm white. Cool white glow lights are best suited for areas where focus and task lighting are needed, such as behind the mirror.
Warm white lights make a perfect choice for creating a cosy, inviting ambience, such as under a floating cabinet.
Another feature that you can add to instantly transform your bathroom is a countertop basin.
A piece made from glass, marble, or even ceramic will instantly become a focal point, adding character and a modern touch to the space.
In addition to improving the look of your bathroom, this type of basin also maximises counter space, allowing you to use the space to display beautiful bathroom accessories.
You can use elegant soap dispensers, candles, or even small potted plants to style the surface.
Image stepping out of the shower and wrapping yourself in a soft, gently heated towel - it sure feels wonderfully pampering.
Beyond comfort, a sleek towel warmer can also enhance your bathroom's overall design.
Available in a range of styles and finishes, towel warmers blend well with a range of decor styles, from classic to contemporary.
Some models even double as radiant heaters, helping to warm the room itself, perfect for chilly mornings. It's a small touch that makes a big difference.
Wallpapering a wall in the bathroom is a smart yet easy way to introduce luxury, personality, and sophistication to the space.
While tiles are traditionally used in bathrooms, wallpaper offers a unique opportunity to add texture, colour, and pattern in a way that feels more design-driven.
A wallpaper in a dramatic botanical print or with a subtle metallic shimmer, for example, can be used to instantly elevate the room, transforming it from purely functional to thoroughly styled.
A bold geometric wallpaper design in a rich tone like navy, charcoal, or emerald, on the other hand, can be used to add a modern edge and visual drama.
If you're wondering about the durability of wallpaper in the bathroom, know that modern wallpaper options are more moisture-resistant than ever.
With the right choice and placement, wallpaper can not only withstand the humidity of a bathroom but also maintain its beauty for years to come.
Bringing elements of nature into the bathroom is a way to instantly make it feel more luxurious.
Indoor plants, with their lush greenery, add a refreshing contrast to the hard surfaces typically found in the bathroom (tile, metal fixtures, mirrors), creating a space that feels more serene and spa-like.
You can also use decorative pots, hanging planters, or small arrangements on shelves or vanities as design features. This will help add a touch of style and personality to the space without cluttering it.
There are many plants that thrive in the warm, humid environment of a bathroom. Species like pothos, snake plant, bamboo, and aloe vera are easy to care for and continue to look great with minimal effort.
By making a few intentional design choices—like adding a freestanding tub, upgrading your lighting, or incorporating natural elements—you can turn your bathroom into a personal oasis.
Whether you’re starting from scratch or updating an existing space, these simple yet impactful upgrades will help you create a spa-worthy retreat that soothes the senses and elevates your daily routine.
