We all know that clients like to be pampered, so what better way to meet their needs than to re-create the spa experience in their master bath?

These are the sentiments of Christopher J. Grubb, president of Arch-Interiors Design Group in Beverly Hills, CA, and Orlando, FL, who notes that clients no longer want, but in fact need a space that will rejuvenate or relax them in equal measure.

He explains: “Product trends are based on allowing the client versatility in their master bathroom experience. Therefore, the design requests we have received seem to be based on a spa experience our clients have had and want to emulate. Perhaps psychologically, it was a relaxing experience and they want to translate that experience into their personal space.”

Deirdre Eagles, Allied Member ASID, of Deirdre Eagles Interior Design in Laguna Niguel, CA, agrees: “The master bath is becoming an oasis of personal care as well as a retreat from the stresses of daily life. More than ever, people are investing in this important part of their home to make it a space that reflects their own preferences and needs.”

Donna Lucyk, senior designer for Morris Plains, NJ-based Wolf Singer Design Studio, concurs: “People are thinking of their bathrooms more and more as their own personal retreat. In a world that is increasingly demanding, it is more important than ever that we each have quality personal time. The bathroom is where the day both starts and ends. And, what better place is there for people to find their center? The new master baths are nothing like anything before them.”

However, she adds, that does not mean that master baths will stick to conservative or traditional design themes. In fact, she says, designers should expect to see some demand for unconventional layouts.

“The unexpected is the new norm. For example, the faucet may be completely hidden from view behind glass, and the sink will be a very flat, clear block. Meeting the criteria for the unexpected, beautiful and functional is definitely something we have been doing,” she offers.

Carolyn Deardorff, M.A., CKD, IIDA, CAPS, of Brighton, CO-based Design Adventures notes that she is seeing large soaker tubs as the focal point of the room, with “serenity being the theme.” These are often complemented by mood lighting, as well as natural stone countertops and travertine flooring and tub surrounds.

Eagles notes that the spa theme is mainly seen in the shower area, with walk-in showers with multiple shower heads, body sprays and steam capabilities.

Lucyk has seen a low-sheen trend make its way into the master bath on hard surfaces, and she expects this trend to continue.
“You’re going to see more ‘matte’ finishes or ‘leather’ looks on many surfaces,” she predicts.

Deardorff adds: “Overall, clients want more gadgets in the master bath. It’s the retreat from the kids and the crazy mornings.

The bath suite will continue to grow and include more and more gadgets to simplify life and incorporate a sense of pampering.”

Material Mosaics

According to Joan M. Eisenberg, CMKBD, ASID of JME Consulting in Baltimore, MD, natural materials, such as stone and, in some cases, engineered stone, are making waves in the bath.

“Builders are using cultured marble,” she says, “and tile, porcelain, ceramic and marble are still ‘musts’ for the floor. To that end, I recommend honed, tumbled or other textures for flooring.”  

Grubb agrees, noting that natural stone is the most requested product for floors and countertops in master baths.

He continues: “Tactile surfaces are extremely popular, including glass mosaics and chiseled stones. That said, the trend would be more toward how innovative the materials have become and how we as designers can be creative in combining the various elements.”

Eisenberg adds: “Overall, a brushed and antiqued look is the most popular, while polished seems to be taking a back seat. As far as matching [these to] cabinet finishes, I wouldn’t say they ‘match,’ but they coordinate very well with most cabinet styles, and look wonderful with earth-colored stone and tile.”

Grubb, meanwhile, sees most tub surrounds being done in either wood or glass. “And,” he adds, “we always try and incorporate something unexpected in a material where we can create a conversation point.”

Eisenberg notes: “Glass tile as accents in tub and shower surrounds is the hottest design trend in my area.”

She continues: “Although glass tile comes in almost any color imaginable, I am seeing greens and blues used most frequently. In fact, I am seeing more eclectic styles: traditional with a contemporary twist or contemporary with a traditional flavor. I am also seeing an Asian influence creeping in.”

Lucyk adds that she is seeing neutrals and monochromatic shades remaining popular, while the color chocolate is increasingly being incorporated as an accent color against the pale neutrals.

Green Growth

Although clients certainly want the spa experience, they are also more aware than ever with regard to wasteful uses of water and other materials. Perhaps more challenging for designers is consumers’ growing knowledge of design and product alternatives.

Deardorff explains: “All of my clients are more conscious of making environmentally friendly choices. For instance, we are seeing a lot of in-floor heating, Energy Star rated light fixtures, showerheads that mix air with water to conserve water and dual flush toilets.”