Many kitchen and bath designers have clients who travel to exotic locales – and stay in the poshest accommodations during those trips. These world travelers love what they see and experience abroad, and often return wanting to recreate that same feeling in their own homes. It is left to the designers commissioned with these assignments to create that “other world” that is only a room away.

“Clients want their homes to feel like the beautiful spas and hotels they have visited,” explains Andrea Pompei, kitchen and bath designer for Silver Spring, MD-based Innovative Kitchens & Baths. “People today are choosing to remain closer to home, but still want to experience those benefits.”

The view of the bath as a place to escape to is prevalent, according to Nicholas M. Ricci, owner/president of Professional Services in Ozone Park, NY. “In general, the bathroom is a place to relax and unwind from the stresses of the day,” he asserts.

Mark Audino, v.p. of Audino Construction in Austin, TX, adds, “We’re seeing a lot of requests for home spa-type bathrooms with more interest in comfort than size.”

To that end, Robin Denker, principal and designer for Kitchens By Design Gallerie in Westlake Village, CA, notes: “Whether or not the bathroom is small or large, relaxation elements include a deep soaking tub or a larger shower with a seat and a steam sauna. It’s a place to have a couple of fragrant candles burning or a lock on the door with a ‘do not disturb’ sign.”

“We’re seeing custom walk-in showers with body sprays, rain heads and bench seats,” Ricci adds.

Multiple body spray shower systems and warm air hydromassage tubs are prevalent in these spaces, agrees Audino, as well as furniture-grade cabinetry with open shelving and glass vessel sinks.

Denker typically gives the cabinetry in her bath projects a wider base and frosted panels to mimic a furniture look.

Audino notes that many clients are opting for more contemporary designs than in the past. “Like a lot of things, design trends go in cycles,” Audino explains. “We’re coming out of the Tuscan look, and we’re now seeing more minimal, clean design.”

Denker agrees: “My baths are often transitional with updated finishes – mixing contemporary handles, mirrors with furniture-style frames and undermount sinks.”