25th February 2025

Bathrooms are sacred spaces for private retreat. They are a sanctuary reserved for solitude and refuge. Here, we can enjoy the nourishing and cleansing power of water while we surrender to its quiet rituals. The bathroom deserves to be designed with intention and care.

Of all the rooms in our home, the bathroom is perhaps the most intimate. Whilst it provides us with a functional space to bathe and clean ourselves, it offers us so much more than a space for these simple, practical tasks. This private retreat is where we begin and end our days and find rare moments of solitude from a hectic world that relentlessly demands our attention. The bathroom is a place to reset and recharge, a space where we can soothe our senses, restore balance and find stillness when everything feels loud, fast and stressful.

Creating a calming sanctuary requires intentional bathroom design ideas that balance functionality with aesthetics. To design a bathroom retreat at home we can take inspiration from spas and imitate the nurturing and nourishing design choices that make these spaces feel so tranquil and restorative.

Bathrooms tend be clinical and cold. With so many hard, shiny, reflective white surfaces made from synthetic materials, it’s easy to see why. Whilst white sanitaryware is preferable for reasons of cleanliness, there is no reason why the rest of the bathroom must follow suit.

To create a truly serene, spa-inspired bathroom, we must focus on anything but clinical and sterile spaces. Instead, we need peaceful spaces that draw inspiration from the great outdoors. A biophilic bounty burgeoning with colours and materials that mimic mother nature.

Natural, ethical materials take centre stage in a bathroom retreat and bring authenticity to the space. Opting for natural stone for floor tiles or counter tops has a grounding effect and incorporating wood into the bathroom gives it instant warmth and tactility. Our Mendani mango wood and fluted glass low cabinet is made from mango wood, which is a by-product of the mango growing industry. It is the perfect storage solution for toiletries and towels with its sophisticated antique feel.

Jute baskets like our Rohia Laundry Basket or our Renu Jute Laundry Basket add texture, warmth and aesthetic appeal to the bathroom and are suited for storing towels and linen. Whilst our Nkomi Baskets, woven from water hyacinth and corn husks, make attractive yet practical sustainable storage solutions. Our antique brass Olani Collection features shelving, a toilet roll holder, a towel ring, a hanging rail and hooks with their rough surface finish and irregular organic patination adding a subtle spa-like touch to a serene bathroom design.

When it comes to choosing colours for our bathroom retreat, focusing on neutral tones and earthy hues introduce a sense of calm and quiet luxury. Warm tones of rust, muted jute and natural seagrass and the rich brown tones of recycled glass depict the warm, grounded tones of nature, encouraging relaxation and calm in the space.

Luxuriously deep seagrass, water hyacinth and jute woven baskets add texture, warmth and aesthetic appeal to the bathroom. Large baskets provide a home for towels, linen and laundry, while small baskets make an ideal home for toiletries and beauty products. Natural baskets keep our things neatly hidden away but within easy reach.

Floating shelves like our Ibo reclaimed wood and iron shelf, or our Tamba wall hung shelves neatly accommodate small beauty items such as creams and lotions or cleaning products. For more concealed storage, our timelessly elegant Medani low cabinet with its fluted glass and deep walnut finish has a sophisticated antique feel. Choosing storage that enhances the space rather than dominating creates a sense of tranquil relaxation that allow us to unwind in the absence of visual clutter.

Small details can make a big difference when it comes to styling our bathroom retreat and can enhance that spa-like feeling that allows us to disconnect and escape the mundanity of our everyday. A tranquil bathroom retreat is carefully curated with thoughtfully chosen pieces that bring soul and individuality to the space. These pieces elevate the space, adding a touch of luxury while maintaining a serene and harmonious feel.

Peaceful bathroom décor may include a wooden bath tray to hold a warm mug of tea or a chilled glass of white wine, a book, and a flickering candle. A marble soap dish for handmade soaps, a beautiful antique brass mirror that reflects warmth and charm, a recycled glass storage pot, and sculptural organic shaped vases help to layer a bathroom retreat in our personal style. Our Kiani collection of bathroom accessories with its etched design adds texture and character as well as blending traditional craftsmanship with modern aesthetics. Bringing in greenery is the finishing touch that adds freshness and vibrancy to a calming bathroom design.

By layering all these elements together our bathroom becomes more than just a functional space. It transforms into a haven of serenity and self-care where each visit feels like an opportunity to reset, restore, and reconnect with ourselves.