Step into serenity

May 18, 2026

Transforming your bathroom into an atmospheric, spa-like sanctuary might not be as hard as you think. Phoebe Harper explores some expert-approved ways to elevate your space

Few places capture the tension between relaxation and functionality at home quite like the bathroom. However, with a few savvy design choices, such as calming colour palettes and tactile textures, it has never been simpler to create your own private wellbeing retreat – no matter the size.

“A bathroom can do more than serve the morning rush,” says Abbi Travers, design consultant at East Anglian independent home department store Glasswells. “With the right palette, materials, lighting and finishing touches, it can become a space that feels soothing and comfortable, even in a busy home.”

Colour your calm

To transform your bathroom beyond a purely practical space to one with a distinct mood and character, colour is your greatest tool. “It’s never just about aesthetics; it’s about the atmosphere you want to create,” advises Laura Hammett, creative director of her eponymous design studio and founder of luxury homeware brand Laura Hammett Living.

While neutral palettes remain a timeless staple that can offer a versatile foundation to work from, we are now seeing bathrooms embrace bolder colours that make a statement.

“Homeowners are moving away from predictable neutrals and embracing richer, more expressive palettes,” echoes Debbie Cram, an interior designer at Glasswells. “Deep greens, terracotta tones and soft pastels are being used across full walls or floor-to-ceiling tiling to create an enveloping atmosphere.”

Elsewhere, Samantha Lawson is a senior bathroom designer at Drench. Known for her attention to detail, she specialises in solving layout challenges and transforming small or awkward bathrooms. “Warmer, nature-inspired colour palettes, such as ivory, soft beige, terracotta and clay, are among the most popular colour directions at the moment, as they are not only comforting but also grounding,” she says. “Meanwhile, soft greens such as jade and sage are often strongly associated with renewal and restoration; perfect when creating your own sanctuary.”

For London-based interior designer Rebecca Hughes, it’s advisable to move away from ‘trending’ palettes to avoid a space appearing dated shortly after any major changes have been made. “Selecting the right scheme for a bathroom is about more than just picking a colour. It’s about achieving lasting beauty and harmony throughout your space,” she comments. “I tend to use classic English influences with a relaxed, layered approach – creating spaces that feel effortless and comfortable yet still beautifully curated. I believe design should have longevity, rather than feeling too trend driven.”

Texture talk

Alternative Flooring

Incorporating tactile elements is also key to revivify your home sanctuary. “Texture is arguably the most underrated element when creating a wellness bathroom, and in my opinion one of the most impactful,” continues Samantha. “A great way to add unique textures into the space is through concrete basins. Where a standard ceramic sink is purely functional, a concrete basin adds a sculptural quality and is available in a variety of colours to suit your space.”

To create a room that makes you feel grounded, look for textures that are suggestive of natural materials. Stone, slate and distressed wood are all great choices to introduce a rustic but contemporary charm. “This can be done through vanity units, or you can even create a feature wall highlight through bathroom panel walls,” she suggests.

For Kirsty Barton, brand storytelling manager at Alternative Flooring, adding sustainable materials to the bathroom is a great way to reduce environmental impact while updating your space with that natural look. “Recycled PET fibre, for example, can be designed to look like sisal, and is often made out of 100% recycled consumer plastics. It is an innovative and soft yet durable material that can be used to make bathroom rugs, runners or even a fully fitted carpet. It’s ideal for those who love the look of beautiful, natural textures but are in need of something water-resistant and eco-friendly. It also adds a soft touch underfoot, helping to ground the space and enhance that zen feeling.”

Elsewhere, embrace other sumptuous soft touches that create a cocooning space geared towards total comfort. “Bathrooms are being layered with tactile details that elevate everyday routines into moments of indulgence. Plush bathmats, textured tiles and thoughtfully chosen prints or wall art are introducing personality and softness. These elements help the bathroom space to feel styled and lived-in, rather than clinical,” continues Abbi.

Let there be light

Light has a significant influence on how a bathroom feels, and the shift to warmer, more diffused light is changing the mood of such spaces. While an emphasis on natural light will contribute to a gentler atmosphere, for those who may be short on window space, Glasswells recommends incorporating gentle over-sink lighting and layered fixtures for a soothing effect.

“Thoughtfully layered lighting will transform your bathroom into a spa-like sanctuary,” Laura concurs. “I avoid overhead fixtures and integrate strategic accent pieces like dimmable wall sconces, luminous alabaster fixtures and delicate frosted glass elements, complemented by discreet LED strips tucked beneath floating vanities and within architectural details. The key is choosing warm white light that bathes the space in a gentle, flattering glow rather than harsh daylight tones.”

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Back-lit mirrors and colour-changing bulbs are simple ways to make light work for you. Consider using energy-efficient, design-led LED bulbs as a highly effective way to reduce energy consumption. These bulbs have a longer lifespan, which not only lowers your carbon footprint and reduces the need for frequent replacement, but also minimises waste, posing less harm to the environment.

“A priority when creating a relaxing atmosphere in the bathroom is to opt for softer lighting effects. Simply ask your electrician to add a dimmer switch onto your IP44 recess spots,” suggests Mary Buchanan, creative director at Laura Ashley Lighting by Där Lighting. “This can be put outside your bathroom and is much better than using an ugly pull switch.

“If you are short on space, however, wall lights can introduce some personality and a focal point to your bathroom if used around a mirror or, if walls are not available, a central IP44 flush multi-light works very well.”

Finishing touches

On a smaller scale, there are myriad more affordable changes you can make to improve your bathroom space. Simply making sure there is adequate storage, for example, can make a big difference in improving your ability to unwind.

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“Removing the visual noise of clutter is a great way to make sure you can actually relax in the space,” comments Samantha. “Store everyday essentials in stylish wicker or belly baskets, which keep items hidden while adding beautiful earthy tones to the decor. Decanting your beauty products and bath salts into reusable glass jars is also an elegant way to turn necessary items into beautiful display pieces.”

Charlotte Tilby is head of marketing at British brand Calypso Bathrooms. “To complete the transformation, homeowners can introduce open shelving and carefully arranged essentials, such as rolled towels and candles, helping to create a space that feels organised and indulgent,” she says. “Thoughtful details like these can turn an everyday bathroom into a mindful, restorative retreat.”

Lastly, fun finishing touches such as a lovely scent and a few plants will make all the difference. Try lavender, ylang-ylang and sandalwood for a classic spa atmosphere, and air-purifying greenery like eucalyptus for a mood-boosting aroma, or a peace lily that will thrive in the humidity of your bathroom.

As Debbie from Glasswells concludes: “Ultimately, bathrooms are becoming one of the most important home spaces to furnish with intention. With boutique-inspired touches and a strong focus on wellbeing, they are evolving into personal retreats; places where design and daily ritual come together to restore both body and mind.”