An often-overlooked space in the home, the bathroom is experiencing a comeback in the world of interior decorating. Designers are realising the potential to create beautiful, relaxing spaces rather than simply a practical room for washing away the dirt of the day. Looking beyond conventional configurations, they are embracing a larger trend of maximising every inch of the home and creating aesthetically pleasing multi-purpose areas where residents find joy in lingering.

From luxurious sunken baths to cannily placed windows that allow both privacy and outstanding views, bathrooms are becoming a major focal point in high-end homes, whether a standalone mansion or a ritzy apartment. Materials and traditional designs are also being re-thought and deployed in imaginative ways – wooden bathtubs, minimalist features and innovative lighting all serve to create a unique space.

The seven bathrooms showcased here reflect the ultimate in comfort, style and pampering decadence. Each offers a splashy statement far beyond the bog-standard designs of yesteryear. 

Soak in Oak

This Beverley Hills bathroom oozes relaxation and serenity. From the smallest details to the larger picture, everything about the space is perfect. The floor-to-ceiling windows overlook the gardens and deck, allowing plenty of natural light to flood into the room. At night and on gloomier days, ceiling spotlights help create a bright yet contemporary feel.

Its centrepiece is a huge, exquisitely handcrafted, egg-shaped wooden bath. Amid a sea of modern materials like glass and steel, the tub offers solid, old-world contrast and a refreshing touch of originality. When teamed with the deep-oak colour of the floor, the wood brings grandeur to the otherwise pared-back décor, and the white walls are minimalist enough to let the fixtures speak for themselves.

Bathroom with a View

For a panoramic splash, look no further than this hotel-worthy bathroom with a stunning sea view. While huge windows overlook the water, it is the large circular bath–big enough for two – that outshines all else, even the plush marble floor.  For those who habitually luxuriate for an eternity in the tub, a flat-screen wall-mounted TV offers one means of entertainment.

The decidedly upmarket feel continues with the choice of pale-green mosaic tiles to frame the windows. ‘His-and-hers’ double wash basins are, of course, standard in a bathroom of this standing. Polished dark wood cupboards under the vanity offer ample storage space for today’s growing lines of clean-beauty products.

Bathing Ace

So much more than a bathroom, this artful space designed by French architect Jean-Marie Massaud for Axor serves as a dressing room, study and reading room. And for whatever purpose you care to use it, the room whispers simple, practical elegance. The large free-standing bathtub, surrounded by soothing candles, is the perfect place for a de-stressing dip, while the discreet corner shower, part hidden by a large marble feature wall, is contemporary and understated. A solid pewter sink completes the soothing aesthetics.

If you fancy curling up with a good book at the end of a busy day, the comfy chair and large rug installed in this multi-functional space provide the plush comforts of a living room. A large central rock sculpture, meanwhile, is designed to invoke calming meditation – or perhaps uplifting inspiration.

Nature Calls

This sumptuously simple shower room is the perfect place to gaze up at the trees while you wash, thanks to the beautifully rendered ceiling beams cleverly overlaid with glass. The overall look is one of rustic charm, yet this is offset with a decadent marble floor and marble-topped seating area. The dark- and medium-hued wooden ceiling adds to the feeling of bathing in nature. It’s the city-dweller’s answer to an idyllic al-fresco bathroom in Bali without the worry of plunging winter temperatures or nosy neighbours.

Thick, opaque glass tiles offer privacy from the outside world, as well as a blurred hint of the greenery beyond. The expansive glass-fronted walk-in shower is amply proportioned, allowing you plenty of space to relax and unwind. Although the lack of in-shower storage may deter those requiring several bottles for cleansing, the uncluttered lines are undeniably soothing.

Making Waves

This gorgeous bathroom’s focal point is its impressive freestanding tub – a Ysola whirlpool bath by Italian home design firm Teuco boasting both hydrosilence and hydrosonic technology. The former dims the sound of the pumps whirling the water; the latter uses ultrasonic waves for deep massage.  The tub’s curved edges and black padded back rests ensure a comfortable fit for two bathers, and its clear side window – complete with mood-lighting – gives the room a contemporary feel.

A large shower with a faux pebble floor and floor-to-ceiling windows that draw in plenty of light offer a sense of nature and brightness. A well-placed rug, a table and books bring a homey feel to the bathroom, while the flowing white curtains add to the sense of tranquillity.

Shower Certain

Designed by Flaminia, a 70-year veteran of stylish Italian sanitaryware, this large bathroom provides a luxury take on simplicity. It has been purposefully created as a clutter-free space, with a few statement pieces doing all of the talking. Most notable is the double walk-in shower, which is framed with floor-to-ceiling glass partitions. The discreet entrance allows the cubicle to flow seamlessly into the rest of the room, while chunky white shelves positioned inside hold all the designer toiletries the modern bather might require.

The dark-wood floor could make it all feel oppressive, but this is counteracted by a full-length horizontal window along the lower wall that cleverly deflects outside light inside. White walls also help keep things bright. Two sleek oval wash basins complete the necessary fixtures; above these, a slim internal window creates an additional element of spaciousness. A bespoke metal foot-bath brings a final touch of edginess.

Streamlined Splash

Another Flaminia-designed space highlights how today’s bathrooms need not conform to the norm. They can be sleek and contemporary, crisp and stylish. Here, a freestanding bathtub with black surround is complemented by a streamlined above-sink cabinet that has an integrated circular mirror and serves to hide away any clutter.

This minimalist décor delivers a bold iteration of modernity, with the flowing layout keeping things pleasingly spacious. A lack of windows in the bathroom – an all-too-common phenomenon in new apartment buildings – is counteracted by sharp, defined edges and a simple colour scheme. A royal blue feature chair adds a quaint touch, while the white-on-white shelves and walls complete the futuristic vibe.