5 upgrades for spa-style bathrooms from floor tiles to finishing touches

Top tips on how to create the ultimate bathing sanctuary

Spa bathrooms are renowned for their ability to boost wellbeing with elements of indulgence. Do you love the idea of creating a spa-style bathroom in your home, but perhaps don't know where to start? Creating your own zen zone may not quite as tricky as you think. There are plenty of ways in which to transform your bathroom into a relaxing bathing sanctuary, from picking the right floor tiles to introducing a statement mirror. If you want to create an oasis of tranquility, consider design details, which will embrace a luxurious look and feel. And the materials you choose could make all the difference, as will colours and textures. So, follow my tips and tricks to help you channel the feel-good factor in your bathroom:

1. Choose the right floor tiles

First and foremost, it's important to pick floor tiles, which not only look super-stylish but will be moisture and slip-resistant, too. After all, this room will be prone to high moisture levels, so safety will be key. The right floor tiles will instantly add a decorative element to your bathroom design too, so what's not to like? Colour-wise, think modern neutrals and, in terms of style, anything from mosaics to marble could provide you with your own relaxing haven.

For the ultimate spa-style luxury underfoot, choose our Ca' Pietra Palazzo Oro collection. Our Marble Brickbond Square and Marble Honed Tiles (40.6x61cm) are showcased here in this luxury, bespoke bathroom

2. Introduce a natural look

Natural touches, such as grasses and wood, can instantly create a luxurious spa bathroom feeling. Bamboo is not only a sustainable grass but it harnesses a natural charm with distinctive grain detailing. From a statement mirror to a bath rug, these will make excellent eco-friendly choices for your bathing haven.

Our Origins Living Kenji Mirror , 80cmDia, £217.25, will enable you to create a zen zone in your bathroom with an attractive bamboo frame harnessing a golden hue

Floor tiles or planks?

Engineered wood flooring has a timeless elegance, which will certainly add a spa-style feel to a bespoke bathroom. These planks are more water resistant than solid wood and are an alternative to floor tiles. However, their look is identical to a solid wood floor. So you can still expect a luxurious warm spa-style look and feeling.

Our Woodpecker Lynton Seagrass Oak engineered wood flooring, £66.60 per sq m, can instantly add warmth and style to a neutral spa-like bathroom scheme

These days, there are plenty of wood-effect surfaces, which look just like the real thing, too. In fact, this can be crucial for a room with fluctuating humidity levels. So, you can still awaken your senses with the timeless elegance of wood-effect touches. Luxury Vinyl Planks (LVP) however, provide an ideal alternative. After all, these are essentially floor tiles (or planks), which are extremely durable and waterproof, too.

Our Floorify F006 Blush Long Vinyl Planks, £49.95 per sq m, instantly add an authentic wood-effect finish to this spa-style bathroom

3. Create a clutter-free bathroom

There are all sorts of ways in which to create a serene spa-style space in your bathroom. However, removing clutter is important. So start by removing everything from your vanity unit, shelves and cupboards. Then organise your lotions and potions into everyday items you use and those you don't need to store here. You may also find you've got a collection you can donate to charity. And don't forget to check any use-by dates! Hide cleaning products away and consider open shelving for treasured pieces, such as your favourite perfume. You can even add some greenery to help create an oasis of calm with a trailing plant.

Our Origins Living open storage will instantly a spa-style ambience to your bathroom. These Pier Glass 4 Box Shelves in Square Bronze, £201.45, also give an illusion of space in transparent toughened glass

Match your floor tiles

When it comes to creating a clutter-free spa-style look, a wet room will provide you with a clean, fuss-free space. Why not match your floor tiles with the colour of your wall tiles for a more cohesive finish? Neutral tones are ideal for a sleek, modern finish and an overhead shower will add a minimalist look.

Check out these stone-effect floor tiles called Berliner Sand Natural, 200mm x 1200mm, £56.95 per sq m, by Original Style. These are ideal if you're looking for a minimalist, clutter-free wet room design

4. Trade up your towels & robes

Ensuring your towels are soft and fluffy is essential for creating a more spa-like atmosphere in your bathroom. Invest in high-quality towels, and wash them regularly (with a quick tumble dry) to keep them feeling fresh, super-soft and inviting. After a relaxing shower or bath, wrap yourself up in a luxurious bathrobe for that extra touch of spa-like luxury. Choose soft, high-quality materials like cotton or bamboo. Don't forget to pick up a pair of waffle design spa-style slippers to keep your toes toasty on your floor tiles.

5. Lighting the way

Good lighting can enable you to balance practicalities of a bathroom with the ambience you want to create. So consider how you will use this space first. This way, you can cater for different activities - make-up application and shaving will need dedicated lighting for example. And dont forget to think about how to your lighting down a level to enjoy a relaxing soak in the tub. Task lighting, such as spotlights and backlit mirrors could be important for your basin area while ambient lighting, including dimmers, can produce a warm glow for a spa-like sanctuary. High-gloss wall and floor tiles will bounce plenty of light around your luxury bathroom, and why not add ambient lighting around the base of your bath for subtle illumination?

Our Onyx Pink Polished tiles, £90 per sq m, in this spa-like bathroom feature excellent anti-slip properties while retaining the ceramic surface's soft silky feel

Also read: LVT flooring: ideas for your home