We've picked out the best master bathroom ideas from the most impressive homes in our archives. Our top pick? A spa-inspired space that blurs the boundary between the indoors and outdoors.
For hotel-inspired luxury, it's all about the little things like soft vintage rugs and sheepskins for keeping feet warm when you brush your teeth, bathtubs with a view (either in a bay window or set up with Netflix), and stylish in-bathroom lounge seating.
Dial up the grandeur with ornate cornicing, ceiling roses, fireplaces and even a chandelier, but keep bathroom fittings streamlined and modern – with modern freestanding bathtubs, wall mounted brass taps and other modern design ideas.
Looking for something a little out of the ordinary? Take inspiration from custom-made designs like the wooden bath (yes, really) designed by Beata Heuman, and her Fornasetti wallpapered bathroom cabinets. Swoon. For a more classic look, we turn to Marie Flanigan Interiors who created an elegant but understated bathroom combining rustic charm with modern bathroom fittings.
Swimming in space? The below include hotel-inspired master bathrooms with ideas such as vanity islands and twin bathtubs. Because why not?
From statement lighting and striking tiles to extra tall bathtubs deep enough to submerge you right to the shoulders, you're bound to fall in love with these stunning master bathroom ideas.
1. Blur the indoors and outdoors for spa-inspired style
We're in love with this super chic bathroom space, from the whirlpool bath to the indoor-outdoor vibe that the light-well garden creates.
(Image credit: Photography: Joe Fletcher)
Similarly, the below bath is half inside, half outside, with a glass wall nestled neatly into the marble. A glass wall opens into the shower which is in this private outdoor light-well space. Magical.
See more Cool ways to bring the outdoors in
(Image credit: Matthew Millman)
2. Choose all-over marble for a luxe look
Opting for a marble bathroom scheme is a sure-fire way to create a luxurious look.
The below shower room features floor-to-ceiling Carrara marble, a rain fall shower head plus two separate hand-held ones.
(Image credit: Design by Gachot)
This lighter shower room is just as luxe, but features a lighter and more calming look with light marble and sanded floors.
(Image credit: Paul Massey)
For something more glam, just add metallic accents.
(Image credit: Photography / Nicole Gerulat)
3. It's all in the details
This all-white, minimalist bathroom scheme is given a super luxe look, thanks to the tall bath, modern, wall-mounted taps, brass details and large walk-in shower enclosure. A flatweave runner adds some soft texture.
(Image credit: Anna Stathaki)
Herringbone tiles end in a jagged zig-zag instead of a straight line, creating a funky edge to this white bathroom. The double sink is also a striking design element.
(Image credit: Anna Stathaki)
4. Go bespoke for a more interesting and personal scheme
This opulent, free-standing bath is actually made from wood, a design which was inspired by a Twenties design in an old magazine. It was quite difficult to work out how to make it, but, fortunately, interior designer Beata Heuman had a very good joiner and discovered a specialist timber from the Netherlands that is used in boat building and can be submerged in water for 10 years without any ill effect. The curved bathroom cabinets are decorated with Fornasetti ‘Nuvole’ wallpaper, which Beata Heuman had customised with sky-blue paint. View more of this West London townhouse here.
(Image credit: Simon Brown)
5. Make it comfortable
This master bathroom feels more like a luxe living space, with butter leather Barcelona bench seating, a vintage rug and modern art.
(Image credit: Farrow & Ball)
A lounge area in a bathroom is very luxe – especially when the lounge seating in question is a classic Eames lounge chair. The marble wall tiles help differentiate the wet area from the lounge area.
(Image credit: James Merrell)
6. Introduce some fun tiles
This master bathroom design incorporates lots of striking design ideas, from the freestanding bath at an angle to the shower room behind smoked glass panels and an up-cycled church candelabra used to display jewellery. But the most notable design feature is the stunning bathroom floor tiles.
(Image credit: Design by The Novogratz)
7. Contrast old and new
The ornate plasterwork cornicing and ceiling rose are complemented by both classic and contemporary fixtures. The chandelier and mirror are vintage, while the freestanding bath could not look more modern.
(Image credit: James Merrell)
8. Choose a modern freestanding tub
With stunning details like the pearlescent wall tiles, slate floors and pretty window treatments, the tub isn't the first thing you notice. But it's the most-loved aspect of this master bathroom as the rim is wide enough to rest a glass of wine on.
(Image credit: James Merrell)
9. Double up with his 'n' hers details
Opting for his and hers sinks is both practical and will result in a luxe, elegant look.
Poured concrete flooring grounds the below monochrome scheme. Aside from lending a grey colour to the space, concrete flooring also feels warmer underfoot than bathroom floor tiles. Black taps and fittings add to the modern look.
(Image credit: Paul Raeside)
Take things up a notch with his and hers bathtubs. Can you imagine anything more luxurious than having two freestanding bathtubs, so you can comfortably soak together without having to share? A side table in the middle means that drinks are always within reach.
(Image credit: Foxhill Manor)
10. Brave a bold colour scheme
For a grown-up, chic and sultry look, dive in with a dark shade.
Charcoal walls look very chic in this grown-up master bathroom. Premium bathroom fittings combined with personal elements create a bathing zone that’s both cosy and luxe.We love the statement bathroom lighting too...
(Image credit: Paul Raeside)
11. For large bathrooms, consider a vanity island
Interior designer Richard Felix Ashman decided to place this bathroom vanity in the centre of the room as the walls were all in use. The owners suggested the diagonal angle of the vanity island, which frees the circulation from a rigid grid. The custom hanging mirror is also double sided and flanked by customised pendants, all in polished nickel.
(Image credit: Aaron Leitz)
12. Play with the bathroom layout
The centrally placed tub and walk-in shower, accessed from both sides, create a sense of spaciousness in this luxe master bathroom.
(Image credit: Future)
13. Choose dark marble for a traditional touch
We love everything about this rustic, understated space. From the carved marble bath surround that reaches into the shower space, and the shower panel that fits neatly into it, to the modern steel window frames, brass taps and textural woven blinds.
(Image credit: Marie Flanigan Interiors)
14. Install unexpected statement lighting
Who said bathroom lighting had to be boring? In this day and age there are numerous cool brands popping up, offering bathroom lighting that makes an impact.
(Image credit: uniquehomestays.com)
15. Opt for a floating vanity for a contemporary look
The floating vanity / sink storage matches the bathroom wall colour, tying in with the dark scheme, while herringbone parquet floors and a marble sink area dial up the luxe factor. His and hers double basins feel both practical and indulgent, while the floating vanity creates the illusion of more floor space.
(Image credit: Paul Raeside)
16. Incorporate a vanity area with built-in storage
A fitted vanity area makes the most of an unused corner in this master bathroom, and provides plenty of storage for make-up, face masks, moisturisers and nail varnishes.
(Image credit: Marie Flanigan Interiors)
17. Extra tall
This extra tall bathtub is deep enough to submerge you right to the shoulders. Brass accents warm up the cool marble.
(Image credit: Photography / Matt Clayton, @mattclaytonphoto)
18. Introduce soft texture
Soft accents like the sheepskin rug, pretty roll down blinds and a side table with a vase make this bathroom feel more spa-like.
(Image credit: Tim Williams)
19. Use a bay window
This bathtub makes the most of the bay window, so the owners can enjoy the view every time they get in the tub.
(Image credit: Aaron Leitz)
Insights, advice, suggestions, feedback and comments from experts
As an expert and enthusiast, I have personal experiences or access to my experience, but I was trained on a mixture of licensed data, data created by human trainers, and publicly available data. I should note that while I strive to provide accurate and up-to-date information, my responses may not always reflect the most current news or developments. News is constantly evolving, and new information can emerge that may change the context or understanding of a given topic.
Now, let's dive into the concepts mentioned in this article:
Spa-Inspired Style:
The article mentions a spa-inspired style for master bathrooms. This style aims to create a relaxing and luxurious atmosphere, blurring the boundary between the indoors and outdoors. It often incorporates elements like whirlpool baths, indoor-outdoor vibes, and light-well gardens [[1]].
Marble Bathroom:
Marble is mentioned as a popular choice for creating a luxurious look in a bathroom. It can be used for floor-to-ceiling tiling, shower rooms, and vanity areas. Carrara marble is specifically mentioned as a type of marble used in a shower room, while light marble is mentioned for a more calming look. Metallic accents can be added to enhance the glam factor [[2]].
Attention to Detail:
The article emphasizes the importance of paying attention to details in bathroom design. Examples include tall baths, modern wall-mounted taps, brass details, large walk-in shower enclosures, and unique design elements like herringbone tiles and double sinks. These details can elevate the overall look and feel of the bathroom [[3]].
Bespoke Design:
The article suggests considering bespoke or custom-made designs for a more interesting and personal bathroom scheme. Examples include a wooden bath designed by Beata Heuman and Fornasetti wallpapered bathroom cabinets. These unique design elements can add character and individuality to the space [[4]].
Comfort and Lounge Areas:
Creating a comfortable and luxurious atmosphere in the bathroom is highlighted in the article. This can be achieved through the use of butter leather seating, vintage rugs, modern art, lounge seating (such as a classic Eames lounge chair), and soft textures like sheepskin rugs. These elements can transform the bathroom into a cozy and inviting space [[5]].
Statement Tiles:
The article mentions the use of striking and unique tiles as a design feature in master bathrooms. Examples include stunning bathroom floor tiles, smoked glass panels, and upcycled church candelabras used to display jewelry. These statement tiles can add visual interest and personality to the bathroom [[6]].
Contrasting Old and New:
Combining classic and contemporary elements is suggested to create an interesting bathroom design. Examples include ornate plasterwork cornicing and ceiling roses paired with modern freestanding baths, chandeliers with vintage mirrors, and pearlescent wall tiles with slate floors. This contrast can create a unique and visually appealing aesthetic [[7]].
Modern Freestanding Tubs:
The article mentions the popularity of modern freestanding bathtubs in master bathrooms. These tubs can have stunning details like pearlescent wall tiles, slate floors, and pretty window treatments. They can serve as a focal point in the bathroom design [[8]].
His and Hers Details:
The article suggests incorporating his and hers elements in the bathroom design for a practical and elegant look. Examples include his and hers sinks, poured concrete flooring, and his and hers freestanding bathtubs. These elements can add a touch of luxury and convenience to the space [[9]].
Bold Color Schemes:
For a chic and sultry look, the article suggests using dark shades in the bathroom. Charcoal walls are mentioned as a chic option, and premium bathroom fittings combined with personal elements can create a cozy and luxurious bathing zone. Statement bathroom lighting is also highlighted as a way to add impact to the design [[10]].
Vanity Islands and Layout:
The article mentions the use of vanity islands and unique bathroom layouts in large master bathrooms. Placing a vanity in the center of the room, incorporating a centrally placed tub and walk-in shower, and utilizing bay windows are suggested design ideas. These layouts can create a sense of spaciousness and add visual interest to the bathroom [[11]] [[12]] [[19]].
These are some of the key concepts mentioned in this article. Let me know if there's anything specific you'd like to know more about or if you have any other questions!
