Kitchen and Bath Designers Talk Ultimate Spa Bathroom Design

Ever wonder what bathroom designers have to say about creating a spa? Our friends at KBtribechat wondered, too, so they hosted a Twitter chat about "Creating the Ultimate Spa Bathroom" on July 23, 2014.

Here are highlights from this conversation about the ultimate in spa bathroom design. We've organized them around the seven questions asked during the chat and added observations from Mr.Steam. 

1. What are key spa bathroom elements?

• Lee Nicholson, founder of Filmore Clark, a tile company specializing in American art tile, answers, "Natural light, great tile and wonderful shower!” Lee Nicholson has been in the business for more than 15 years with a special love for handcrafted tiles that are made in America.

• CleverStorageUS makes a great point, “A bathroom that is designed to be an experience, not just a utility”. Clever Storage by Kesseboehmer is a company committed to the best in cabinet organization, design inspiration, and healthy living and eating.

• Coyote Outdoor Grill, known for the popular Coyote grill, a barbecue model that is all about performance and strong aesthetics, offers this insight, “Steam shower, towel warmer, rain shower heads.”

To that Mr.Steam adds, “Everything from plumbing fixtures to rest areas and, of course, steam!”

2. What colors are best to create a relaxing environment for a spa bathroom?

• The NKBA says,”There are so many ways you can go when it comes to color. Warm & inviting, nature inspired etc.” The NKBA is the National Kitchen and Bath Association, the premier association for kitchen and bath professionals.

• Crossville Tile, the first tile manufacturer in Tennessee and leading American tile manufacturer with sustainable solutions, explains, “But, adding light-catching installations to a neutral bath can create spa-like effect. http://bit.ly/1kUtHuI “.

• “There is something about a nice, clean white in the bathroom that never ceases to impress.” This opinion comes from the Coverings trade show Twitter team.

Mr.Steam recommends, “Soothing colors. Naturals. Dark Shades and lighting options to dim.”

3. What materials do you recommend for bathroom flooring?

• You can’t go wrong with tile! “Tile is a great bathroom flooring material. Make sure it's non-slip!” says Garcia Cabinetmakers, a custom cabinetry company offering quality custom made cabinets in Southern California since 1978. Owners Stacy and Mike Garcia are also the creators of KBtribechat.

• Crossville Tile adds, “Love glass tile in the bathroom. Particularly for shower installations and around mirrors to add light. http://bit.ly/1mEzlR2”.

Mr.Steam says, “Non-porous materials, ceramic tiles, stone and glass blocks, especially in the steam shower.”

4. What materials do you recommend for spa bathroom countertops?

• “Seeing lots more concrete tile in bathrooms too - http://qub.me/vCCayk,” contributes Lee Nicholson of Filmore & Clark.

• Brooks Custom, a top manufacturer of custom countertops, range hoods, back splashes, sinks, fireplace surrounds and wall panels, suggests a more unusual approach:  “Glass is a great material for spa countertops, it provides clean lines and is easy to clean.”

• Looking for a more cozy spa bathroom? “Personally, we like the wood look in a spa bath. So cozy and intimate, ” comments Shannon & Waterman, two companies that merged to create high quality, customized wide plank flooring.

Mr.Steam: “Again, non porous materials have greater longevity. Ceramic tile has plenty of options to choose from and glass is also a unique countertop idea.”

5. What materials and features do you recommend for the shower area when designing a Spa Bathroom?

• “We saw a lot of small windows on walls next to showers. Natural light can be super helpful if, say, you shave in the shower”, adds LightsOnline.com, the largest chain of residential lighting showrooms in the Southeastern United States.

• “Important Spa Bathroom Element = seat in the shower”, says Garcia Cabinetmakers. 

• “Porcelain tile offers stain and water resistance and is suitable for radiant in-floor heating,“ explains Crossville Tile.

Mr.Steam comments, “A towel warmer is great feature for the bathroom! The towel warmer can keep your towels warm and dry post bath or steam shower.”

6. How important is technology? {mood lighting, music, adjustability of the water settings…}

• A great point from Lee Nicholson, “Adjustable lighting is key for a relaxing bath.” A little mood lighting or ChromaTherapy anyone?

• “MUSIC IS ESSENTIAL. (at least to me.) Would like to splurge on a shower sound system at some point. ” This from Somertile, a division of Merola Tile which “Offer one of the largest selection of ceramic, porcelain and glass tile.”

• “Faucet & taps w/ water setting which hold your favorite are abundant, makes bathing very nice,” comments interior designer and car enthusiast Lisa M. Smith, author of Decor Girl.

• “Temperature control is a must. Keep it cool when it's hot and hot when it's cool,“ says Pratt & Larson, a national leader in tile design.

Mr.Steam explains, “We can’t emphasize enough how technology can enhance the spa setting. MusicTherapy, ChromaTherapy and AromaTherapy all offer a relaxing experience for the senses. All of these options are controlled by an award winning Touch Screen "iSteam" control for utmost ease in the ultimate steam shower."

7. What luxurious spa bath products/ideas do you recommend?

• EiEihome.com, a Canadian based home improvement and inspiration website and community, says, “Heated towel racks, adjustable lighting and a silent fan... small things... but so nice!”

• “@steamtherapy has great aroma and chroma therapy products to go w/ their steam showers,” states Garcia Cabinetmakers! 

• “Yummy plush bath robes!” exclaims The Art of Power, a family-owned company in power distribution devices and charges.

Mr.Steam explains, “Our essential oils are the essence of luxury, along with lighting options with our ChromaTherapy products. Keep an eye out for our new Tala Bath & Body collection due out in September. Talk about luxury, between the argan oils, lava clay and black soap, it is a real Moroccan treat.”

What does the ultimate spa bathroom mean to YOU? Tell us below and we’ll share your ideas on Twitter and Facebook.

Want to learn more? Each Wednesday from 2:00-3:00 pm ET, KBtribechat brings together a large group of kitchen and bath professionals on Twitter to talk about all things kitchen and bath design. The group includes contractors, designers, design bloggers and product manufacturers. Be sure to join the next KBtribechat discussion. Follow @KBtribechat and #KBtribechat on Twitter!