How to Design a Bathroom That Feels Like a Spa

Your bathroom can be so much more than just a functional space. With thoughtful design choices, it can feel just like a day spa. 

Tiles play a big role in setting the mood, and by choosing them carefully, you can take your bathroom from basic to spa-like. But not all spas look or feel the same! We’ve compiled eight tile ideas to inspire your spa bathroom transformation, no matter what that means to you.

1. Earthy touches

Connect with the outdoors and bring serenity in by incorporating natural textures and colours into your bathroom — we’re thinking shades of green, brown and blue. Try an earthy-coloured tile, a vase full of dried natives or a Tasmanian oak vanity. This bathroom features floor-to-ceiling Coogee Antique Forest Green Kit Kat Mosaic Tiles with a break in the pattern for a shower niche. The backdrop? A slab of unfinished timber to really drill in the modern Australian theme. With a sleek bathtub, sharp lines and modern tapware, this bathroom is the perfect place to relax after a long day.

2. Ambient light 

Ambient light can really impact your mood. Spas use soft, ambient light to help you relax. In your home bathroom, it’s the same effect — without harsh lighting, your bathroom becomes a cosy, inviting place.

Glossy surfaces like the Newport White Small Square Tiles, counters, basin and shower glass also pick up the light and bounce it around the room.

3. Hot springs

Travertine hot springs are so calming — the warm water relaxes your muscles and makes you feel less stressed. The patterns on travertine stone is formed by the minerals left behind by hot water bubbling up from deep underground. Travertine-look tiles bring this look and feel into your bathroom. They’re the low-maintenance, affordable alternative to real travertine, which is better for the daily wear and tear of most bathrooms. 

This bathroom has our Byron Travertine Look Ivory Matte Tiles everywhere you look. With hard to notice grout lines, the whole space looks cohesive. A sleek bathtub and brushed brass tapware tie the space together and make it look like a luxury hotel spa.

4. Mediterranean 

Mediterranean style bathrooms capture the tranquillity of coastal living. Drawing inspiration from sunny villas, these spaces often feature natural textures, earthy colour palettes and built-in elements (think benches and shelves). We love a space bathed in a single, warm hue or various shades of the same neutral. There’s nothing quite like a white-on-white bathroom to make you feel like you’ve just come from a massage in Santorini. 

The bathroom above is inspired by the Mediterranean. Floor-to-ceiling white newport subway tiles are laid vertically, making the ceilings look taller. The neutral background makes the warm-toned tapware and accessories stand out. 

5. Calming colours

Create a relaxing space by choosing colours with calming properties for your bathroom tiles. Psychology tells us that green and blue promote feelings of relaxation — soft blues remind us of the calming sky or ocean and light greens make you think of lush landscapes. But don't be afraid to customise your palette — if pale yellow makes you think of a sunny beach, go for it! 

 In the bathroom above, the door, trim and textiles perfectly match our Newport Gloss Subway Jade Green Tile creating a relaxing space for your multi-step skincare routine.

6. Marble luxury

Nothing says high-end spa quite like marble. Carrara marble is known for its pure white colour and soft grey veining.

This black-and-white bathroom creates a feeling of spaciousness through the tile and design choices. The floor-to-ceiling shower glass gives the illusion that the shower is its own room. The wall-to-wall niche is a nice touch, giving you plenty of space for your face, body and hair care products. Plus, the continuous Rose Bay Carrara Look Matte Tile flooring and walls create a clean, unified look, making the bathroom feel a bit more upscale.

7. Statement tiles

Statement tiles can add character, making your space feel like a cool, modern spa. There are so many ways you can create a space like this — bold colours, patterns or both. The key is to be intentional and make a statement without being overwhelming.

Texture is the first thing you see in the bathroom above. Coogee Antique White Kit Kat Mosaics on top and Paddington Mixed Terrazzo Look Tiles on the bottom create a fun effect. This choice is unexpected; we have different patterns, but they work well together. 

8. Large format

Minimise grout lines and clutter for a sense of calm by going with large format tiles with rectified edges. These tiles have perfectly straight sides to create an almost seamless transition between tiles. Simple tile patterns and neutral colours all work best here to hone in the ‘clean’ feel. 

This bathroom features our Sydney Matte Grey Stone Look Tiles in all their 600x1200mm glory. It only takes two tiles to cover the height of the walls — giving an almost ‘painted-on’ effect. All in all, this bathroom feels simple and minimal in a good way, creating a sense of peacefulness you’d expect from a spa-like bathroom.

Ready to make changes?

With the right tiles and a few finishing touches, you can transform your bathroom into a relaxing space. The key is to choose colours and textures that make you personally feel a sense of calm. Whether you prefer the classic look of marble or a fun and bold mosaic, the right tiles can make a big difference.

TileCloud brings the spa experience home with tiles for everyone. Take a look at our collections or get some one-on-one help with an interior design appointment.