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Experts share renovation and decorating ideas for a Zen-like bathing experience at home.
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Traditional Japanese spa culture is a time-honoured ritual of long, soothing soaks in mineral-rich hot springs, known as onsen, often taken in the great outdoors. Much more than a quick lather and rinse, the practice is designed to be purifying, relaxing, tranquil and restorative. In fact, the Japanese term totonou, meaning “sauna high”, aims to achieve a state of deep physical and mental relaxation and harmony.
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But since most of us can’t easily jet off to the Japanese countryside to steep in a deep geothermal bath surrounded by snow-dusted mountains and verdant forest, we can incorporate just a bit of totonou into our bathing routine, whether it’s via a full-on renovation or simple decorative touches to bring a spa-inspired feel to an ordinary bathroom.
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Westcoast Homes
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Renovate to rejuvenate
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Yumi Murayama, founder and creative director of Vancouver’s Yu+Me Design Studio, says, “I’m Japanese- born and raised, and have been to many onsens in Japan growing up. Every time I visit, I make sure to go to one to relax and enjoy being in nature.”
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She says others who travel to Japan and experience the onsen want to recreate it in their own bathroom. “If they have the space for it, I can design it.”
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Well, not necessarily a whole mineral-bath-in-the- forest-beneath-Mount-Fuji recreation, but certainly something approaching a spa atmosphere.
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Murayama says having a separate tub and shower in the same room is ideal so you can take a shower to cleanse then sink into the tub to soak, in the onsen tradition. To achieve that, she usually installs a steam shower, preferably with a built-in bench, to “sit, relax, and take a shower while breathing in the steam.” Then she’ll add a separate, free-standing deep tub to allow for that long, restorative soak.
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She says having a toilet in the same room as a tub and shower is “strange” to Japanese people, who prefer to keep it in its own space. But since it’s near impossible to remove a toilet already ensconced in a bathroom, Murayama says she works around it when renovating for what she calls “a wet room that feels like a spa.”
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She says you can also integrate waterproof LED lights to the shower to add warmth and ambience. And, although she hasn’t done it herself, she says more people are adding waterproof Bluetooth speakers — like Kohler’s Moxie removable, magnetically attached model — to infuse music or soothing nature sounds into the shower.
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As for fixtures, she prefers Kallista for the combination of luxury, high-end designs and materials like solid brass, nickel and silver, and unique finishes. Also, they don’t splash. The custom-engineered aerator creates a splash-free stream and reduces water consumption.
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The faucets and rain shower heads work on air-induction technology, which pulls in air and mixes with the water which, while still powerful, creates droplets that are lighter and softer on the skin.
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When choosing a colour palette, Murayama prefers hues found in nature: oak or walnut browns, greens that evoke the forest, blues inspired by the ocean, off-white to reflect clouds. “The shapes of leaves, ocean waves, volcanic stones, and white sand, as well as the textures of seashells, also inspire me,” she says.
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As for cabinetry, she says it depends on space, lighting, and storage needs. “If space is limited, like in a condo, we consider how to utilize the height rather than the width. Tall storage will go all the way to the ceiling to maximize space. We can also incorporate soft or motion-sensor lighting under the cabinet.”
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Murayama loves to use marble to create a spa-style atmosphere, but most clients are hesitant because of its susceptibility to stain. Instead, she chooses quartz countertops which are easier to maintain.
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She also recommends radiant floor heating to avoid the shock of cold tile on warm feet. “I like to add different textures to create depth and have the flooring different from the wall tile. I’ll use a different colour but keep the undertone the same to complement.”
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For a recent project, her clients wanted a dramatic, stone-like look so she used terrazzo tile, a mix of materials like marble, granite, and quartz. “It’s not for everybody but it worked here.”
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Lastly, ventilation is important when your new spa-inspired bathroom is generating a lot of steam. Murayama has replaced older systems with new ones like Panasonic’s WhisperChoice DC, which is super quiet.
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Ultimately, she says, when creating a spa-like bathroom, you should first consider your personal lifestyle rather than copying someone else’s design. “Everyone interprets the idea of ‘spa-like’ differently. By understanding what it means to you, you can discover the perfect setting that allows you to truly enjoy the experience. There’s no right or wrong answer to the design; if you love it and want it, that’s the answer.”
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Decorate to reinvigorate
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If you’d rather not knock down a wall or tear out your tub in pursuit of a Zen-like bathing experience, there’s a simpler, more affordable way. Kelly Grimes, interior decorator and founder of Go To Your Room Interior Decorating and Design, says when creating a calming atmosphere, she recommends starting by decluttering. That means clearing out overcrowded counters, drawers and cabinets, and tossing expired products and half-used hotel toiletries. “A clutter-free surface instantly creates mental calm and allows a few intentional decorative pieces to shine.”
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On a recent project, she incorporated custom shelving above the toilet that doubled as a space for must-have items while reflecting a more personalized decor.
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“We also incorporated two pieces of art in the space: a vintage ocean print on wood panel, to connect with the soft feeling of the space; and a punchy-coloured piece to tie in with the calm greens that draw your eye all the way to the back of the room to visually enlarge the space. My client still tells me that every time she walks into her bathroom she feels like she is staying at a luxury hotel.”
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For the toiletries you do keep, Grimes suggests decanting and presenting them in simple, matching pump bottles or onto trays to create visual cohesion. “A tidy, intentional display feels far more luxurious than a mix of branded packaging. Clear glass containers, small stone trays or even a single sculptural object made from marble or alabaster can add quiet elegance without cluttering the space.”
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She also recommends updating mirrors and decorative hardware. “A new mirror can dramatically shift the style of a bathroom and is often more budget-friendly than replacing plumbing fixtures. Swapping dated cabinet pulls for something more refined can also elevate the overall look without construction.”
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For colour, Grimes says the traditional all-white room doesn’t automatically convey serenity, as it can feel cold and clinical. “Pastels work beautifully in a spa-like environment as colour psychology plays an important role in how a space makes us feel. Warmer tones, such as soft peach, muted pink, or gentle terracotta can add a healthy glow, while pale blues and sage greens can feel refreshing and soothing.”
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Grimes says she often recommends adding soft textures like plush towels, robes, and bath mats to soften the hard surfaces of tile, fixtures, hardware and counters to create a balance of materials. “Linens are one of the most effective and affordable ways to create a spa feel. Oversized, plush towels in cohesive colours, a soft bath mat underfoot and neatly displayed rolled towels can instantly elevate the experience.”
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Also, selecting linens and accessories can complement tile undertones. “Soft, matte finishes and natural textures, such as woven baskets or wood accents, can help temper glossy or cooler tile and make the space feel warmer and more spa-like.”
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She says rather than remove discoloured tile, a simple recaulking can refresh it. Also, a high-end customized shower curtain can hide older tile and bump up the luxe factor.
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Grimes says switching your vanity light for a dimmable light is a relatively affordable upgrade that dramatically improves ambience. “I recommend warm lighting — around 2700K — which gives a soft, flattering glow. Cooler light temperatures can feel energizing, but for a spa-like environment, warmth is key.”
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Candles, diffusers and bath salts are simple but powerful additions, says Grimes, because rejuvenation often comes through scent. “Popular spa scents include eucalyptus, lavender, sandalwood, camomile and light citrus blends. The key is subtlety; the scent should gently enhance the atmosphere rather than overwhelm it.”
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Ultimately, a spa-like bathroom should reflect your own version of calm, whether that’s incorporating the Far East tradition of totonou or a simple West Coast refresh. “There isn’t one universal formula,” says Grimes. “It’s about creating a sensory experience through colour, texture, clarity, cleanliness, sound and scent that feels intentional and personal, no matter your decorating budget.”
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