How do you "Spa"?

I am in the early phases of a bathroom redesign with a long-time client. She has a hard time defining what she likes. Thankfully we've worked together before, so I have a good feel for her style already. This time we are working on the master bathroom.
 In our first meeting, she said she wants a "Spa-like Bathroom". Designers will tell you that is the most common request in all of design. The problem is, when we all say "spa-like bathroom", we each have a different image of that meaning in our head. So now I have assigned homework to my client: define your spa. What does a "Spa" mean to you? And I thought, I'd love to know how my readers define their dream spa. So how do you spa?

 Nature
 For many people, "spa" inspires images of nature. Seems simple, enough. However, images of nature vary so much by your locale, your idea of comfort. Does it mean ocean, does it mean texture? Is that texture wood, stone? Here are nature inspired bathrooms. Do they say "spa" to you?

 

via Rumah Tropika

 

via Houzz

Ocean, Beach, Coastal
 For others, "spa" is a very coastal feeling. For years, my bestie and I would frequent a spa in Boulder Colorado that had a very beachy, Nantucket feel. For a long time, my "spa" meant beach feel, with a blue and sand color palette, weathered wood and marine-inspired light fixtures. I even designed a beach bath in my own home. I'll share soon (can't believe I've never shared it before!)

 

Images via Apartment Therapy

Simplicity, Calm, Zen
And still for others, "spa" means a calm and serenity. It's about simplicity in lines and colors. This is more where my "spa" leans today, although I do still have a soft spot for the beach while we are land-locked in Colorado.

 

via Canadian House & Home

 

via Elle Decor

Meditative
 And for others, "spa" takes on a spiritual element and may include a meditation space.

 

Images via Pinterest

How do you "spa"? What elements define a "Spa-like Bathroom" for you? Want to create a Spa feel, without a complete overhaul of your bathroom? Here are some quick tips to add a Spa atmosphere to your bathroom.
Beautiful Habitat: Interior Design &  Decoration www.beautifulhabitat.com

The Latest & Greatest in Coverings

I did not attend Coverings 2011, the premier trade show for all tile, stone and other innovative covering materials. I did, however, get a fantastic update at the Decorative Materials showroom in the Denver Design District last night as part of the National Kitchen and Bath Association meeting. The knowledgeable staff at Decorative Materials gave us an overview of the trends and very innovative new materials and techniques coming in tile, glass, and stone. I’m happy to share them with you here and I can’t wait to use them in the right design project. Many of these tiles are so innovative that they call out for a use beyond the kitchen and bathrooms. How about an entryway or dining room? I hope you will find as much inspiration in these posts as I found at the meeting. A quick overview of hot items in Interior Design Coverings:

• Dimension, Geometry and Texture
• Larger format tiles (think 12″x24″ or 18″x36″)
• Glass slabs
• Large Patterns
• Water jet cut stone and glass
• Rectangle and plank formats

Today I’m going to focus on Dimension Geometry and Texture, with examples from Artistic Tile. Enjoy!
Ambra
Created by an Italian artisan, Ambra is inspired by the fundamental elements of nature – Air, Fire, Water and Earth. Hand-crafted, the sculptural, three-dimensional stone tile was designed with an undulating pattern using an original finishing technique that gives Ambra the appearance of two separate stones by combining matte vs. polished finishes.

Jardin
Jardin collection embodies realistic renderings of organics within nature with elegant, dimensional patterns that interlock and repeat for a seamless installation on an interior wall. The intricate designs in ceramic are highlighted with hand-painted detail to accent the dimensions. Each pattern is available in a variety of color ways blending soft, warm earth tones.

Ziva Inspired by nature, Ziva is a sculptural, three-dimensional stone tile designed with an undulating pattern that gives Ziva its unique appearance. Each tile is hand carved and uses a combination of a polished and a honed finish.

Stay tuned for posts on the other tile trends next week. Do these inspire you? How would you like to use some of these tile and stone products in an Interior Design Project? Share your ideas and creativity!

Beautiful Habitat: Interior Design & Decoration www.beautifulhabitat.com