For clients without their own spa or the square footage for ensuite options, a wet room satisfies the functional end of a soothing bathing ritual. “Clients love a wet room that includes a shower, tub, and steam room so that it feels like a spa,” says Kingston. Djerrahian says clients are excited by orienting the room around the shower. “A wet shower area is large, a feature element, and baths, sinks, and toilets are finding their way in and around that wet area,” she says. “They are quite fab,” agrees Shakoor. “It becomes a conversation space. While one person is taking a bubble bath, the other is showering or using the spa features. Sounds pretty sexy to me.”
Less sexy, but vital, are issues of upkeep. In a wet room, Shakoor says, “the tub area could feel not as glam if the showering area is used the most, which would keep everything covered in water spots.” She recommends a whole-home water filtration system and ventilation in that case. “A powerful exhaust system will quickly dry the area and avoid that steamy, watery look on the surfaces.” And speaking of surfaces, Kingston advises making selections based on “longevity and durability, with a serene classic palette for the primary bathroom. The powder room gets to have the fun!”
For clients that prefer to go all-out, Shakoor is on board. “The flooring choice should be jaw-dropping in color, pattern, texture,” she says, “to further create that luxurious feel you get when featuring a free-standing tub.” Why stop at the tub? For a recent project in Quebec City, Djerrahian installed “a large, handcrafted sink basin as one enters the main area.” All this doesn’t come cheap, of course. “Given that most bathroom components, like faucets and toilets, come in standardized colors, making a bespoke bathroom is very expensive,” she says. But for many homeowners, the chance to push the boundaries of a room so significant is priceless. —Jesse Dorris
Here Are the Bath Products Top Designers Keep in Their Arsenal—and You Should Too
When it comes to blinging out the bathroom, the possibilities can be overwhelming. We asked six designers from the AD PRO Directory—Hommeboys Interiors, Young Huh Interior Design, Amy Studebaker Design, Post Company, Atelier Davis, and Aquilo Interiors—to come clean about their preferred bathroom lighting, decor, storage, and more. Browse their complete edit on AD’s shopping channel.
Hommeboys Interiors fuses California cool with daredevil details—and each time, they leave us wanting more.
Industry vet Young Huh knows a thing or two about how to make a bathroom uniquely your own.
St. Louis, Missouri–based Amy Studebaker can charm any room with her playful eye for pattern.
Whether designing homes or hotels, Brooklyn, New York– and Jackson, Wyoming–based Post Company always curates showstopping spaces.
From Atlanta and New York City, Atelier Davis punches up even the most petite powder room with a dose of derring-do.
Ready to make a statement? California’s Carmen René Smith isn’t afraid of bold stones, polka dots, or botanical wallpaper in the bathroom.
What Bathroom Tech Is Here to Stay?
Smart toilets and AI controls are in, and interactive mirrors are out (for now), according to designers
