The world would be a happier place if everyone relaxed a little more, and the spa might be the ultimate symbol of much-needed calm. Though a weekly (or even yearly) trip to the spa might not be feasible for all of us, we could all do a little more to add some tranquility into our surroundings—and the bathroom is a good place to start. For inspiration, here are five of our favorite spa-style baths, featuring natural materials like wood and stone and calming colors like ivory and green.
Above: This wood-and-white bathroom by DeForest Architects is reminiscent of a sauna, replete with custom wood bench and wall paneling. The window (and its view) add to the appeal of the space.
Above: Architect Celeste Robbins of Robbins Architecture near Chicago makes use of traditional green frosted glass tile in a nontraditional shape lining the shower walls. Her client wanted a roomy bathroom, so she combined an underutilized dressing room with the existing master bath.
Above: Architect John DeForest has mastered the look of the spa bath; here, a wooden Nelson bench provides an architectural counterpoint to the rest of the room's serene green and white.
Above: A view of the soaking tub in the winning Best Professionally Designed Bath Space in the Remodelista Considered Design Awards. This bath by Chambers + Chambers Architects makes use of several key spa-bath elements, including a Japanese soaking tub and water-polished river rocks.
Above: Architect Mary Ann Schicketanz updated a midcentury home, including the previously cramped bathrooms. The master bath now features a large, open shower with crisply transparent glass to the make the somewhat small bath space appear larger.