Busier and nosier lives are driving homeowners to retreat to their master bathrooms. They expect their bathrooms to offer them a peaceful haven from the commotions of work, children and traffic. Homeowners want their master bathrooms to provide a Zen feeling in a spa setting.

“The master bath is the room homeowners spend time in getting ready in the morning and winding down at night before bed. They want total comfort and refuge from the trials and tribulations of the day,” says Tom Trzcinski, CMKBD, owner and head designer of Kitchen and Bath Concepts in Pittsburgh.

To meet this demand, designers are including colors, materials and products that help create a spa setting. “The whole concept of spa and Zen feelings get translated into colors, textures and light,” says Luis Jauregui, AIA, president of Jauregui Architecture, Construction and Interiors in Austin, Texas. “There are a lot of soft pastels, greens, aquas and a lot of natural materials; and off-white stones, wood cabinetry with natural wood stains combined with some of the soft green colors,” Jauregui says.

Opening up the space

Lighting is important in any room, whether it’s natural or artificial. This is especially the case in master bathrooms where people are putting on makeup or shaving in front of mirrors. “We’re using low-voltage spotlights in the ceilings over the sinks, and sconce lights so the light is directed at their face. The spotlights are meant to be dimmed in the evening for a mood effect,” says John Sofio, president of Built Inc. in Los Angeles.

One way to get natural lighting in the master bath is to create an adjacent courtyard. Jauregui designs courtyards for two reasons: creating a connection between the master bath and the outdoors; and, bringing in natural lighting. “A side yard with a 7-ft. wall and planting materials that vary in height provides a wall of green. This allows you to include large windows in the master bath and maintain privacy,” Jauregui adds.