Transforming a Bath into an Oasis
When asked why there is such a prominent move toward bathrooms being a sanctuary for homeowners, Adam Gibson of Adam Gibson Design explained that as stress levels have increased from a global pandemic, inflation or myriad personal reasons, many look to the home as a place of refuge.
“Often, the primary bath is second only to a beautifully designed kitchen as the home’s focal point,” he added. “While the kitchen is the public show piece, the primary bath is the private, intimate expression of luxury and relaxation – often treated as a personal spa.”
Above photo: In this NFL player’s primary bath, designer Adam Gibson incorporated a curbless shower, decorative grab bars, non-slip surfaces, natural stone (faux, in this case) and an infusion of natural light.
Why is it important for homeowners to feel a sense of peace and relaxation in the bathroom?
One element of positive mental health is illustrated by how we care for ourselves – more than just with hygiene. What can be better than a spa-like atmosphere mere steps from one’s bedroom? Relatively easy to achieve biophilic design comforts the senses by harmoniously integrating nature-inspired replication. An infusion of natural light, increased fresh air exchanges, live plants and a connection to nature all provide a sense of relaxation and wellbeing.
Does health and well-being play a part in the design of today’s spaces?
Wellness is integral to dealing with life’s anxieties. From a design perspective, we can curate a sense of vitality by intentionally incorporating green living walls, bamboo, wood, stone, natural light and healthy indoor elements. Not to mention lovely and safe features like barrier-free showers, decorative grab bars in place of towel bars, a horizon line within the shower to prevent vertigo, non-slip surfaces and other safety measures in plain sight that add to the aesthetic and do not feel institutional.
What are your tips for fellow designers when creating a sanctuary bath space for their clients?
A bath need not be large to capitalize on creating a sanctuary feel. Color, texture and lighting are the first steps toward bathroom serenity. Even large bathrooms can feel cozy and warm. Safety, as mentioned, is important. For athletes, the aging or really for anyone who wants assurance they’re in a safe space, we recommend specifying elements like decorative grab bars anywhere a towel bar may be and within the shower area; non-slip surfaces; lighting everywhere the eye travels, including inside drawers, toe kicks, shower niches; and hardware that can be operated with little dexterity. Warm, dimmable lighting can be enhanced by adding smart technology to address circadian rhythms.
The Adam Gibson Design Team’s Tips for Transforming a Bath into an Oasis
- Showers with curbless entries and a horizon line
- Soak tubs or those that can be either hot or cold
- Grab bars that can also be used as towel bars
- Ergonomically designed fixtures and hardware
- Lighted toe kicks (or better yet, floating vanities)
- Lighted drawers and cabinets (automatically activated)
- Bidets and/or smart toilets
- Tubular skylights for natural light
- Lots of windows
- Natural stone
- Warm color accents
- Plants and other greenery
- Smart technology offerings for the bath
