As Killy Scheer of Scheer & Co. Interior Design explains, “The new statement bathroom for me is one that makes me feel like I’ve been whisked away to a spa overlooking the water in some gorgeous locale. That means luxurious finishes and [pieces that] feel more like something you’d see in a high-end cocktail bar than in a bathroom.” Wondering what makes a bathroom statement-making, rather than just another utilitarian space? Read on for expert tips on creating a bathroom as stunning as the rest of your home.

Commit to One Special Finish

If you’re not sure how to start creating your own statement bathroom, Julia Miller of Yond interiors suggests starting with one surface or finish type. “We are huge fans of having one really special finish,” she says. “Whether it’s a statement natural stone countertop or specialty handmade tile, we are all for having one finish that is extra special or unexpected.” 

Make It a Wet Room

Regular old bathrooms with painted walls are out, and fully tiled wet rooms with added spa features (think rain showers and larger shower enclosures) are in. And as Scheer explains, “Creating a stand-out wet room is all about framing views. Centering the tub or creating a captivating composition is the key.” And for the ultimate luxury experience, add a bench, steam shower, and perhaps some jets to your shower, Scheer suggests. Paul Wells, showroom manager at Sanctuary Bathrooms, has also noticed the shift toward wet rooms. “More people are choosing to go for walk-in showers and wet rooms over baths, while also moving away from smaller cubicles to much bigger and larger enclosures,” he says. “This is matched with colorful and patterned tiles that can create a stunning feature wall or backdrop.” 

Remove Visual Clutter

Regardless of your design aesthetic, Scheer notes that in order to maximize the spa effect, a minimalist approach is needed in a statement bathroom.  “First things first, decluttering and finding a place for everything is crucial,” says Scheer. “Create a calm, serene environment by not having any visible clutter!” But even as you add in the smaller details, Scheer says these pieces should look intentional. “[Any added] elements should add to the serene feel of the bathroom, not clutter it up,” she says. Miller agrees. “Before any updates are made to a space, it’s important to consider how much storage is needed,” she says. “Most people prefer vanities with tons of closed storage, but if you can offset the need for closed storage elsewhere, that allows the vanity to have a little more flexibility. In small bathrooms, we’ve been adding nice shelves above the toilet for additional towel storage or inset medicine cabinets.”

Add Plants

When it comes to things you should definitely keep, Katie Fitzpatrick, digital marketing manager at Merlyn Showers, strongly suggests plants. “Biophilic design is centered around the need for increased human exposure to the natural world, which can be achieved through adding greenery and natural materials to the built environment and interior spaces,” she says. “Your bathroom is a sanctuary of sorts. What you want is a warm and inviting feel. Adding plants (even artificial ones) is one way to make your bathroom feel like a lush hideaway.” Along with looking pretty, surrounding yourself with greenery is inherently spa-like. “There are many benefits to adding biophilic design to your bathroom,” notes Fitzpatrick.

Control Your Light Sources

Lighting a bathroom is notoriously tricky, and doing it wrong can create an unflattering—and even stressful—atmosphere. Scheer’s advice? “Add dimmers to light switches so you have control of the lighting levels.” In fact, that might be the biggest secret to creating a soothing statement bathroom: “Always, always add a dimmer,” says Scheer.

Elevate the Details

While the key fixtures are important, Scheer says that even the smallest details will bump your bathroom up to statement level.  “[By the] tub, get a caddy, a stool, or make use of a ledge for candles or a diffuser, a glass of wine, or cup of coffee, and more bubbles. Have a small speaker nearby for some soft tunes.” “It doesn’t have to be expensive,” Scheer adds. “Get some fresh new towels and replace old soap dispensers, or transfer soap from the manufacturer’s container to beautiful dispensers that work with your decor. Accessorize thoughtfully with plants and always have a candle or two on hand.”

Play With Mirrors

Putting a mirror in a bathroom isn’t exactly cutting edge, but your placement can be. Sofia Charalambous, founder and owner of Bathroom Origins, says mirrors above bathtubs is a trend that is growing. “Place a mirror in a horizontal position on the wall above the bath,” says Charalambous. “This acts as a focal point and instantly makes a room look much larger.”

If you’ve been paying attention to up-and-coming trends, you might be worried that some of the more vibrant aesthetics might not mix well with the concept of a statement bathroom. But Scheer assures us that’s not true! Take, for example, the increasingly popular trend of mixing metals. “The trick with mixing metals is to create a contrast so it doesn’t look like an error,” explains Scheer. “If the primary metal in a bathroom is polished nickel, consider brass accents in the mirror or with the lights.” Scheer also advises thinking of hardware, such as pulls and knobs, as jewelry or adornment, not just functional finger pulls. This approach will make mixing your metals more natural. Scheer is also pro-bold wallpaper—especially in a small washroom—but realizes that wallpaper isn’t for everyone: “Consider adding a tile or stone backsplash as an accent behind the sink—or the entire bathroom if budget allows. A statement mirror and quality lighting are the next steps.”