For years we’ve said that our homes should be our retreats. The question is, how do you make an ensuite bathroom have that special something that makes it feel like a true retreat? The Pacific Palisades home pictured above has taken the ensuite to an entirely new level but how do the rest of us accomplish this look? Whether it’s your master bath, a guest bath or a jack and jill that the kids share, these guidelines will make everyone feel as though they’re on vacation at a nice hotel or a spa.
Clear Things Out

Photo credit: Home Stories A to Z
Clutter in the bathroom can lead to clutter in your mind and pull you out of the peaceful retreat you’re trying to create. Find spots in your bathroom to keep those products, bottles, applicators, and more. If you’re short on storage space, create some by thinking of unconventional storage:
- A pot or a vase like the one above can make a great wrangler for everything from toothbrushes to make-up brushes;
- A three-tiered basket (usually found in a kitchen pantry) will hold wipes, washcloths, and hand towels, or bottles with your favorite products; or,
- A set of mason jars or canisters will hold swabs, cotton balls, dental floss picks, and more.
You’ll also find bathroom storage solutions available to help you manage all those products with which you just can’t part, a visit to The Container Store can be both inspirational and fruitful, and a walk through the children’s section of a department store can yield some unconventional accessories that will prove you clever and make the kids’ bath a delight.
Less Is More With Color

Maroney Lane, one of my favorite homes of all time.
Flip through the pages of almost any design magazine and you’ll find one constant that rings true – the most peaceful rooms are those with simple color palettes. Soothing colors will transform your bathroom into a spa-like atmosphere – go with grays and shades of green such as sea green, fern, teal, turquoise, and moss. Using a range of shades offers you leeway when it comes to accessories, towels, and rugs. For the kids’ bathroom, start with your base of grey, but instead of green, try shades of yellows, oranges, or blues.
Keep Your Design Simple

Photo Credit: Smart School House
Keep wall decorations to a minimum like the bathroom pictured above, avoid the five- (or more) piece sets (soap dispenser, toothbrush holder, etc.), and use the pieces you need, those that will enhance the design of the room – remember to think unconventionally! You want this room to be simple, inviting, and peaceful so when you’re relaxing with a bath or getting ready for work, you’ll find yourself in a peaceful environment that’s not only uncluttered with a soothing palette, it also has a simple, clean design.
Details Make the Difference
Beyond the design of your luxurious spa-like bathrooms, it will be the details that make the real difference. Think of how lovely the ensuite in your guestroom will be when your guests arrive to find nice products like those they find in their rooms when they check into their favorite hotel, or fluffy towels, a soft robe, and lovely bath spray or candles. In the kids’ bathroom, the details can be embroidered towels – your kids will love that they have their own that’s only theirs! In your master, think about all of those elements, great products, clean scents, and personalized towels. You may never need to visit the spa again if you have an ensuite like the one in this Beverly Hills home!
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