How to Create the Custom Bathroom of Your Dreams

It wasn’t that long ago that little thought was given to the bathroom.

In many places, few homes had more than one, and a powder room was considered a great luxury. But all that’s changed, as more and more of us have come to appreciate the need for self-care and the pleasure of having a relaxing sanctuary all to ourselves.

Now that the bathrooms in our homes have moved well beyond the purely utilitarian spaces common just decades ago, more homeowners are embracing custom bathroom design than ever before.

So what does it take to create the perfect custom master bath? Let’s take a closer look.

Go for a Lux Shower

That old standby, the tub-shower combo, won’t cut it in a custom bathroom.

If you’ve got the space, go for a stand-alone shower. A larger, open shower equipped with functional seating, a nook to store bath products, and a combination of wall-mounted, ceiling-mounted, and hand-held shower heads will truly make you feel as though you’re spending the day at a high-end spa.

What About the Tub?

Is there anything more relaxing than a long soak in a warm bath?

When it comes to selecting the perfect tub for your custom bathroom you’ve got options:

Freestanding Soaker: Whether you’re drawn toward simple lines and understated geometric shapes or the classic curves of country French, a freestanding soaking tub brings an elegant look to any custom design.

Drop-In Tub: “Dropped in” to a frame or structure is known as a surround, this tub option is a great way to get a built-in, custom design look and feel. Because the frame can be placed away from the bathroom wall, a drop-in tub can look every bit as elegant as its freestanding cousin, but unlike a soaking tub, it can also be equipped with jacuzzi jets for some relaxing massage action.

Alcove Tub: A true classic, an alcove-style tub simply means that there are three walls enclosing the unit, with one side open for access. This is a great option when you need to make the best use of existing space.

Whatever tub option you choose, take some time to think about soaking depth:

A tub with a depth of 15” or over will be ideal for soaking, bubble massage, and an all-around spa experience.

A depth of 13” to 14.5” is a bit more universal, but still deep enough to get in a good soak.

Anything less than 13” isn’t great for soaking, but does provide ease of access when getting in and out of the tub.

A Jack & Jill Vanity is the Only Way to Go

You won’t have a very lux experience if you and your significant other are constantly bumping into each other while using the sole bathroom sink. Only a Jack & Jill vanity offers the counter space needed to keep toiletries organized, display decorative items, and keep the two of you out of each other's hair.

Your options for designing the perfect Jack & Jill vanity are only as limited as your imagination. Love a clean modern look? Think of a crisp white cabinet and smooth countertop to match. Consider raised sinks if you want for something truly dramatic, or a cabinet fashioned from raw wood if a rustic look is what you're after.

Even an antique dining room buffet can be upcycled and given new life as a gorgeous bathroom vanity!

So Much Tile

Your choices for tile – wall, and floor – can seem endless. To keep from getting overwhelmed, keep these guidelines in mind.

You don’t need to stick with all one color, but you’ll want to settle on a color palette to ensure a cohesive look.

Mixing sizes, patterns, and textures is great, and you should do it. But limit your selections to two or three or you risk a space that appears too busy – the very opposite of a relaxing sanctuary should be.

Be mindful of your grout lines, as color and thickness will either emphasize or de-emphasize tile shape and pattern.

A Word About Toilets and Faucets

It’s easy to dismiss the toilet in your custom bathroom design, but really, they’re not all the same. Today, you can find toilets designed with heated seats, different kinds of flushes, and even models that glow in the dark so you can find them at night.

There’s also an astonishing array of faucet styles and finishes, from sleek modern looks and farmhouse styles to industrial motifs and everything in between. You can even find faucets that incorporate special features for interactivity or water conservation.

Don’t Forget the Closet

A custom bathroom won’t seem very custom if towels are draped across every surface or if laundry is allowed to litter the floor. Master walk-in closets with room for clothing, linens, a few laundry hampers, and more have become increasingly popular in recent years, and many homeowners have begun building them right inside their master baths.

If you have room for such a feature in your custom bathroom, by all means, go for it. But at the very least, you should try to incorporate some type of storage closet into your design to keep towels and bathroom supplies organized and out-of-site.

Get Professional Help

A custom bathroom renovation is a massive undertaking, and likely beyond the skill set possessed by the average do-it-your-selfer. If you’re planning on taking out walls, moving plumbing, and upgrading electrical, you want to hire pros to take on those jobs.

But have you thought about bringing on a professional interior designer experienced in creating custom baths? Not only can a talented designer help you realize your vision for your space, but they can also manage every aspect of the project, from ensuring compliance with permitting requirements and building codes to connect you with reputable architects, tradespeople, subcontractors, and suppliers and then supervising their work.

A designer will also be up on all of the popular bathroom styles and can help you decide which look best reflects your aesthetic tastes and lifestyle. They’ll also be ready to tackle tasks you might have overlooked, such as designing a lighting scheme that’s both functional and beautiful, ensuring your custom bathroom can provide the calming escape you need at the end of the day.

Finally, a skilled custom bathroom designer will be able to offer valuable guidance to help you prioritize your preferences, ensuring you achieve the million-dollar look you’ve been dreaming of without blowing your budget.

Let Kellie Burke Make Your Custom Bathroom a Reality

Renowned for its formidable design prowess, Kellie Burke Interiors excels in creating exquisite and luxurious spaces for discerning clients all over the world. Our high-end clientele relies on our ability to deliver lavish and captivating spaces, known for their striking aesthetic that never fails to make a lasting impact.

Peruse our portfolio, and take the first step towards realizing your vision of the perfect custom bathroom. Then contact Kellie Burke today and discover how we can bring your dreams to life.