8 New Bathrooms With Stylish Tub Setups
See how designers created standout soaking spots that turned these bathrooms into welcoming spa-like retreats
A stylish bathtub setup can instantly elevate a bathroom from functional to luxurious. Whether it’s a sculptural freestanding tub framed by drapery, a soaking spot with sweeping views or a sleek, modern silhouette backed by bold tile or wallpaper, the following bathrooms transform the bathtub into a focal point. Take a look at how design and remodeling pros created eye-catching, spa-worthy bath moments that balance comfort, style and a little everyday indulgence.
2. Refined Hotel Vibe
Designer: Tara Lenney Design
Location: Plano, Texas
Size: 145 square feet (13 square meters)
Homeowners’ request. “The clients wanted their 1990s bathroom to feel more luxurious and cohesive without a full layout reconfiguration, to help save on budget,” designer Tara Lenney says. “The homeowners requested a calming, elevated retreat with better lighting, more practical storage and updated finishes — something that felt special but still worked for real life. We agreed that the best way to achieve this was by refreshing within the existing footprint while maximizing style and function with modern materials and smart storage upgrades with better cabinetry.”
Bathtub setup. “Including a bathtub was a must-have for this homeowner,” Lenney says. “She uses it regularly and loves the statement it makes. We selected a clean-lined soaking tub that fit beautifully into the prior tub location. Its placement and shape make the space feel elevated without being fussy, and we paired it with modern fixtures, like the brass chandelier, to give it a luxury hotel vibe that feels both calming and just a bit dramatic.”
Lenney used Houzz Pro software on this project. “It’s our main platform for proposals and invoicing,” she says.
Other special features. Marble tile flooring in a herringbone pattern. Handmade-look wall tiles in a vertical stacked pattern that emphasizes the height of the room. “Normally we loathe glass block windows, but in this case the original window had a brass trim detail on it, which we actually liked, so we opted to keep this feature,” Lenney says. “The vanity cabinetry is custom in a warm stained white oak, which adds warmth to the otherwise white tonal room to give it some soul and keep it from feeling cold.”
Designer tip. “Get creative with cabinetry,” Lenney says. “We kept the layout of this bathroom the same but used tall towers to maximize storage and camouflage weird wall angles. We raised the height of the cabinets to match our tall homeowners. The cabinets were previously 32 inches and we lifted them up to 36 inches. We didn’t have a great spot for towel holders on the vanity wall, so we opted for large cabinet pulls that double as towel holders and are an unexpected large-scale touch.”
“Uh-oh” moment. “The biggest ‘uh-oh’ moment was early in the space-planning process when we realized we couldn’t shift the plumbing without a much more extensive renovation — and blowing our budget,” Lenney says. “That meant we had to make every bit of the existing layout work and reimagine the design within those constraints. It ended up being a blessing in disguise. The fixed layout pushed us to get more creative with material pairings, lighting and styling, and the final space feels thoughtful, cozy and elevated.”
Wall paint: Creamy, Sherwin-Williams
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Designer: Tara Lenney Design
Location: Plano, Texas
Size: 145 square feet (13 square meters)
Homeowners’ request. “The clients wanted their 1990s bathroom to feel more luxurious and cohesive without a full layout reconfiguration, to help save on budget,” designer Tara Lenney says. “The homeowners requested a calming, elevated retreat with better lighting, more practical storage and updated finishes — something that felt special but still worked for real life. We agreed that the best way to achieve this was by refreshing within the existing footprint while maximizing style and function with modern materials and smart storage upgrades with better cabinetry.”
Bathtub setup. “Including a bathtub was a must-have for this homeowner,” Lenney says. “She uses it regularly and loves the statement it makes. We selected a clean-lined soaking tub that fit beautifully into the prior tub location. Its placement and shape make the space feel elevated without being fussy, and we paired it with modern fixtures, like the brass chandelier, to give it a luxury hotel vibe that feels both calming and just a bit dramatic.”
Lenney used Houzz Pro software on this project. “It’s our main platform for proposals and invoicing,” she says.
Other special features. Marble tile flooring in a herringbone pattern. Handmade-look wall tiles in a vertical stacked pattern that emphasizes the height of the room. “Normally we loathe glass block windows, but in this case the original window had a brass trim detail on it, which we actually liked, so we opted to keep this feature,” Lenney says. “The vanity cabinetry is custom in a warm stained white oak, which adds warmth to the otherwise white tonal room to give it some soul and keep it from feeling cold.”
Designer tip. “Get creative with cabinetry,” Lenney says. “We kept the layout of this bathroom the same but used tall towers to maximize storage and camouflage weird wall angles. We raised the height of the cabinets to match our tall homeowners. The cabinets were previously 32 inches and we lifted them up to 36 inches. We didn’t have a great spot for towel holders on the vanity wall, so we opted for large cabinet pulls that double as towel holders and are an unexpected large-scale touch.”
“Uh-oh” moment. “The biggest ‘uh-oh’ moment was early in the space-planning process when we realized we couldn’t shift the plumbing without a much more extensive renovation — and blowing our budget,” Lenney says. “That meant we had to make every bit of the existing layout work and reimagine the design within those constraints. It ended up being a blessing in disguise. The fixed layout pushed us to get more creative with material pairings, lighting and styling, and the final space feels thoughtful, cozy and elevated.”
Wall paint: Creamy, Sherwin-Williams
See why you should hire a professional who uses Houzz Pro software
3. Model Citizen
Designers: Tessa Robertson and Leslie Groff of Creative Design
Builder: Shaddock Homes
Location: Rockwall, Texas
Size: 165 square feet (15 square meters)
Homeowners’ request. “This is a model home, and the builder wanted a bathroom retreat that felt serene, functional and timeless — something that felt like an elevated escape without being overly ornate,” designer Leslie Groff says. “They wanted a design that felt fresh and inviting, with a clean yet cozy aesthetic. We focused on soft textures, warm wood tones and classic materials to brighten the space while maintaining a calm, lived-in atmosphere. Enhancing natural light and creating symmetry were key goals that helped solve layout and usability issues.”
Bathtub setup. “Including a freestanding tub was nonnegotiable,” Groff says. “It served as a visual centerpiece in the room. We selected a sculptural white acrylic tub with a soft matte finish, which felt both modern and approachable. Placing it between the two vanities, in front of the large window, created a focal point that felt spa-like while still grounded in comfort. The brass tub filler adds a touch of warmth and elegance without overpowering the space. Framing it with custom drapery helped soften the edges of the room and created a moment that feels intentionally styled.”
Other special features. Rift-cut white oak vanities in a custom stain. Brick-look tile flooring in a herringbone pattern. Deep green square shower tiles (visible in the mirror reflection). “The blue patterned drapery with soft botanical motifs ties into the green tile, adding a playful but muted color accent,” Groff says.
Designer tip. “Don’t be afraid to mix colors and metal finishes,” Groff says. “In this space, the warmth of brass hardware and fixtures contrasts beautifully with the cool tones of the tile and drapery. The mix keeps the room from feeling too matchy-matchy and gives it depth and character.”
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Designers: Tessa Robertson and Leslie Groff of Creative Design
Builder: Shaddock Homes
Location: Rockwall, Texas
Size: 165 square feet (15 square meters)
Homeowners’ request. “This is a model home, and the builder wanted a bathroom retreat that felt serene, functional and timeless — something that felt like an elevated escape without being overly ornate,” designer Leslie Groff says. “They wanted a design that felt fresh and inviting, with a clean yet cozy aesthetic. We focused on soft textures, warm wood tones and classic materials to brighten the space while maintaining a calm, lived-in atmosphere. Enhancing natural light and creating symmetry were key goals that helped solve layout and usability issues.”
Bathtub setup. “Including a freestanding tub was nonnegotiable,” Groff says. “It served as a visual centerpiece in the room. We selected a sculptural white acrylic tub with a soft matte finish, which felt both modern and approachable. Placing it between the two vanities, in front of the large window, created a focal point that felt spa-like while still grounded in comfort. The brass tub filler adds a touch of warmth and elegance without overpowering the space. Framing it with custom drapery helped soften the edges of the room and created a moment that feels intentionally styled.”
Other special features. Rift-cut white oak vanities in a custom stain. Brick-look tile flooring in a herringbone pattern. Deep green square shower tiles (visible in the mirror reflection). “The blue patterned drapery with soft botanical motifs ties into the green tile, adding a playful but muted color accent,” Groff says.
Designer tip. “Don’t be afraid to mix colors and metal finishes,” Groff says. “In this space, the warmth of brass hardware and fixtures contrasts beautifully with the cool tones of the tile and drapery. The mix keeps the room from feeling too matchy-matchy and gives it depth and character.”
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4. Bold Sanctuary
Designer: Heather Bull of Vision Interiors
Location: Orange County, California
Size: 320 square feet (30 square meters); 16 by 20 feet
Homeowners’ request. “The homeowners wanted a sanctuary — somewhere luxurious yet approachable, serene yet bold,” designer Heather Bull says. “The previous layout was uninspired and lacked functional storage, and it didn’t reflect their personality or taste. We envisioned a bathroom that felt like a boutique hotel suite — high-contrast, artful and rich in tactile finishes. By rethinking the layout and layering in refined materials, we were able to give them a space that feels elevated and personal.”
Bathtub setup. “The tub was a must-have from the start,” Bull says. “It’s a sculptural freestanding piece from Reece that anchors the room and brings a spa-like quality to daily routines. Positioned to catch the morning light, it invites long soaks and quiet moments. The gold-tone fixtures provide a warm contrast against the crisp white, while the textured backdrop makes the whole area feel intimate and special.”
Bull uses Houzz Pro for “client communication, project management and visual organization,” she says. “It’s become an essential tool in helping our clients stay connected to the process. We use it to track Selections, manage timelines and keep everything organized in one place. Houzz Pro has streamlined many of our day-to-day operations.”
Other special features. “This bathroom is all about contrasts and cohesion,” Bull says. “We layered dramatic veined surfaces with deep navy cabinetry in a custom Omega Cabinets finish, paired with tailored brass hardware. The floating vanity creates a sense of lightness and gives the tilework room to shine. Textural balance was key — from the boucle vanity stool to the pendant lighting’s glow, every element was chosen to create harmony and interest. The walls behind the mirrors are tiled floor to ceiling for maximum impact, and the wall treatment above the tub adds an unexpected dimension.”
Designer tip. “Don’t shy away from mixing bold and serene,” Bull says. “A bathroom can be a canvas for high design. Even a sculptural light fixture or richly veined tile can become a statement when grounded with classic shapes and clean lines. And never underestimate the power of symmetry. It keeps even the most daring combinations feeling balanced.”
“Uh-oh” moment. “When we opened the wall, we found unexpected plumbing placement that would have made the wall-mounted faucets a challenge,” Bull says. “For a minute we wondered if we’d have to redesign the vanity wall entirely. But instead we worked closely with our trades to reroute plumbing without compromising the design, and now it’s one of the most striking elements in the space.”
The 10 Most Popular New Bathrooms Right Now
Designer: Heather Bull of Vision Interiors
Location: Orange County, California
Size: 320 square feet (30 square meters); 16 by 20 feet
Homeowners’ request. “The homeowners wanted a sanctuary — somewhere luxurious yet approachable, serene yet bold,” designer Heather Bull says. “The previous layout was uninspired and lacked functional storage, and it didn’t reflect their personality or taste. We envisioned a bathroom that felt like a boutique hotel suite — high-contrast, artful and rich in tactile finishes. By rethinking the layout and layering in refined materials, we were able to give them a space that feels elevated and personal.”
Bathtub setup. “The tub was a must-have from the start,” Bull says. “It’s a sculptural freestanding piece from Reece that anchors the room and brings a spa-like quality to daily routines. Positioned to catch the morning light, it invites long soaks and quiet moments. The gold-tone fixtures provide a warm contrast against the crisp white, while the textured backdrop makes the whole area feel intimate and special.”
Bull uses Houzz Pro for “client communication, project management and visual organization,” she says. “It’s become an essential tool in helping our clients stay connected to the process. We use it to track Selections, manage timelines and keep everything organized in one place. Houzz Pro has streamlined many of our day-to-day operations.”
Other special features. “This bathroom is all about contrasts and cohesion,” Bull says. “We layered dramatic veined surfaces with deep navy cabinetry in a custom Omega Cabinets finish, paired with tailored brass hardware. The floating vanity creates a sense of lightness and gives the tilework room to shine. Textural balance was key — from the boucle vanity stool to the pendant lighting’s glow, every element was chosen to create harmony and interest. The walls behind the mirrors are tiled floor to ceiling for maximum impact, and the wall treatment above the tub adds an unexpected dimension.”
Designer tip. “Don’t shy away from mixing bold and serene,” Bull says. “A bathroom can be a canvas for high design. Even a sculptural light fixture or richly veined tile can become a statement when grounded with classic shapes and clean lines. And never underestimate the power of symmetry. It keeps even the most daring combinations feeling balanced.”
“Uh-oh” moment. “When we opened the wall, we found unexpected plumbing placement that would have made the wall-mounted faucets a challenge,” Bull says. “For a minute we wondered if we’d have to redesign the vanity wall entirely. But instead we worked closely with our trades to reroute plumbing without compromising the design, and now it’s one of the most striking elements in the space.”
The 10 Most Popular New Bathrooms Right Now
5. Welcoming Nook
Designer: Sara Scott of Tailored Designs
Location: Monroe, North Carolina
Size: 161 square feet (15 square meters); 14 feet by 11 feet, 6 inches
Homeowners’ request. “The space had been partially remodeled in the past, with an alcove for a tub but no actual tub installed, which left it feeling unfinished and a bit stark,” designer Sara Scott says. “As someone who travels often, they wanted a space that felt like a retreat — modern, warm and filled with natural light.”
Bathtub setup. “We selected the 67-inch Hibiscus acrylic soaking tub from Signature Hardware for its generous size and clean silhouette,” Scott says. “It offers a deep, comfortable soak, perfect for the client to unwind after travel or a workout. A chandelier overhead adds a touch of elegance and is set on a dimmer, allowing the lighting to shift with the mood and create a true spa-like experience.
“The existing beadboard walls and dentil molding didn’t reflect the client’s style or the calming feel they were after. They were immediately drawn to a reeded, wood-look tile, and we knew it was the perfect choice. We wrapped the walls around the new tub in this tile from floor to ceiling, adding texture, warmth and a sense of calm while keeping the practicality and durability that tile offers.”
Other special features. “To make the most of this spacious bathroom, we added a tall linen cabinet that brings both visual balance and generous storage,” Scott says. “Since this isn’t one of the client’s primary bathrooms, we incorporated glass in the upper section to add depth and a bit of design interest. This thoughtful addition also gave us the flexibility to use a floating vanity without sacrificing storage.”
Designer tip. “If your ceiling height is 10 feet or under, we always recommend taking the shower tile all the way up,” Scott says. “Stopping short can make the space feel incomplete, while full-height tile draws the eye upward and creates a more spacious feel.”
Tile around tub area: Alpine in Oak, 12 by 36 inches, Akdo
10 Aging-in-Place Features Pros Swear By
Designer: Sara Scott of Tailored Designs
Location: Monroe, North Carolina
Size: 161 square feet (15 square meters); 14 feet by 11 feet, 6 inches
Homeowners’ request. “The space had been partially remodeled in the past, with an alcove for a tub but no actual tub installed, which left it feeling unfinished and a bit stark,” designer Sara Scott says. “As someone who travels often, they wanted a space that felt like a retreat — modern, warm and filled with natural light.”
Bathtub setup. “We selected the 67-inch Hibiscus acrylic soaking tub from Signature Hardware for its generous size and clean silhouette,” Scott says. “It offers a deep, comfortable soak, perfect for the client to unwind after travel or a workout. A chandelier overhead adds a touch of elegance and is set on a dimmer, allowing the lighting to shift with the mood and create a true spa-like experience.
“The existing beadboard walls and dentil molding didn’t reflect the client’s style or the calming feel they were after. They were immediately drawn to a reeded, wood-look tile, and we knew it was the perfect choice. We wrapped the walls around the new tub in this tile from floor to ceiling, adding texture, warmth and a sense of calm while keeping the practicality and durability that tile offers.”
Other special features. “To make the most of this spacious bathroom, we added a tall linen cabinet that brings both visual balance and generous storage,” Scott says. “Since this isn’t one of the client’s primary bathrooms, we incorporated glass in the upper section to add depth and a bit of design interest. This thoughtful addition also gave us the flexibility to use a floating vanity without sacrificing storage.”
Designer tip. “If your ceiling height is 10 feet or under, we always recommend taking the shower tile all the way up,” Scott says. “Stopping short can make the space feel incomplete, while full-height tile draws the eye upward and creates a more spacious feel.”
Tile around tub area: Alpine in Oak, 12 by 36 inches, Akdo
10 Aging-in-Place Features Pros Swear By
6. Wellness in a Wet Room
Designer: Kiley Wilfong Cullen of Ven Studio Architects
Builder: Sage Construction
Location: Vienna, Virginia
Size: 266 square feet (25 square meters); 11 feet, 7 inches by 23 feet
Homeowners’ request. “The homeowners were not happy with their primary bathroom as it was not a good use of space,” designer Kiley Wilfong Cullen says. “There were two vanities at opposite ends of a long bathroom, which caused it to feel very narrow. The giant built-in jacuzzi-style tub was never used, and there was a tiny window above set in a large blank wall. Despite being on the southeast side of the house, the space felt very dark and cramped. They were seeking a better layout and more refined, modern finishes and fixtures.”
Bathtub setup. “They liked the practically of the wet room and wanted a freestanding tub to be a feature within the space,” Cullen says. “The homeowners are tall, and we had the space for a large freestanding tub. The Signature Hardware Sheba 72-inch acrylic tub worked well for this project. To make this space bright, we installed two windows with privacy glass.”
Other special features. Patterned floor tile. Large-format (48 by 48 inches) porcelain wall tile.
Designer tip. “Carrying the same large-format tile from the bathroom floor to the shower walls made the space feel cohesive and expansive,” Cullen says. “The homeowner wanted something fun and colorful for the shower floor, but this does not interrupt the visual connection between the bathroom floor and shower walls.”
Floor tile: Adessi Blume Deco, Floor & Decor; project photos: Peak Visuals
Designer: Kiley Wilfong Cullen of Ven Studio Architects
Builder: Sage Construction
Location: Vienna, Virginia
Size: 266 square feet (25 square meters); 11 feet, 7 inches by 23 feet
Homeowners’ request. “The homeowners were not happy with their primary bathroom as it was not a good use of space,” designer Kiley Wilfong Cullen says. “There were two vanities at opposite ends of a long bathroom, which caused it to feel very narrow. The giant built-in jacuzzi-style tub was never used, and there was a tiny window above set in a large blank wall. Despite being on the southeast side of the house, the space felt very dark and cramped. They were seeking a better layout and more refined, modern finishes and fixtures.”
Bathtub setup. “They liked the practically of the wet room and wanted a freestanding tub to be a feature within the space,” Cullen says. “The homeowners are tall, and we had the space for a large freestanding tub. The Signature Hardware Sheba 72-inch acrylic tub worked well for this project. To make this space bright, we installed two windows with privacy glass.”
Other special features. Patterned floor tile. Large-format (48 by 48 inches) porcelain wall tile.
Designer tip. “Carrying the same large-format tile from the bathroom floor to the shower walls made the space feel cohesive and expansive,” Cullen says. “The homeowner wanted something fun and colorful for the shower floor, but this does not interrupt the visual connection between the bathroom floor and shower walls.”
Floor tile: Adessi Blume Deco, Floor & Decor; project photos: Peak Visuals
7. Light-Filled Luxury
Designer: Lauren Miles Interior Design
Builder: Peregrine Design Build
Location: Burlington, Vermont
Size: 204 square feet (19 square meters)
Homeowners’ request. “This is a new custom design-build home,” designer Lauren Miles says. “It was all about the lake view from the soaking tub.”
Bathtub setup. “The homeowners wanted to create a spacious bathroom that took in the stunning lake views of the property,” Miles says. “The bathtub is the focal point of the room. It is surrounded by windows on two sides. Paneling was added to the walls to add to the architecture of the space and a light was hung above the tub to accent it. The tub is a cast-iron Cheviot tub and the timeless design is what caught the client’s eye. It is a nice balance of clean lines with classic details. The marble mosaic tile floor mirrored the classic and clean feel of the tub, and the dark brown accents in the mosaic relate to the walnut vanity.”
Designer tip. “Half-height shutters were a great option for this bathroom,” Miles says. “They provide privacy throughout the day and evening but also still allow light into the space. They further enhance the architecture of the room and are easy to maintain while also being timeless.”
“Uh-oh” moment. “When the mosaic tile floor arrived, it was polished,” Miles says. “It had been ordered honed, but there was an error made somewhere along the way between the tile showroom ordering it and the manufacturer shipping it, and we didn’t have time to wait for the correct material to arrive. Thankfully we were able to find a third party to hone all the sheets of tile for us before it was installed. It held things up slightly but it was so worth it because the honed finish is much more stately and elegant than the flashy polished floor would have been.”
Wall paint: White Diamond, Benjamin Moore
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Designer: Lauren Miles Interior Design
Builder: Peregrine Design Build
Location: Burlington, Vermont
Size: 204 square feet (19 square meters)
Homeowners’ request. “This is a new custom design-build home,” designer Lauren Miles says. “It was all about the lake view from the soaking tub.”
Bathtub setup. “The homeowners wanted to create a spacious bathroom that took in the stunning lake views of the property,” Miles says. “The bathtub is the focal point of the room. It is surrounded by windows on two sides. Paneling was added to the walls to add to the architecture of the space and a light was hung above the tub to accent it. The tub is a cast-iron Cheviot tub and the timeless design is what caught the client’s eye. It is a nice balance of clean lines with classic details. The marble mosaic tile floor mirrored the classic and clean feel of the tub, and the dark brown accents in the mosaic relate to the walnut vanity.”
Designer tip. “Half-height shutters were a great option for this bathroom,” Miles says. “They provide privacy throughout the day and evening but also still allow light into the space. They further enhance the architecture of the room and are easy to maintain while also being timeless.”
“Uh-oh” moment. “When the mosaic tile floor arrived, it was polished,” Miles says. “It had been ordered honed, but there was an error made somewhere along the way between the tile showroom ordering it and the manufacturer shipping it, and we didn’t have time to wait for the correct material to arrive. Thankfully we were able to find a third party to hone all the sheets of tile for us before it was installed. It held things up slightly but it was so worth it because the honed finish is much more stately and elegant than the flashy polished floor would have been.”
Wall paint: White Diamond, Benjamin Moore
New to home remodeling? Learn the basics
8. Framed by Nature
Designer: Esthela Celaya of Celaya | Soloway Interiors
Location: Tucson, Arizona
Homeowners’ request. “The homeowners wanted a bathroom that felt immersed in nature while still offering privacy and comfort,” designer Esthela Celaya says. “Their vision was rooted in creating a tranquil, spa-like space that made the most of the property’s dramatic boulder outcroppings and desert surroundings. They disliked enclosed, artificial-feeling spaces and sought a bathroom that felt open, organic and grounded. To achieve this, we focused on clean lines, neutral materials and large-scale windows that invited the outside in while still maintaining function and elegance.”
Bathtub setup. “A freestanding tub was included as an essential feature, positioned to take advantage of the full-height corner windows and surrounding desert views,” Celaya says. “It sits on large-format tile flooring and is paired with a simple floor-mounted filler. This arrangement anchors the room while reinforcing the client’s desire for serenity and connection to nature.”
Other special features. Custom alder vanities in a dark walnut stain. Silver Strata marble countertops. Large-format (18 by 35 inches) tile flooring. “This primary bathroom blends natural materials and modern comfort to reflect the home’s broader desert-modern aesthetic,” Celaya says.
Designer tip. Let the landscape be your art. When you have the opportunity to frame a spectacular view, keep materials quiet and purposeful so nature does the talking. Positioning the bathtub to capture the scene turns a practical fixture into a luxurious focal point.
“Uh-oh” moment. “Early in the design phase, there was concern over privacy due to the expansive windows,” Celaya says. “We solved this with a strategic layout: placing the tub where the boulders naturally shield the space. By allowing rock formations to act as privacy screens, we maintained openness without sacrificing comfort.”
Tub: Sunstruck, 66 by 36 inches, Kohler
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Designer: Esthela Celaya of Celaya | Soloway Interiors
Location: Tucson, Arizona
Homeowners’ request. “The homeowners wanted a bathroom that felt immersed in nature while still offering privacy and comfort,” designer Esthela Celaya says. “Their vision was rooted in creating a tranquil, spa-like space that made the most of the property’s dramatic boulder outcroppings and desert surroundings. They disliked enclosed, artificial-feeling spaces and sought a bathroom that felt open, organic and grounded. To achieve this, we focused on clean lines, neutral materials and large-scale windows that invited the outside in while still maintaining function and elegance.”
Bathtub setup. “A freestanding tub was included as an essential feature, positioned to take advantage of the full-height corner windows and surrounding desert views,” Celaya says. “It sits on large-format tile flooring and is paired with a simple floor-mounted filler. This arrangement anchors the room while reinforcing the client’s desire for serenity and connection to nature.”
Other special features. Custom alder vanities in a dark walnut stain. Silver Strata marble countertops. Large-format (18 by 35 inches) tile flooring. “This primary bathroom blends natural materials and modern comfort to reflect the home’s broader desert-modern aesthetic,” Celaya says.
Designer tip. Let the landscape be your art. When you have the opportunity to frame a spectacular view, keep materials quiet and purposeful so nature does the talking. Positioning the bathtub to capture the scene turns a practical fixture into a luxurious focal point.
“Uh-oh” moment. “Early in the design phase, there was concern over privacy due to the expansive windows,” Celaya says. “We solved this with a strategic layout: placing the tub where the boulders naturally shield the space. By allowing rock formations to act as privacy screens, we maintained openness without sacrificing comfort.”
Tub: Sunstruck, 66 by 36 inches, Kohler
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Sponsored
Designer: Misty Molloy of CoCreative Interiors
Location: Huntersville, North Carolina
Size: 130 square feet (12 square meters)
Homeowners’ request. “The homeowners wanted their primary bathroom to feel more like a retreat and less like a basic afterthought,” designer Misty Molloy says. “The original shower was cramped and the oversize deck-mounted tub took up valuable space without offering comfort or style. After 15 years, everything felt tired and uninspired. They envisioned a spa-like escape with bold color, thoughtful details and a layout that worked as beautifully as it looked. We kept what worked, reimagined what didn’t and infused the space with personality, polish and purpose.”
Bathtub setup. “A bathtub was nonnegotiable for the homeowner, who takes regular evening soaks and wanted that part of the room to feel indulgent,” Molloy says. “We replaced the bulky tub with a sculptural yet sleek freestanding version and layered in visual interest with marble finishes, warm brass fixtures and Thibaut’s Illusion wallpaper in Robin’s Egg colorway. The look is textured and colorful but the palette remains refined and spa-worthy, equal parts whimsical and elevated.” The panel molding paint was custom-matched to coordinate with the wallpaper and other finishes.
Other special features. Honed marble flooring in a basketweave pattern. Mirror frames hand-painted chartreuse. “This bathroom blends color, texture and custom touches for a one-of-a-kind feel,” Molloy says.
Designer tip. “If you love a piece but the color is wrong, paint it,” Molloy says. “We custom-painted the mirrors and vanity to match the palette, giving them a bespoke look without a custom price tag. We also added simple panel molding to the walls for a paneled effect to give the room depth and polish.”
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