If you desire a bathroom that feels truly timeless and luxurious, consider simplicity, carefully chosen materials and a calming, neutral colour palette. Neutral colours bring a sense of peace and allow the room’s textures and architectural details to take centre stage without overwhelming the senses. A recent project to design a principal bathroom retreat captured this perfectly. It’s a space where marble, light, soft tones and generously sized fixtures come together to create an elegant sanctuary.
A relaxing space
The client wanted a bathroom that felt like a peaceful oasis, somewhere to unwind and reconnect after a busy day. The process began with a neutral colour palette, relying heavily on natural light to bring the space to life. The walls and floor were clad in soft, light marble with subtle veining, adding depth and interest without distraction.
The bathroom needed to feel generous and luxurious, but not overwhelming or ostentatious, and so a large free-standing tub in a matte finish with soft, inviting curves was selected, offering plenty of room for soaking, while fitting comfortably into the room’s proportions. A custom-designed chandelier – a cluster of three pendant lights – hangs over the tub to add a touch of elegance.
The shower is equally impressive, with a shower head raised to 96 inches, way above the standard height and creating a more open and airy feeling. Frameless glass panels extend all the way to the ceiling, removing any visual barriers, so the entire bathroom feels like one cohesive, tranquil space. The large-scale shower also includes a built-in bench clad in the same marble, blending easily into the overall design and enhancing the spa-like experience.
The neutral colours provide a beautiful foundation for a bathroom that feels fresh and inviting, no matter the year or trend. Soft whites, creams, gentle greiges and warm beiges help bounce natural light around the room and make it feel open and airy. The neutral palette also gives the homeowner the freedom to update smaller details over time without needing another full renovation.
Pro tips to keep in mind
1.Tub size really matters
You want a tub that invites relaxation, one in which you feel comfortable sitting. If possible, choose a free-standing tub that is at least 65 inches long and 30 inches wide. This size gives you plenty of room to soak without feeling cramped. Also, consider the shape. An oval tub has soft curves, pairs beautifully with neutral palettes and adds a sense of calm. A rectangular tub can work well too, especially if you want something with a more modern edge. Always get into and test the bathtubs in the store before purchasing.
2.Think carefully about the height of the shower head
The typical shower head height is around 80 inches, but if you want a luxurious feeling, go higher. Somewhere between 84 and 95 inches is ideal. This is especially important if you’re tall, but it also creates a more open and spacious vibe. Pair that height with frameless glass panels that reach the ceiling. The uninterrupted sightlines make the shower feel like a natural extension of the room rather than a closed-off box.
3.Material choices make all the difference
When it comes to marble, lighter tones like Taj Mahal, cristallo and travertine work nicely. Their soft veining adds texture and character without feeling heavy or busy. Keep in mind that marble is a natural stone and requires sealing to protect it from water and stains, especially in areas around showers and tubs. To add warmth and texture, balance marble with natural light woods and matte metal finishes. For fixtures and hardware, steer away from anything too shiny or trendy. Matte brass, brushed nickel, or satin chrome finishes feel more refined and add subtle warmth to the space. Textured finishes on faucets and drawer pulls can add a lovely layer of detail that feels thoughtful and intentional. In this bathroom, matte brass fixtures that complement the warm undertones in the marble veins were chosen and add a soft glow to the space.
4.Scale and proportion are so important
Oversized tubs and showers only feel luxurious if there is enough space around them to breathe. Mirrors make a big difference in a room. If you’re creating a custom mirror, consider a bevelled edge to add an elegant touch. In the principal ensuite pictured on the bottom left, the custom mirrors were recessed in the slabs, which create a framed mirror look.
Timeless beauty
Designing a bathroom like this is about creating a peaceful retreat that stands the test of time. When you focus on neutral colours, natural materials and generous scale, you don’t just make a bathroom, you create a place to pause, relax and indulge yourself, every day.