9 Ideas for a Luxurious Bathroom Remodel

9 Luxury Bathroom Remodel Ideas for a Spa-Like Retreat

A luxury bathroom isn’t about spending the most. It’s about thoughtful details that make everyday moments feel special. Warm floors, a deep tub, soft lighting, and a place to sit can turn a plain bathroom into a retreat. Here are nine luxury bathroom remodel ideas to consider, with notes on what each one adds and what to plan for.

Key Takeaways

• Small, thoughtful details often feel more luxurious than big, flashy ones.
• According to Houzz, 72% of homeowners adding or replacing a tub choose a soaking tub.
• Lighting matters: 39% of renovating homeowners say dimmable lighting helps them unwind.
• Plan special features, like a laundry chute, a bench, or a fireplace, early, so the layout supports them.
• A designer can help you choose which ideas fit your space and budget.

What are the best luxury bathroom remodel ideas?

Heated floors, a soaking tub, a double shower, and soft lighting are some of the most popular ways to make a bathroom feel like a spa. Here are nine ideas, from the practical to the indulgent.

1. Underfloor heating

Never step onto a cold floor again. Underfloor heating places radiant heat beneath the floor surface, warming not just your feet but the whole room. It pairs especially well with tile, since, according to the U.S. Department of Energy’s Building America program, radiant floors work best under ceramic tile, which conducts heat well. Ask your designer whether electric or hot-water heat suits your home.

2. A freestanding or soaking tub

A deep soaking tub can become the centerpiece of the room. In the 2026 U.S. Houzz Bathroom Trends Study (1,619 U.S. homeowners, published September 2026), soaking tubs were the choice of 72% of homeowners who added or replaced a tub, up 10 percentage points from the year before. A freestanding style adds a classic, sculptural look, especially when it replaces an older wall-mounted tub and shower combination. Make sure your floor plan leaves room to walk around it.

3. Floor-to-ceiling tile or marble

Nothing says elegance like marble, but it doesn’t have to stop at the floor. Running a seamless tile from floor to ceiling makes a room feel bigger and more polished. You can choose bright white slabs or smaller dark squares, depending on your style. Because natural marble needs careful care, ask about sealing and cleaning, or consider marble-look tile for a similar effect.

4. A laundry chute

Sometimes luxury is simply convenience. A built-in chute carries dirty clothes and towels to the laundry area and keeps them off the floor. Before you plan one, have your contractor check that there’s a clear path between your bathroom wall and the floor below, free of plumbing, wiring, and framing.

5. A double walk-in shower

For a more elevated shower, consider adding a second showerhead. You could pair a fixed head on the wall or ceiling with a handheld one, or mount two fixed heads on opposite walls. Larger showers are popular: according to Houzz, 79% of renovating homeowners who removed a tub used the space to enlarge their shower.

6. A place to sit

Some of the most comfortable bathrooms have a spot to sit: a built-in shower bench, a stool by the vanity, or a bench near the tub. It’s a small detail that makes you want to stay a while, whether you’re doing your makeup, reading a book, or waiting for the bath to fill. Plan it early, so the layout can include it.

7. Brass or copper fixtures

Chrome and brushed nickel are standard in most bathrooms, so they rarely stand out. Warm brass or copper hardware, including towel racks, faucets, and showerheads, adds an opulent look. Choose one metal and repeat it, so the room feels cohesive.

8. Dimmable lighting

Soft light turns a bathroom into a place to unwind. According to Houzz, 39% of renovating homeowners say dimmable lighting helps them unwind, and 40% say the same about natural light. A dimmer switch is an easy, affordable way to add that mood, especially for evening baths and showers.

9. A fireplace

A fireplace isn’t the first thing most people think of for a bathroom, but an electric one next to a tub is an extravagant, calming touch. Talk with your designer early about where it could go, since it affects the layout and how the room is finished.

Where should you splurge on a luxury bathroom remodel?

Spend where you’ll notice it every day: the shower, the lighting, and the vanity. If you can’t do everything, choose two or three ideas that matter most to you, and do them well. For example, a custom vanity is a popular upgrade. According to Houzz, custom-made vanities are the most popular choice among homeowners upgrading their vanity, at 38%. You can learn about our two custom cabinet lines to see what’s possible.

How do you plan a luxury bathroom remodel?

Start with how you want the room to feel, then work backward. Here are a few steps.

1. Pick your top three. Choose the ideas that matter most.
2. Check your layout. Some features, like a bench or a freestanding tub, need extra space.
3. Set a budget with a cushion. Set aside an extra 10–15% for surprises, especially in older homes.
4. Choose a team that designs and builds together. See design-build vs. general contractor.
5. Plan the timeline. A primary bathroom remodel can take several weeks, depending on size and materials.

See our bathroom remodeling work

We’ve completed bathroom remodels across the Chicago area. See our bathroom remodeling page, our Highland Park bathroom remodel, and our Park Ridge bathroom remodel, or browse our projects.

Luxury bathroom remodel questions

What makes a bathroom feel luxurious?

Thoughtful details: warm floors, soft lighting, quality fixtures, a comfortable shower or tub, and good storage. It’s about how the room feels to use, not how much you spend.

Are heated floors worth it in a bathroom?

Many homeowners love them, especially in Chicago winters. They work best under tile. Ask your designer whether electric or hot-water heat fits your home.

Is a freestanding tub a good idea?

It can be, if you have room. Freestanding and soaking tubs are popular, and they need space around them for access and cleaning.

How much does a luxury bathroom remodel cost?

It depends on the size, materials, and features you choose. The best way to get a realistic number is to talk through your ideas with a designer.

How long does a bathroom remodel take?

A hall bathroom typically takes about 4–6 weeks, and a primary bathroom about 6–10 weeks. Material lead times can affect the schedule.

Ready to plan your luxury bathroom remodel?

At your first meeting, our team comes to your home, talks through your ideas, and helps you decide which ones fit your space and budget. No rush, no pressure to decide on the spot.