It can be difficult to create a spa-like experience in a bathroom, especially when sharing it with three children in a home. That was the issue for designer Morgan Molitor’s client, but they had a unique idea: take one of the three bedrooms on the main level of the house and convert it entirely into a private bathroom spa for them.

Finding the Ideal Layout

“The biggest challenge was taking a bedroom and turning it into a full owner suite with a walk-in closet, shower, bath and toilet room without making it feel like an addition that didn’t flow,” said Molitor, who is the co-owner of Minneapolis-based Construction2Style.

A few different versions were marked up for the client in order to come up with ideas that would make the space flow seamlessly. The resulting linear layout has the toilet closet to the right upon entry, the vanity occupying the left wall. Across from that lies a wet room.

“We thought it would be fun to create a shower and freestanding tub combined into one room,” said Molitor, explaining that this concept allowed them to build a larger shower and still have room for the freestanding tub the clients wanted.

From Bathroom to Spa Grotto

For a relaxing feel, earthy tones and natural materials featured heavily into the design. Beginning with the natural wood vanity, this natural space stretches out along the perimeter wall. The vanity also has modern, black hardware and black-lined mirrors, connecting the to the black hexagonal flooring and sealed with white grout.

Square marble-look wall tiles keep the room feeling airy and bright while the back wall of the wet room boasts a pop of green statement tile – the biggest splurge in the project.

“To tie in the cabinetry, we went with a wood-planked ceiling, which added that retreat or spa-like vibe,” said Molitor, citing that the ceiling is often the most overlooked aspect of a design project. This dark wood, shiplap ceiling gives the wet room a final touch of natural appeal and makes the design stand out from the crowd.

“Between the wet room feel, the wood accent ceiling and the green accent tile wall, I know the clients will have a timeless design to last a lifetime,” said Molitor.

Another version of this article previously appeared in Kitchen Bath & Business.