Travel Inspiration: Rethinking Primary Bathrooms
How to bring travel inspiration into the design of our homes
As someone who loves to travel, I am constantly inspired by my experiences abroad to create unique experiences in my clients’ homes. Sometimes I’m inspired by a small design detail– maybe it’s an interesting millwork profile, or the way colors and textures are used. Sometimes I’m inspired by the flow and function of a space.
Elevator at the Mandarin Oriental. Loved the design!
Still coveting this table lamp at the reception area
On a recent stay at the Mandarin Oriental in Taipei, I decided to rethink everything I know about the space planning of a Primary Bathroom. Ok, how many ways can one think about a bathroom? Well, as an architecture and design nerd, I assure you there are an infinite number. But the majority of primary bathrooms follow a fairly simple formula: you enter the bathroom and there is a vanity (beauty moment! One of my favorites to design!), a separate water closet, a shower, and sometimes (ideally, really) a soaking tub.
Here is what I loved and learned our hotel experience.
Everything at the hotel was lovely and as expected, but what I loved about our suite was that the water closet was not in the bathroom area at all. It was separated from the closet and bath area, tucked by the entry vestibule as its own gem of a gorgeous and moody powder room.
What I loved about this is that it separates the toilet from the spa-like features of the rest of the bathroom. We already usually do this by creating a separate water closet within bathrooms with its own room and door, but this goes one step beyond that. It provides another level of privacy and separation. It also provided more than one bathroom experience for the suite, which contributed to the overall luxurious feeling of our stay.
Photo I found from Expedia- this is not the exact suite we stayed in but similar vibes. Personally could do without maybe one of two of the materials mixed in here for a simpler look, but the main takeaway for me is the floor plan of our particular suite!
My hand sketch of the suite’s floor plan
I’m dying to implement this space planning idea for a renovation or a new build. I think there is so much opportunity even within existing home footprints to create beautiful primary suites that draw inspiration from the indulgent comforts found in luxury hotel experiences.
If you are planning a renovation or new build, we would love to hear from you! We have a calendar below where you can book your call with us directly. Let’s talk!