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Spalike Serenity
DESIGN A BATHROOM THAT WILL LEAVE YOU FEELING RELAXED AND REJUVENATED .
By ASHLEY RYAN
W hen creating cozy areas in the home , you ’ ll likely want to incorporate warm throw blankets , plush pillows and furniture that you sink into . However , those soothing pieces don ’ t translate well to the bathroom . But that doesn ’ t mean that you can ’ t create a comfortable space in which to clean up and unwind .
“[ The ] bathroom is such an important space in our daily lives . That is the first space we use once we wake up and the last place [ we visit ] … before we end our day ,” says Huma Sulaiman , creative director of the eponymous Huma Sulaiman Design . “ It is a sanctuary and a private space that is very important to our clients ’ lives .”
Sulaiman ’ s award-winning company , which has an office in Los Angeles as well here in Laguna , is a boutique interior architecture and design studio that launched more than a decade ago and specializes in high-end residential and hospitality properties . One of
According to Sulaiman , you can find spalike serenity with dark-colored bathrooms as well .
Bathrooms designed by Huma Sulaiman feature soft rugs ( left ) plus standalone bathtubs and artwork ( right ).
the biggest trends she ’ s noticing for 2024 is the popularity of creating a spa-like atmosphere in the bathroom .
According to Sulaiman , there are two big ways to really bring this dream to life . “[ A ] standalone [ bath ] tub always makes a space feel … luxurious , and adding heated flooring takes the space to an extra notch of luxury ,” she says , noting that , while showers are more practical , a soaking tub is often the star of the room . “ So if you have space for a tub , always incorporate one ,” Sulaiman adds .
The heated flooring , too , can make all the difference : Starting the morning off with radiant warmth instead of cold tile will help you ease into the day in a relaxing way instead of experiencing a shock to the system .
As far as the color palette goes , Sulaiman says that you don ’ t have to stick to lights or whites to achieve a spalike feel . A dark color tone can work equally well — just try to embrace either light or dark rather than mixing the two .
Texture is having a moment in the bathroom , too , with plaster and marble proving popular for walls , countertops and even flooring . “[ The bathroom is ] a space that you can play with color and texture , as it is an enclosed area ,” she notes . “ Your imagination can go wild without disrupting the rest of the home decor .” But there are a number of other ways to incorporate that
tranquil , spalike ambiance at home . Introduce scented candles or diffusers , add potted plants for a touch of greenery , place trays on the counter for storage of beauty products or jewelry , and place soft towels throughout for a touch of luxury . Mirrors can be added as well , to make the room appear bigger . “ Rugs and art also add an unexpected … touch to the space ,” Sulaiman says .
Although bathrooms are not the only type of spaces that Sulaiman designs , she says that they are often some of the most enjoyable projects to tackle , noting , “ It makes me happy to work on something so special , knowing how it can impact one ’ s day-to-day activities .”
FROM LEFT : SHADE DEGGES ; JOE KRAMM ; CHAD MELLON
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