Ideas on creating a luxury spa-bath retreat in your home
With beautiful décor and state-of-the-art bathing amenities, Susan R. Crupi, director of design services at David R. Crupi, LLC in Hollis, transformed an outdated, dysfunctional master bathroom in Bedford into the ultimate spa retreat. For her efforts, Crupi was recognized with the 2014 New Hampshire Home Design Award Honorable Mention in Bath Design.
The original bathroom was cavernous and lacked flow, proper storage and privacy. “The space was poorly utilized,” Crupi says. The bathtub’s position in front of the room’s large Palladian window obstructed views and natural light, and restricted tub and shower sizes; its proximity to the water closet was unduly awkward. The vanities were also cramped, often cluttered with toiletries, due to inefficient storage space. Tired of the room’s lack of function and beauty, the homeowners asked Crupi to design a peaceful and tranquil master bath full of lush spa amenities.
For the best use of space, an Ultra ThermoMasseur bath was installed in the center of the room. With fifty-four air jets, integrated armrests and a heated backrest that contours to the body, this advanced bath delivers an all-encompassing therapeutic massage, perfect for deep relaxation. The tub sits on a deck of custom wainscot panels made of Lyptus wood; an inlaid border of Ming Green marble surrounds the bath, mimicking an area rug; and above, a tray ceiling with concealed rope lighting gently illuminates the bathing space.
Relocating the bathtub afforded space for a charming window seat, perfect for lounging, and room for a spacious, frameless-glass steam shower with a Kohler DTV digital showering system. With the touch of a button, the homeowners are able to personalize their shower experience—its temperature and spray source—depending on their mood and schedule. The shower also includes a retractable teak bench seat and a pivoting awning window to release water vapor.
To further enhance this spa-like environment, Crupi coupled fresh and timeless materials and hues. Clean and classic details include spacious his-and-her vanities with cut-glass vessel bowls, polished chrome fixtures, mirrored medicine cabinets and a makeup area with a custom-made, mahogany, full-length mirror. Most stunning is the vanity’s seven-foot-tall mosaic backsplash of Ming Green marble and frosted and polished sea glass. For continuity, a floor-to-ceiling mosaic of the same pattern and material appears in the shower. “The shades of soft green, white, amber and silver keep the space elegant and fresh, creating a relaxing spa-like feel,” Crupi says. “This bathroom is now a luxurious and serene retreat.”
A window seat provides a comfortable place for relaxation and space for storage.
What makes this bathroom beautiful
- Ultra ThermoMasseur bath from BainUltra
www.bainultra.com - Steam shower from ThermaSol
www.thermasol.com - DTV custom showering system and interface from Kohler
www.kohler.com - Radiant floor heating with programmable thermostat from WarmlyYours
www.warmlyyours.com - Crystal chandelier from James R. Morder
www.jamesrmoder.com - Custom paint mixture from Benjamin Moore
www.benjaminmoore.com - Lyptus wood cabinetry crafted by New River Cabinetry
www.newrivercabinetry.com
The bathroom’s seven-foot-tall Ming Green marble and sea glass mosaic offers a stunning backdrop for the double vanity. A mahogany-framed mirror and a drop-down counter with knee drawers and an upholstered bench provide the perfect area for applying makeup.
Crupi describes the ThermaSol steam shower as one with “lots of bells and whistles.” Its Kohler DTV showering system and multiple showerheads make every bathing experience different.
