Bringing the spa experience to your home has been a popular feature of residential bathroom remodels in St Louis for over a decade, and demand is not waning! In fact, we saw even more innovation and creativity from leading manufacturers, displayed at the Kitchen and Bath Industry Showroom (KBIS) this year.

This post explores what are affordable spa-like bathroom upgrades for small spaces, large spaces, as well as higher cost investments that have complexity– all that can be achieve with a team of professionals like the Dana King Team.

The money bags 💰 and hammers 🔨 next to each upgrade, correspond to the general investment and construction complexity involved.

Hand Shower

Hand showers are a must in any spa-inspired bathroom. Whether you have a two-in-one (a simple swap-out of the shower head) or mounted hand shower on a sliding bar, this feature not only feels luxurious with multiple-sources of water, but it is great for mobility limitations and creating a showering experience that is accessible to various needs.

• Hand shower on separate valve control 💰💰💰💰 🔨🔨🔨🔨🔨 – Special rough-in valves, additional plumbing lines, this is a true upgrade and needs planning in the framing stage.
• Hand shower attachment on sliding bar with diverter 💰💰 🔨🔨 – Fairly straight-forward update– attach sliding bar on top of tile at a stud location, and swap the shower head.
• Two-in-One Shower head 💰💰🔨 – A 15 minute update, we love a shower head with an extra long hose like the Delta VersaCurl!

Heated Floors

Tile can often feel shockingly cold when emerging from a steamy shower or bath. Heated floors are common in most high-end spas, but what is the typical cost of installing heated bathroom floors? And logistics?

Heated Tile Floor 💰💰💰💰🔨🔨🔨🔨 – Electrical, tile (sub-floor), and drywall are all impacted by this upgrade and need planning in the framing stage. This investment cost can range because of square footage, but expect a few thousand to 10k for a heated tile floor upgrade done by vetted professionals with a robust warranty.

Heated Yoga Mat 💰💰💰 – Plug in, easy to place under a thin bath mat. The cord can be a tripping hazard, so unplug after each use.

Towel Warmer

A towel warmer needs little explanation– getting out of a shower or tub to wrap yourself with a cozy, heated towel? It feels like it wouldn’t be out of place to ring a bell and have someone bring you crostini and some bubbly.

• Towel warming bar (hard-wired) 💰💰💰🔨🔨🔨 – Some electrical, drywall patching, and securing to studs, and you are read to go.
• Towel warming basket 💰💰 – Plug and play! We have clients who have loved this basket.

Diffused Lighting

Dimmable lighting placed around eye level will reflects off of all the light or shiny surfaces in a spa bathroom so that you have balanced light illuminating your face. The result? Less harsh shadows when you look in the mirror– which makes it easier when grooming or applying makeup.

• Lighted shower niche 💰💰💰💰🔨🔨🔨 – Spa-vibes to the max. Electrical, Schluter Waterproofing system, and tile all are impacted by this upgrade.
• Sconce/pendant lights 💰💰💰🔨🔨 – Overhead lighting is ‘out’, eye-level dimmable lighting is ‘in’. Electrical and drywall will be disturbed for this lighting update.
• Lighted mirror💰💰🔨🔨 – Just some additional electrical will be needed to install a lighted mirror.

Steam/Aromatherapy

The effects of steam on our bodies from natural hot springs has been known for centuries for their therapeutic and wellness effects. Today, technology and innovation has made it possible to incorporate those positive benefits of steam into even small spaces like a bathroom in your home. So, if you are wondering how to create a steam shower with spa features in a bathroom? See some ideas below.

• Steam shower with Aromatherapy 💰💰💰💰🔨🔨🔨🔨 – You’ll need changes to electrical, plumbing, tile, framing, technology integration, and a project manager and designer who understand how they all work together seamlessly.
• Diffuser (plug-in) 💰 – A perfect noncommittal way to bring in the therapeutic effects of essential oils– plug and play!
• Essential oils or bath bombs in bathroom, or eucalyptus hung from shower head 💰 – Another great noncommittal solution, only downside is clean-up can be messy.

Bidet

Imagine using the bathroom in the middle of the night and not being jolted awake with a cold toilet seat! Heated seats are a common feature in bidet toilet seat found in many spas, and with a variety of warm water spray patterns, you get the ultimate clean, all while saving money on toilet paper.

• Smart Bidet Toilet with Heated Seat 💰💰💰🔨🔨🔨 – Be prepared to get a dedicated circuit (electrical), an excellent plumber who has experience with one-piece bidet toilets, and vet your manufacturer so you minimize warranty issues. These are challenging to re-set if ever removed.
• Bidet seat attachment 💰💰 🔨🔨 – Wire to have an outlet by the toilet, this solution is non-permanent and offers easy-upgrade options.

Medicine Cabinets

A signature spa feature is the minimalist feel and look. Visual clutter is not the look. But we all need our lotions and potions to keep us looking and feeling young and rejuvenated, right? Medicine cabinets provide additional hidden storage without the clutter.

• Recessed medicine cabinets mirror with interior magnifying mirror 💰💰🔨🔨 – Framing accommodations are needed, but this is a great upgrade to storage and function without a huge investment.
• Surface-mount medicine cabinet mirror 💰💰 – An easy swap for a competent carpenter, projections are typically 4″ or less. Great for storage but keep in mind clearance with over-the-mirror lighting.

Sauna/Infrared Therapy

Dry heat has many therapeutic effects on muscles, skin, and even mood! The higher demand of saunas in residential settings has resulted in ‘sauna kits’ to provide everything you need, but still require expertise to get a custom look and feel for your space. With dry heat saunas and infrared therapy saunas, you can now stay home and live better at home.

• Dry heat Sauna or infrared sauna 💰💰💰💰🔨🔨🔨🔨 – Things you’ll want for a sauna upgrade: a thoroughly vetted sauna manufacturer, electrical upgrades, drywall, tile, stone, glass, a craftsman for constructing the interior, designer, and project manager to make sure everything is legit and built-to-last.
• Infrared therapy mask or steam mask 💰💰 – Relaxing and therapeutic, these can get spendy for the high quality ones, but can be used anywhere but the shower/tub!

Shower Bench

Shower benches are great for all ages, but especially for those with mobility challenges, whether that be due to surgeries or age. They bring ultimate comfort and relaxation, so it is no surprise they are a standard feature we try to include in every bathroom remodel.

• Built-in Bench 💰💰💰🔨🔨🔨 – Must be incorporated from early framing stages, framing, tile and stone will be impacted, and don’t forget to vet the manufacturer!
• Fold-down bench seat 💰💰💰🔨🔨 – Don’t sacrifice square footage, but get comfy! Can be securely installed over existing tile if secured to studs.
• Bench stool furniture 💰💰 – If you have the space, an easy, non-permanent solution, but will need maintenance if using a teak bench.

Grab Bars

Safety (balance) and style are always integrated into a spa experience. Instead of the hospital-like or institutional options you may be familiar with in, most reputable plumbing fixture brands are creating companion safety grab bars that match the design style and finishes with your faucets and valves.

• Stylish grab bars matching style of plumbing fixtures 💰💰💰🔨🔨 – Framing and tile are impacted by this upgrade.
• No-drill grab bars 💰💰🔨 – This solution by Nie Wieder Bohren can be installed in 15 minutes and utilizes a special adhesive that holds up to ADA standards. Cannot be installed on any flexible surface.