Designer Tips for a Luxurious Bathroom Renovation
A well-designed bathroom can elevate your daily routine into a moment of peace, comfort, and luxury. Whether you're creating a spa-like retreat in your primary suite or upgrading a guest bath to impress visitors, a luxury bathroom renovation is about more than beautiful finishes—it’s about how the space feels and functions.
At Wise Design & Remodel, we specialize in helping clients achieve their vision through thoughtful planning, timeless design, and exceptional craftsmanship. Here are our top designer tips to help you plan a luxury bathroom remodel that feels indulgent, intentional, and uniquely yours.
1. Start with a Strong Design Foundation
Every successful luxury bathroom remodel begins with a well-defined plan. A bathroom renovation designer doesn’t just pick out tile—they consider sightlines, light sources, storage needs, and how the space supports your lifestyle.
Before choosing materials, we work closely with clients to understand how they use the space. Do you prefer long, relaxing baths or a quick, invigorating shower? Do you need dual vanities or additional storage for linens? These insights inform everything from layout to lighting.
For one recent client in Mac-Groveland, our design-build team reimagined a dated bathroom by relocating the tub under a window for a serene soaking experience and introduced warm wood tones and natural stone to echo the home’s historic charm.
2. Invest in Elevated Fixtures and Materials
The hallmark of any luxury bathroom renovation lies in the materials and details. Upgrading fixtures to high-end finishes—like matte black, brushed brass, or polished nickel—can instantly elevate the space. But luxury isn’t just about looks. Solid brass plumbing, thermostatic valves, and high-performance faucets offer long-term value and smoother daily use.
For surfaces, consider large-format porcelain, marble, or hand-crafted tile for a bespoke look. A well-placed mosaic accent or stone slab can serve as a focal point, while heated flooring adds warmth underfoot—especially important during long Minnesota winters.
At our showroom in St. Paul, clients can touch and compare these materials firsthand. Seeing how they look and feel under different lighting helps you make confident choices for your space.
3. Prioritize Lighting in Layers
A common mistake in bathroom remodels is relying solely on overhead lighting. In a luxury setting, lighting should be layered to create ambiance and functionality.
We design bathrooms with a combination of task lighting (ideal for grooming), ambient lighting (to fill the space), and accent lighting (to highlight architectural features). Backlit mirrors, wall sconces, and dimmable ceiling lights all contribute to a more adaptable, spa-like experience.
One of our recent projects included integrated lighting behind floating vanities for a soft nighttime glow—both practical and striking.
4. Think Beyond the Basics with Custom Features
What makes a bathroom truly luxurious are the unexpected extras tailored to your lifestyle. Radiant heated floors. A built-in towel warmer. A shower with multiple zones and body sprays. Or a freestanding tub with a floor-mounted filler for an elegant centerpiece.
We’ve even installed discreet built-in speakers and integrated charging drawers to meet the needs of modern living, all while maintaining the clean lines and timeless aesthetic that Wise Design is known for.
As your bathroom renovation designer, our job is to ask the right questions so we can design these features into the space from the start—seamlessly and beautifully.
5. Don’t Forget the Storage
Storage might not be glamorous, but it’s essential to a clean, clutter-free space. That’s why we design custom cabinetry that’s as beautiful as it is functional.
Think built-in linen towers with integrated outlets, drawer organizers for grooming essentials, and recessed niches in the shower for a clean look without sacrificing accessibility. Every item has its place—and you won’t need to sacrifice style for storage.
Our cabinet specialist, with over 40 years of experience, ensures every detail—from drawer depths to finish selections—is perfectly aligned with your needs and the overall design.
6. Honor the Home’s Architecture
While we love clean lines and modern fixtures, we’re equally passionate about preserving the architectural integrity of your home—especially in the historic neighborhoods we serve.
For one luxury bathroom remodel in a 1920s bungalow, we restored the original arched doorway and used marble hex tile in a traditional pattern, paired with sleek new fixtures. The space now feels fresh and current while still respecting its roots.
This balance of old and new is a Wise Design signature. We’re not just designing for today—we’re designing for the next 50 years.
7. Work with a Full-Service Team You Can Trust
Luxury doesn’t just come from finishes—it comes from the experience. As a full-service design-build firm, Wise Design & Remodel offers architecture, interior design, project management, and skilled craftsmanship all under one roof.
From your first consultation to final walkthrough, you’ll have a single, dedicated team guiding you through the process. Our clear communication, attention to detail, and hands-on approach are why clients trust us to bring their dream spaces to life.
If you're ready to begin your own bathroom remodel in St. Paul, we’d love to help you create a space that’s not only beautiful—but built for how you live.
Your Sanctuary Starts Here
A luxury bathroom renovation is an investment in comfort, style, and your home’s long-term value. Whether you're drawn to the warmth of natural materials, the simplicity of a spa-like retreat, or the statement of a sculptural tub, our team is here to design a bathroom that exceeds expectations.
Explore our showroom and discover why Wise Design & Remodel is a trusted name in home remodeling in St. Paul and throughout the Twin Cities.
