Homeowners are embracing the trend: Now is the ideal moment to incorporate a sauna, hammam, or meditation room into your living space.
Picture the ultimate luxury of complementing a vigorous workout in your home gym with a refreshing steam session or indulging in a lengthy nap on a heated marble bench. This combination isn’t merely a fantasy reserved for upscale resorts; it has become a tangible reality in many homes today. Creating tranquil, dimly lit, and warm environments in your own residence is not just a passing trend—it’s a practical and achievable lifestyle enhancement.
“In Europe, saunas are not merely a wellness luxury; they represent a lifestyle choice that has rapidly gained popularity in the U.S.”
– Logan Ross, director of Nordic Sauna
“Homeowners today desire a comprehensive living experience,” states Monica Breese, the owner of a boutique interior design and staging firm in both Brooklyn and Miami. “By making minor adjustments to your overall design, you can create a dedicated space where your trainer can visit and conduct workouts, followed by a soothing retreat in your own hammam.”
This shift in preference could stem from the pandemic’s impact or simply reflect the current home amenity trend. Many homeowners are opting to replace seldom-used entertainment rooms with luxurious spa-like spaces, beginning with the installation of both indoor and outdoor saunas.
“In the last six years, we’ve seen unprecedented growth in sauna sales,” shares Logan Ross, director of Nordic Sauna, a historic family-run business based in Van Nuys, California. “This surge can be attributed to recent findings linking sauna usage to improved heart health.”
Americans are increasingly adopting a European lifestyle that emphasizes wellness and relaxation. “In Europe, saunas are not just a wellness product; they embody a lifestyle that is rapidly gaining traction in the U.S.,” Ross elaborates. “The essence of sauna culture lies in the art of thermal bathing. Traditionally, visiting a sauna was about more than just sweating; it was about warming and revitalizing the body, mind, and spirit.”
In addition to traditional saunas, other spa features like wet rooms, steam showers, marble hammams, and even snow rooms—designed to mimic a winter landscape—are becoming increasingly popular as homeowners seek rejuvenation without stepping outside.
“In nearly every home renovation project I’ve overseen, we’ve installed freestanding soaking tubs, rain showers, and dual shower setups to cultivate a spa-like atmosphere,” Breese notes. “We’ve also integrated steam features, heated flooring, and separate toilet rooms, all of which elevate a home into a sanctuary of luxury. It’s about creating that ‘wow’ factor, making it feel like you’re in your own private retreat!”
As part of this luxury trend, small plunge pools are also becoming fashionable.
“For some homeowners, installing a full-sized Olympic pool is no longer a necessity or priority,” Breese mentions. “Compact plunge pools, typically around five-by-ten feet, are trending, along with small cold plunge tubs that can be conveniently placed anywhere on your property.”
“In nearly every home renovation I’ve managed, we’ve integrated a freestanding soaking tub, a rain shower, and dual showers on either side of the wall to cultivate a spa experience at home.”
—Monica Breese, owner of a boutique interior design and staging firm in Brooklyn and Miami
Creating a Peaceful Space for Meditation and Yoga
In addition to luxurious spa-like amenities, many homeowners are also prioritizing the inclusion of tranquil yoga rooms and dedicated meditation areas. These serene spaces are designed to promote relaxation and mindfulness, contributing to overall well-being.
While heated flooring certainly enhances comfort and helps maintain a grounded feeling, the essence of these areas is their simplicity. According to Breese, it’s vital to curate these environments to be as peaceful and calming as possible. “You want that room or nook to feature beautiful plants, soothing incense, flickering candles, and even crystals,” she suggests. “There’s a special spiritual significance in cleansing crystals during the new moon.”
To enhance the ambiance, consider adding soft poufs on the floor and neatly stacked yoga mats, ready for your practice whenever the moment strikes.
“To elevate the experience, a magical hanging chair could be a delightful addition,” she notes. “This would serve as a perfect spot to sit quietly, gather your thoughts, and meditate.”
Another thoughtful addition could be a home altar.
“We’ve designed numerous altars for clients that serve as spaces for meditation and prayer,” shares David Mann, founder of MR Architecture + Décor in New York City. “In the initial design phases, I often discover unique belief systems that differ from my own, which enriches the design process and leads to original outcomes.”
Ultimately, Mann emphasizes that the goal for any personal space is authenticity. It should resonate deeply with you and reflect the life you aspire to live within those walls.
“We’ve designed numerous altars for clients to serve as spaces for meditation and prayer.”
— David Mann, founder of MR Architecture + Décor in New em>York City
Innovative Features for Your In-Home Spa Experience
Consulting industry experts reveals that incorporating features like a Swiss shower or a rainfall shower head, which mimics the sensation of stepping under a waterfall, is an excellent way to enhance your bathroom. However, there’s so much more you can do to completely transform your bathroom into a rejuvenating escape. If you’re considering a bathroom renovation this year, look to nature for inspiration and consider implementing the following enhancements. Each option will undoubtedly elevate a standard bathroom into an extraordinary sanctuary.
INFRARED WELLNESS ROOMS: Unlike traditional saunas that rely on heated air, an infrared sauna utilizes light to generate heat. “This means you can enjoy the same health benefits of sauna use—just at a more comfortable, lower temperature,” Ross explains.
SNOW SHOWERS: These innovative devices activate in your bathroom through sensors, creating a magical winter ambiance. “Snow showers are becoming increasingly popular as they provide the delightful sensation of snow falling over you,” he adds. “We encourage our customers to incorporate this feature as part of their comprehensive thermal bathing experience.”
SNOW ROOMS: These are a highlight in European wellness culture, designed to create an enchanting winter atmosphere within your home. “You can achieve a stunning Arctic vibe or a cozy, woodsy feel blanketed in snow,” Ross describes. Homeowners are increasingly opting for glass walls that allow for a press of a button to trigger instant snowfall from the ceiling. “Imagine creating snow angels as you step in and out of your sauna.”
ICE FOUNTAINS: Interacting with ice is a significant trend in wellness this year, Ross notes. “We see a growing demand for ice chutes or fountains that produce shaved ice mixed with essential oils. This ice can then be used to create snowballs, which can be heated and massaged over your shoulders and neck post-sauna for ultimate relaxation,” he explains.
SALT ROOMS: These specialized areas serve as rejuvenation and relaxation zones, featuring backlit salt walls and typically equipped with infrared heated loungers. “Clients utilize these spaces to enjoy the therapeutic benefits of salt-infused air,” Ross explains. “Relaxing in one of these chairs is an added luxury that enhances the overall wellness experience.”</p
