When a client brief lands on our desk with just two words “Boutique Hotel” expectations are instantly set high. This isn’t about simply installing a bathroom; it’s about creating an experience. A space that feels indulgent, calm, refined, and timeless. Somewhere that wouldn’t feel out of place in a high-end city hotel or luxury countryside retreat.
For our latest project, that was exactly the vision. The client wanted a bathroom that delivered hotel-level luxury, but with the practicality and longevity required for everyday living. Clean lines, premium finishes, a cohesive colour palette, and above all, a feeling of understated sophistication.
We’re proud to say that the team delivered, and this project perfectly demonstrates what can be achieved when thoughtful design meets expert installation.
Understanding the Client Brief
From the outset, the client was clear in their vision. They wanted a space that felt:
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Calm and minimal
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Luxurious without being overbearing
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Contemporary but not trend-driven
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Easy to maintain and built to last
The phrase “boutique hotel” guided every design decision. Boutique hotels are known for their attention to detail — carefully chosen materials, seamless layouts, and a sense of intentional design where nothing feels accidental.
This wasn’t about flashy features or bold colours. Instead, the goal was quiet luxury — the kind you feel rather than see.
Design Philosophy: Less, But Better
A boutique hotel bathroom succeeds when it feels spacious, even if the footprint is modest. To achieve this, the design focused on:
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A restrained colour palette
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Large-format tiles to reduce visual clutter
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Integrated storage and concealed elements
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Clean lines and minimal transitions
Every element was chosen to serve both an aesthetic and functional purpose.
Grey tones were selected as the foundation, offering a neutral base that feels modern yet timeless. The subtle veining within the tiles adds depth and texture without overwhelming the space — a detail often found in luxury hotel bathrooms.
Material Selection: Setting the Tone
Material choice plays a huge role in how a bathroom feels. For this project, we opted for large-format porcelain tiles across both walls and floor. These tiles create a seamless look, reduce grout lines, and instantly elevate the overall finish.
The soft grey stone effect brings:
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A sense of calm and balance
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Visual consistency throughout the room
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A premium, spa-like atmosphere
Using the same tile on the floor and walls also enhances the feeling of space, making the bathroom feel larger and more cohesive.
Large-Format Tiles: A Boutique Hotel Staple
One of the defining features of this project is the use of large-format tiles. This is a design choice frequently seen in luxury hotels for good reason.
Benefits include:
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Fewer grout lines for a cleaner aesthetic
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Easier maintenance and cleaning
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A more expansive, uninterrupted visual flow
Precision was essential during installation. Large tiles leave little room for error, and alignment is key. Our installation team ensured every tile was perfectly set, with consistent spacing and flawless transitions between surfaces.
Colour Palette: Calm, Contemporary, Timeless
The grey palette was carefully balanced to avoid feeling cold. Subtle tonal variations and soft lighting ensure the space remains warm and inviting.
Black accents were introduced through fixtures and fittings to add contrast and definition. This monochrome approach is a hallmark of boutique hotel design — elegant, modern, and effortlessly stylish.
The Importance of Lighting
Lighting can make or break a bathroom. In boutique hotels, lighting is used to enhance mood rather than simply illuminate a space.
For this project:
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Ceiling spotlights provide clean, even lighting
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Natural light from the window enhances the textures and finishes
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Reflections from the large mirror help distribute light throughout the room
The result is a bathroom that feels bright during the day and calm and relaxing in the evening.
Practical Luxury: Design That Works Every Day
A key part of the brief was ensuring the bathroom wasn’t just beautiful, but practical. Boutique hotel style often looks effortless, but behind the scenes, every detail is carefully planned.
This project includes:
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Easy-clean surfaces
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Wall-hung sanitaryware for a streamlined look
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Concealed cisterns to reduce visual clutter
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Durable finishes chosen for longevity
Everything has been designed with everyday use in mind — luxury that doesn’t compromise on function.
Wall-Hung Sanitaryware: Clean Lines, Modern Feel
The wall-hung toilet plays a significant role in the overall aesthetic. By lifting the unit off the floor, the space feels more open and contemporary.
Additional benefits include:
This is a common feature in boutique hotels and a detail that instantly elevates the look of a bathroom.
The Vanity Unit: Subtle and Sophisticated
The vanity unit was chosen to complement the overall colour scheme without drawing attention away from the space as a whole.
Its clean lines and understated design:
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Provide essential storage
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Maintain the minimalist aesthetic
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Balance practicality with style
Paired with a crisp white basin and matte black tap, it offers a perfect contrast against the grey tiles.
Matte Black Accents: A Modern Touch
Matte black fixtures have become a defining feature of contemporary luxury bathrooms. Used sparingly, they add depth and character without overpowering the space.
In this project, black accents were used for:
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Taps
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Flush plate
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Towel radiator
These elements provide visual anchors throughout the room, tying the design together and reinforcing the boutique hotel feel.
The Mirror: Function Meets Design
A large, frameless mirror was installed to enhance both light and space. Mirrors are a powerful design tool in bathrooms, especially in boutique hotel-style interiors.
This mirror:
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Reflects natural and artificial light
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Makes the room feel larger
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Keeps the design clean and uncluttered
Sometimes the simplest choices are the most effective.
Heating and Comfort
Comfort is a non-negotiable in a luxury bathroom. The sleek black towel radiator not only complements the colour scheme but also adds a layer of everyday indulgence.
There’s nothing quite like stepping out of the shower to a warm towel — a small detail that makes a big difference.
Attention to Detail: Where Luxury Lives
What truly sets boutique hotel bathrooms apart is attention to detail. In this project, that meant:
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Perfectly aligned tile joints
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Crisp silicone lines colour-matched to the tiles
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Neat, discreet ventilation
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Clean edges and seamless finishes
These details may go unnoticed at first glance, but they are what create a sense of quality and craftsmanship.
Installation Excellence
Design is only as good as its execution. Our installation team worked meticulously to ensure every element was finished to the highest standard.
From substrate preparation to final polish, no shortcuts were taken. This level of care is essential when delivering a premium result.
The Final Result
The finished bathroom perfectly captures the original brief. It feels:
It’s a space that wouldn’t feel out of place in a high-end boutique hotel — and yet it functions effortlessly as an everyday bathroom.
Why Boutique Hotel Style Works So Well at Home
More homeowners are choosing boutique hotel-inspired bathrooms, and it’s easy to see why. They offer:
This project is a great example of how hotel-inspired design can be successfully translated into a residential setting.
Our Approach at The Shower Experts
At The Shower Experts, we believe great bathrooms start with listening. Understanding the client’s vision is just as important as technical expertise.
Our approach combines:
This project reflects everything we stand for.
Thinking of Creating Your Own Boutique Hotel Bathroom?
If you’re dreaming of a bathroom that feels more like a luxury retreat than a functional necessity, we’d love to help.
Whether it’s a full renovation or a carefully considered upgrade, our team can guide you from concept to completion — delivering a bathroom that looks exceptional and performs flawlessly.
Contact us today for more information or advice, call now on 03300 434506
Alternatively you can visit our website: https://www.showerexperts.co.uk/
