My 2025 Spa-Inspired Bathroom Renovation

Designing a Life Through Beauty in Constraint

I am thrilled to share that my 2025 spa-inspired bathroom renovation project has finally been unveiled—a soulful practice that spanned over half a year.

Great design takes both investment and time — as Jamie Bush, founder of his eponymous Los Angeles–based studio, once remarked. His ethos intrinsically aligns with the trajectory of my bathroom renovation and my entire interior design journey.

Once again, I find myself living up to my manifesto: Constraint is not conclusion but condition. I transcended both conventional and unexpected limits and achieved an interior that embodies my vision and aesthetic.

To me, that is a story worth documenting—etched into memory lane, reverberating in my mind.

If you’ve watched my home tour video, you may have perceived me as an interior enthusiast—someone who spent years renovating and styling my living room. Yet I am not naturally calm, cool, and collected. By the fifth year of my interior design journey, however, I have evolved into a slower, more patient temperament. I remain deeply engaged and fueled by an unwavering desire for beauty and radiance, crafting not only beauty but also joy. At the core of my pursuit lies a marriage of unlocked creativity and innate sensibility. The result is both engaging and reciprocal—I have reclaimed immense strength and regained a glimmer of hope through interior design.

My resolve to interpret the world through the lens of beauty continues to shape both my mindset and my interactions with the external and internal forces of life. I’ve written in my book that it’s truly the desire to live a beautiful life towards aspirational and lofty goals that matters. As my project expands, my eye for design refines. I pour my heart and soul into spatial alchemy, which in return

offers me, perhaps, the ultimate antidote to emotional or mental spirals— steering me towards a hopeful and joyful headspace. That is why I feel compelled to share this journey.

Layers of Challenges – Constraints Is Precursor to Creativity

Logistics and budget immediately stood out as the first layer of challenges in my bathroom renovation. With only one bathroom in my unit, a full overhaul—stripping tiles, redoing waterproofing, and starting from scratch— would have left me without a shower for at least a week, even in a compact space like mine. That raised a very real existential question LoL: Where would I shower during that time?

It doesn’t take an interior designer or industry expert to argue that without retiling the floors and walls or orchestrating ambient lighting, this hardly qualifies as a true bathroom renovation. After all, those are essential elements—laying out the groundwork with the elevating touches—that define a grand bathroom transformation.

It’s also quite common to hear designers saying that the bathroom, occupying a

relatively small footprint in the home, is the perfect place to experiment with bold colors, sumptuous materials, and a luxurious look. And while that’s true in perspective, the reality of my project speaks otherwise: my budget was as humble and compact as the bathroom itself. Living in Sydney only heightened the challenge, where the cost of trades work is soaring. Yet I’ve been

consciously investing in my passion without tampering with my budget.

To encapsulate my predicament at its inception: the scale and scope of the renovation already put me at a distinct disadvantage. How could I architect my aesthetic vision on the existing floor and wall tiles if new tiling was out of the question? How could I compensate for the lost ambient touch without updating

the lighting scheme? How could I uphold high standards in a space significantly

undermined by the absence of core materials and texture attached to it? Was it

even worth putting a project in motion, knowing it was already marked by inherent flaws?

Here is the emotional pitfall that I locked myself in for years—three years ago, prior to my home project, I would have seen this as an insurmountable task given all the conditions I’ve outlined above. What prompted me to finally pull the trigger? I simply couldn’t bear living in such a space any longer.

A bathroom should at least fulfill its utilitarian purpose, if not aim higher for style. My old

bathroom not only failed functionally, but as I sharpened my aesthetic eye, the emotional incongruity grew increasingly pronounced—I couldn’t inhabit such a hideous and dysfunctional space any longer.

Its most fatal flaw lies in its layout: in a small and compact bathroom, a bathtub alone consumed almost half of the square footage. The vanity and shower ensuite were crammed opposite each other with barely any clearance in between. Traffic flow was appalling—I found myself trapped every time I tried to navigate around the shower door.

By the time I finished my home tour video project, the tension between reality and vision had become fierce, igniting my action for change. Once I answered that call, my fear dissolved like smoke in the air. My prefrontal cortex stepped in, analyzing each seemingly daunting barrier and formulating a solution. A vision of a spa-inspired bathroom serendipitously surfaced in my mind. Guided by that overarching sense, I began chipping away at the project layer by layer, adopting a conquer-and-divide strategy.

The ethos of this project—constraint is not a conclusion, but a condition

that leads to creativity—emerges.

Phase One – Channel Reconfiguration to Redefine the Space

With the bathtub out of the equation, the freed-up space naturally became the ideal location for a new vanity

The most pressing yet practical aspect to address was layout. My priority was improving traffic flow and creating a decent spatial experience.

I wrestled with whether to retain the bathtub—partly because my theme was spa-inspired, and I genuinely enjoy a hot soak now and then. I explored alternatives, such as a built-in tub integrated against the shower wall to reduce its footprint, or a smaller tub altogether. However, the compact size of the bathroom inherently limited the practicality of keeping one.

I found myself caught in a trade-off battle between vision and reality: should I exchange function for aesthetics? It wasn’t an easy decision, but since traffic flow and spatial experience were my top priorities, I made the executive decision to remove the bathtub. This critical move set the stage for a bathroom that could be both functional and potentially stylish. As noted before, there was virtually no passage between the vanity and shower ensuite. To this day, I am still baffled by the original design—a crippling lack of thoughtfulness and consideration for the basic comfort needs of its inhabitants. With the bathtub out of the equation, the freed-up space naturally became the ideal location for a new vanity. Tearing down the old one also felt liberating—not only was it aged and low-quality, but its removal also opened up room for minimalist accessories. This reconfiguration ensures generous clearance around the shower, creating a far more natural flow.

Phase Two – Material Symphony Assembled, Brass Radiance Commanding the Space

My splurge on the vanity certainly paid off, especially when compounded by the installation of a new shower glass ensuite; Brass accents run throughout the bathroom—from brushed faucets and shower rails to gold-toned towel racks. A vintage photo frame, with its ornate distressed gold finish, introduces layers of history and visual intrigue.

It was a moment of grief when I decided not to redo the floor and wall tiles due to financial and practical constraints. How could I transcend the barrier caused by the absence of core materials, texture, and even color? Layers of material and texture play a key role in transforming a bathroom. The silver lining: the wall tiles are a creamy white—not the worst-case scenario of clinical, stark, sterile white— and still retain a hint of shine. Unlikely to elevate my interior, but at least they wouldn’t significantly diminish it.

The choice of material for the vanity became critical in bridging the gap between reality and vision. To echo the spa-like atmosphere I envisioned, I instinctively sought a vanity combining a wooden body with a stone countertop. Authenticity and solidity rooted in natural materials not only evoke a sense of organic luxury but also inject a calming, soothing energy into the space. Driven purely by personal preference, I scouted a floating vanity with a ceramic face basin rather than a recessed sink, pairing it with a rounded, expansive glass mirror concealing a storage unit behind it. The mirror spans the full width of the vanity—my little trick to create the illusion of a larger bathroom. It also doubles as a cabinet, maximizing storage. The new vanity performs dual roles—both aesthetic and functional. Its gracefully curved design introduces elegant, flowing shapes that evoke the calming ambience of a spa. The countertop, crafted from sintered stone, offers exceptional toughness and durability, resisting scratches, stains, and heat. Its non-porous surface prevents moisture absorption, making it hygienic and easy to clean. The combination of stone, wood, and ceramic sets the tone for a restorative, rejuvenating vibe.

My splurge on the vanity certainly paid off, especially when compounded by the installation of a new shower glass ensuite. As my biggest investment, a decent shower to compensate for the bathtub sacrifice felt both legitimate and essential—a daily shower is non-negotiable. Materially, I may or may not have reached the bare minimum of a spa-like bathroom, so brass finishes became my ultimate refinement tool. I have always had an innate affinity for brass—the warmth of its golden glam, the patina of its aged iteration, and the jewelry-box radiance it exudes. I went the extra mile (extra hundreds of dollars, I mean) to land a brass-finish shower screen.

Brass accents run throughout the bathroom—from brushed faucets and shower rails to gold-toned towel racks. A vintage photo frame, with its ornate distressed gold finish, introduces layers of history and visual intrigue. At risk of sounding like I am chasing trends—with vintage style making a comeback—it is actually natural for me to blend traditional elements into modern living. The tonal variations in brass finishes unify old and new, where old-world charm meets contemporary luxury, adding subtle texture and tactility.

In a space where the material foundation was not solid, every decorative piece played a dual role in function and style. Each choice carries weight in breaking through constraints and crafting an immersive, cocooning experience. I drew inspiration from what I perceived as the pinnacle of bathroom design— the Upper House Hotel in Hong Kong.

Here is an excerpt from my piece Travel in Style:

This bathroom delineated the vanity and bathtub areas, unified through a subtle yet deliberate transition. The artwork in the vanity area evoked a sense of tactility and embraced sculptural forms, enriching the space with depth, visual intrigue, and dimension. Ambient lighting further grounded the room, fostering privacy and seclusion for a sophisticated modern living experience. Ascending small steps into the vaulted bath area, I was greeted by a breathtaking city skyline dissolving into a splendid mountain view, revealed incrementally as I moved forward. Echoing the spatial transition, I experienced an emotional transformation—from compression to release. Here, three grand elements—architecture, metropolis, and nature—intertwined harmoniously, resulting in a refreshing, engaging, and aspirational experience. The concept of an urban retreat, cherished by the interior architect, surfaced as a defining element of his inaugural work.

Bathroom Designed by Upper House

Can a design placed on such an unattainable pedestal as the Upper House ever serve as a reference point for ordinary folks? When grand scale or ultra-prestige finishes are out of reach, I zoomed in to capture subtle details that resonated with me—it’s the element of tactility that shone through in the bathroom design, from wall artwork to sculptural forms. This became my cue: to incorporate sculptural qualities into my own material scheme. I sourced two statement pieces: a terrazzo stool, embodying strength and permanence, and a fossil-inspired sculptural décor, its surface evoking the organic patterns of nature while lending a contemporary, artistic edge. Placed in the spot once occupied by the old vanity, the stool-and-fossil duo infused the bathroom with new richness—layering materiality, depth, and texture.

The stool-and-fossil duo infused the bathroom with new richness—layering materiality, depth, and texture; Another focal point was a wooden stand holding a fiberstone pot

Another focal point was a wooden stand holding a fiberstone pot. Securing a pot that harmonized with the stand demanded thoughtfulness and discernment. Achieving a visually appealing outcome often hinges on meticulous attention to detail—dimensions, shapes, and colors all should be factored in. For example, a vertical plant in a wide-mouthed pot can disrupt visual balance; instead, a taller plant in a long, narrow-shaped pot better complements and completes the composition.

This approach was somewhat unorthodox for me. Previously, I painted my living room green, yet here I embraced a monochrome base—using massive white to emphasize material solidity and weight without being overpowered by color. The intention was to accentuate raw, natural, and organic features, evokes sense of spa experience. I went to great lengths to build a material anchor into the scheme, and in the end, I assembled what I think of as a “material symphony,” blending stone, ceramic, wood, and terrazzo.

Final Elevated Touch: Embellished with Thoughtful Details, Layered in

Sensory Richness

Countertop styling became my terrain for my final elevated touch

My approach to interiors often strikes as vibrant and color-drenched—daring, even. Though the monochrome scheme was not a deliberate choice but rather the result of constraints, it could be seen as a blessing in disguise; in a way, it aligns with the serenity and tranquility of a spa space. Yet the truth remains: texture, layering, and movement were inevitably diminished by the absence of

flooring and tile work.

Imagine an ideal world—it would be my beloved woven textured tiles adorning the walls, my cherished timeless herringbone-pattern applied to the floor, sconces evoking medieval Gothic charm flanking the vanity, a Parisian-chic pendant descending from the ceiling, a skylight inviting natural light in, and a picture window framing the outdoor scenery. It wasn’t a lack of ability that kept me from this high-end vision, but the reality of constraints.

So, I reframed my mindset: What can I do within my capacity to achieve the

best possible result? What can I learn from the process?

Countertop styling became my terrain for my final elevated touch. A pop of color offered the perfect chance to reintroduce vibrancy. An enchanting garden- themed diffuser and candle instantly transported me into a mesmerizing atmosphere—an oriental tale permeating the air, evoking both nostalgia and indulgence. A thoughtful gift from a friend—a body ritual box filled with towels and body creams—borrowed a hint of luxury hotel ambiance, echoing travel

anecdotes at the back of my mind. Its packaging, in lighter shades of green,contrasted beautifully with the deeper greens of the plants nearby.

I also placed two of my favorite perfume bottles—Rose Tonnerre by Frédéric Malle for day, and another for night. As someone highly sensitive to scent, I find that sensory richness is inseparable from my interior compositions. By engaging all five senses, I feel I may have achieved an elevated, spa-like experience that speaks to me—warm, sensual, and soothing.

My ultimate elevated touch before snapping those bathroom photos was to have professional cleaners for a thorough cleaning. I maintain my regular cleaning— especially these days following what I call the “three-second rule” for decluttering, where anything that can be tidied in under three seconds is done immediately, avoiding buildup and procrastination. But once in a while, professional cleaning also falls into the category of necessity, particularly when certain stains are beyond my ability to remove. That is the story of my bathroom: imperfect yet intentional, restrained yet expressive.

Designing a Life Through Beauty in Constraint

I crafted my modest sanctuary through this humble project. The joy it brings is immense, and the reward enduring. I may not have experienced an actual spa, but this space nourishes me, allowing me to unwind every day. By consciously reframing my lens, I have carved out a spa-like atmosphere that unfolds around me. Entering August in Sydney, rain pours daily. After a shower, steam curls around the room, and the entire space becomes enveloped in a celestial mist. The

garden-themed diffuser emanates a delicate, enticing floral aroma. Weaving together all elements and activating all senses—the rain outside, the rising steam, the aromatic scents—the result is cocooning, immersive, and mesmerizing—my version of a spa experience, LOL.

This bathroom project also holds profound significance for my personal growth. The old version of myself might have stood on the fence, fearful of the magnitude of such a project. It still required investment and effort: coordinating with tradespersons for installing shower screen and vanity, handpicking decorative pieces, carrying them home from far away. And I was always torn by the eternal question: deep down inside, I knew that this isn’t going to be my forever home. Why

invest in an inherently disadvantaged position?

Here, a mindset shift emerged—the essence of constraint is not a conclusion, but a condition lies in embracing imperfection. It allows us to break through pitfalls and leap into action. I once had a discussion with someone revolving around our relationship with the universe, our perspectives converged on the idea of surrendering to the framework shaped by the universe, while simultaneously channeling self-agency to reshape our trajectory within that framework. By surrendering to structure, we regain the freedom to rewrite a life story that is unique, authentic, and unapologetic. It is poignant realization—a recognition of limits—yet it offers an optimistic perspective on approaching life. I fully embrace this philosophy, which also manifests

in my design ethos.

I genuinely appreciate design and beauty because they fuel me—they bring out the most creative, vibrant, and energetic parts of who I am. At this stage of my life, vitality is woven into the core of my being, transcending any obsession with perfection. I am still exercising my creative muscles within external conditions and constraints, yet I claim my inner sovereignty by designing an enriched and joyful life within those limits.

As long as I keep creating and pursuing, I will never lose the glimmer of hope.

I want to end the piece with the prevailing message I once delivered in my home tour project in 2024:

Although humans are restricted by various conditions (resources, intelligence,

skills, etc.), the power of creativity can indeed turn scarcity into abundance. In

some sense, it offers us equal opportunities to create beauty and rewrite our

reality. How we change our inner narrative reshapes the paradox of association

and our relationships—with others, the environment, and ourselves.

For instance, ownership of objects can be fleeting or simply inaccessible, yet

our desire to create and make can fundamentally transcend that surface-level

barrier. The outcome leads to perpetually unique creations of our own—whether

it’s a piece of poetry, a song, a book, or a home sanctuary we’ve curated—in

any form that speaks to each individual.

I believe that by holding this ethos at the core of our creativity, especially in

design, we can connect to a sense of belonging, remaining both hopeful and

joyful.