Home Spa & Sauna Design: Luxury Wellness at Home

June 30, 2025

The way we view our homes has shifted dramatically over the past few years, remarkably so post-pandemic. Homes are now sanctuaries; more so than ever before, they are spaces where we recharge and collect ourselves, not just live. 

Among the most popular at-home upgrades to emerge from this shift in perspective is the home spa and sauna. For homeowners seeking more comfort and wellness in their day-to-day, these spaces now rival kitchens and living rooms as focal points in residential architecture.

From steam showers and saunas to cold plunge pools, deep soaking tubs, and ambient lighting systems, a modern home spa can be a luxurious and integrated experience. These are highly personalized spaces designed to support wellness and intentional living, right at home.

Spa and Sauna Design 

Creating an effective and beautiful home spa or sauna involves carefully designing it from the ground up, considering all features of architecture, water systems, finishes, and sensory experience, all at once. For example, in our Weston Modern Prairie project, the sauna design was not just an add-on; it was an architectural focal point in the home’s wellness suite, featuring natural wood materials, beautiful stone work, moisture-controlled ventilation, and spa-grade lighting.

A luxury spa experience often begins with all the construction details that no homeowner or visitor will see. Moisture resistance, ventilation, and zoning all come into play. Sauna walls must be thermally insulated and vapor-sealed. Flooring materials should be slip-resistant and easy to maintain. Steam showers require proper drainage, slope, and tile selection. These decisions must be made early in the architectural phase to ensure integration with HVAC, plumbing, and electrical systems.

sauna design

Spa & Sauna Design – Bringing in the Right Expertise

Designing wellness spaces also means collaboration. At Slocum Hall Design Group, we work with specialty contractors, vendors, and spa-focused product experts to select the right sauna units, stone slabs, cabinetry, and lighting systems for each space. 

Regardless of whether you prefer traditional dry heat or infrared, sleek contemporary minimalist aesthetics, or natural stone textures, the spa will be designed with your tastes and preferences at the forefront. Some clients prefer a compact, elegant sauna built into their primary bath suite. Others opt for full lower-level wellness rooms with space for yoga, massage, and meditation zones. 

Architecture Meets Wellness

A home spa or sauna can build wellness into your daily routine. Whether you’re recovering from a long workday, seeking a restorative ritual, or creating a calming space for guests and family, your home can now support the habits that help you feel your best.

If you’re thinking about adding a spa or sauna to your home in Boston or on the Cape, reach out to us here. As one of Boston’s premier architecture firms, we’ll work with you to design a space that soothes the senses while elevating the design of your home.