A Luxe Wet Room Evokes the Elegance of Ancient Bath Houses

The shower contains four windows to allow for natural light and fresh air when opened.

Floor-to-ceiling wood cabinetry and dual vanities offer a sense of softness to the space, plus provide ample storage for tucking away toiletries and towels.

Light-up display shelves bring eyes upward while standing at the vanity.

The barrel-vaulted ceiling is the defining feature of the space.

A built-in marble bench keeps the shower drain out of sight. Photo by Heidi Harris

From lot acquisition to architectural drawings to construction, Lehigh Homes & Development is in the business of bringing dream homes to life. So, when returning clients shared their desire to build a hidden, doorless walk-in shower with separate his-and-her entries, they didn’t flinch.

“As repeat clients, these homeowners had a deep trust in our process and shared alignment in the vision from the start,” shares Brendan Walsh, owner and president of Lehigh. 

To achieve a unified, spa-like environment, Roswell-based residential architectural firm A Classical Studio designed a cohesive wet area complete with a shower and freestanding tub. The design team drew inspiration from the timeless elegance of ancient baths and spas, fitted with modern amenities to make it live well for today’s lifestyles. “Natural light plays a critical role, enhancing the material palette and reinforcing a calm, airy atmosphere,” says principal Samantha Wilson. 

The bathroom’s pièce de résistance, however, is the curved, limewashed ceiling—what Wilson describes as a strong architectural gesture, adding height, softness, and a sense of grandeur that elevates the entire experience. 

“The barrel-vaulted ceiling is the defining feature of the space,” echoes David Grace, founder and president of A Classical Studio. “When paired with the openness of the wet area below, it creates a striking contrast between form and function—grounding the space in classical architectural language while maintaining a clean, modern sensibility.”

Patty Redelius of Redel Design intentionally selected a tight palette of natural materials, adding warmth and intimacy to balance the strength and openness of the large wet area. “Interestingly, the biggest challenge was also what became my favorite element,” says Redelius. “The wet area was a strong and impactful architectural decision, but its large size needed balance.” Floor-to-ceiling wood cabinetry and dual vanities offer a sense of softness to the space, plus provide ample storage for tucking away toiletries and towels. For the finishing touch, arched mirrors, a rounded tub, and curved fixtures mimic the bathroom’s dramatic dome.

Resources TILE Renaissance Tile & Bath, Zia Tile, Ciot VANITY, MILLWORK, HARDWARE Keystone Millworks TUB AND FAUCETRY Ferguson LIGHTING Visual Comfort & Co., Noir LIMEWASH Superior Fine Finishes