Interior design stars are dressing up spas with a new look-and their unique approaches offer some lessons you can take home.
Photo Tour: 7 spas by famous interior designers >>
These days it seems no chic spa is complete without the aesthetic imprint of a famous interior designer. From treatment rooms envisioned by Philippe Starck to relaxation areas decked out in Jonathan Adler's trademark pillows, a bold new spa look is emerging.
Moving away from the zenlike, Asian-inspired interiors that have helped soothe spa-goers in recent years, these designers are approaching relaxation from a different direction, using everything from humorous flourishes to minimalist accents to create interesting yet restful spaces.
"To me, every spa has its own personality," says designer Marc Zeff, who gave The Carlyle its swanky art deco spa.
"It's about uncomplicated design, a good balance of masculine and feminine, clean lines, warm and inviting tones, rich surfaces, and soft lighting."
And then there's design icon Philippe Starck, whose quintessentially French exuberance comes through in every project. "The main element of a spa is harmony," he explains. "You must forget the world, you must forget gravity-a spa is a beautiful nowhere."
Who knows? In addition to relaxation, these stylish spas may just inspire you to take your own design risks.
Photo Tour: See 7 spas by famous interior designers >>
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