Is there a bathroom fixture more glamorous than a freestanding tub? While attached tubs are certainly common in many homes, bold bathing vessels continue to stand out and impress as a non-traditional way to infuse elegance into sensible spaces.
It's no surprise then that Madame Web star and interior design enthusiast Dakota Johnson has included a grand, white tub in the center of her bathroom. Created by acclaimed design duo Pierce & Ward, the airy space benefits greatly from a central soaking tub, which serves as an equator between the two identical vanities.
Much like a jacuzzi or swimming pool, freestanding tubs create visual interest and garner excitement around them. Bathing is a pleasurable and relaxing activity, so highlighting the tub is a deeper way to convey that the bathroom is a serene and sophisticated space.
'Freestanding tubs are to bathrooms what statement necklaces are to LBDs (little black dresses),' Tracy Metro, creative director at Tracy Metro Designs, states. 'Sure, an LBD can be great looking all on its own; however, the minute you add on a stunning necklace, that simple dress comes to life. Freestanding tubs are similar!'
Though bathrooms are typically rooted in practicality, freestanding tubs can maintain the functionality of an attached tub whilst acting as a decorative piece that fits into a variety of design styles, from traditional to modern.
'A tub attached to a wall can purely be a functional object in which to bathe,' Metro states. 'However, a tub situated in front of a wall becomes a design moment worthy of note.'
Though Johnson's tub is flanked by a silver shower head, along with a stone and wood stand to hold any bathing accessories, Metro says that customization is key to making a freestanding tub look as chic as possible.
A free standing tub similar to the one in Dakota Johnson's space.
'The way to make a freestanding tub incredibly special is to back it with a dynamic tile,' she suggests. 'If you really want to up the ante, make the tub colored.' We recommend introducing curated indoor plants and luxury light fixtures (as Johnson demonstrates) where possible. Similarly, the small side table offers the perfect base for bathroom essentials (soap and yet more flowers, in the actress's case).
For most of her life, Tracy Metro has been on TV hosting cheap & cheerful home makeovers on streaming platforms/channels such as Netflix, YouTube, Oprah Winfrey Network (OWN), Hallmark, etc. In real life, she's been lucky enough to design lots of stunning places for some really incredible people. She has worked on homes, galleries, restaurants and even a vintage houseboat & motorhome (OK, those are her pet projects). Her designs have been showcased online, in newspapers, magazines and even as a chapter in a book.
Shop H&G's bathroom essential edit
Johnson's crisp, white tub is a timeless pick, but selecting a bold black or luxe metallic soaker can heighten the glamour of the room even further. We can also get the luxury bathroom look with some of our top bathroom picks – designed to acceuate all sized spaces.
From $1,580.39 at Bed Bath & Beyond
Sleek and sophisticated, this freestanding tub provides a spa-like atmosphere.
Displaying soap just stylish. This quirky dish is almost too good looking to be practical and will make a statement on every style of sink.
Terrazzo continues to remain right on trend for 2024, and there's no better way to get the look than this versatile tray. Beyond the bathroom, it will look equally beautiful in an entryway table or atop our kitchen countertops.
Displaying toothbrushes just got fashionable. This unglazed biscuit porcelain is a way to add subtle luxury to our bathroom, and it’ll sit perfectly on the side of our bathroom sink.
Tapping into the seashell theme of the collection, this pretty pocket mirror is embossed with fragments of recycled shells. This means each piece has its own unique, colorful design, so we can never purchase the same one twice.
The only thing better than one on-trend home accessory is four. Enter – this four-piece set of stone-inspired pieces that bring a grounding sense of style to our bathrooms.
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