Spa Bathroom Reno Tips from Lifestyle Expert Cyndi Ramirez
Learn how the Chillhouse founder renovated her flagship location with Build.com
On New York’s bustling Lower East Side there’s an oasis of calm that serves up a selection of pampering spa treatments and healing beverages. Founder Cyndi Ramirez said, “Chillhouse is the ultimate destination for self-care, where city dwellers can find urban rejuvenation.” This fall, she added a new brick-and-mortar destination for devotees of all things chill.
The Big Chill Project
In November 2019, Ramirez opened her flagship location in Manhattan’s Soho neighborhood. She explained that “the new location will be a fast pass to relaxation that is one-of-a-kind for the concrete jungle, offering manicures and massages in a highly curated, beautifully designed space with affordable prices.”
Dubbed The Big Chill, the new spa started as a blank slate. And, to stay chill throughout the facility makeover, Cyndi sought some expert help, “When this project was coming together, I knew Build.com would be the right partner since I was starting from scratch. The space was raw and I needed the support of a partner who truly knew the ins and outs of a renovation project.”
“With our new flagship space, the goal is to offer an escape that allows people to feel good — making the practice of wellbeing easy and attainable.” ~ CR
Elevating a Standard Bathroom
The Chillhouse Soho property was completely transformed from the ground up. Cyndi said, “Converting a traditional bathroom into a true spa oasis requires colors, lighting, and fixtures that embody relaxation and calmness — and I would be lying if I said it was easy! My favorite part of working with Build.com was the ability to be highly involved with the process, yet having their team of experts really guide the journey. I could be really hands-on for certain stages, and completely removed from others. I trusted them to guide me and my team through this intricate renovation process.”
Bathrooms Built for Relaxation
“The spa area in Chillhouse Flagship is one of the biggest differentiators from the Lower East Side location,” Cyndi explained. “The infrared sauna and spa shower are designed to put visitors at ease, and the Build.com products we selected help create the calming, zenful setting that transforms the stress that comes with the Big Apple into a personal oasis.”
To create that oasis, Cyndi found everything she needed at Build.com, including tile, plumbing fixtures, hardware, and lighting. “Build.com has it all! My favorite brands — from Kohler to Maxim/ET2 to Daltile — are always at a reasonable price and easy to find. I found a vast array of options for the essentials, but also quality statement pieces that elevated my vision of creating the chillest spa retreat.”
She chose a calming color palette, and had the tile installed in an intricate wave pattern. “Daltile helped us to establish a color scheme of blue, grey, and beige in the bathroom areas that give off peaceful, tranquil and of course, chill vibes. In the main areas, we went with a coral and light teal color palette for that pop of color alongside intricate wall tiling.”
Brushed gold fixtures and accessories from the Kohler Purist collection add an elegant, upscale quality to the space.
Commercial vs. Residential Bathroom Remodels
Not every bathroom remodel is as large-scale as the Chillhouse project, but Cyndi said she also recommends Build.com for home improvements. “I worked with Build.com to concept my own dream bathroom earlier this year, incorporating lighting, plumbing, hardware and decor elements that really make a bathroom space feel like a spa oasis. That project really showcased to me how seamless it is to incorporate Build.com into any project. Their team works directly with you every step of the way to bring your inspiration to life.”
How to Bring Designer Style to Your Bathroom
Cyndi said, “Your bathroom can be one of the most serene, tranquil places in your home, and it is well worth investing in.”
Here are some of Cyndi’s tips for reimagining your bathroom:
- When considering any renovation, it’s important to have patience and leave room for error in terms of a completion timeline.
- Have a plan in place before you start construction. The better idea you have of the overall color scheme, products you will want to use, and design you are wanting to implement, the more prepared you will be to successfully pull off your dream space.
- Your bathroom oasis should be relaxing, stylish, and most importantly comfortable. A relaxing sand hue tackles all of that while providing a soothing pop of color.
- If you aren’t allowed to paint (Hey there, fellow renters!), slap on some temporary peel-and-stick wallpaper for the same effect, which you can peel up the minute you’re ready to move out.
- For a relaxing vibe, keep fixtures sleek and simple.
- Choose moody lighting to create atmosphere. Dimmable lights are a must.