A Spa-Like Primary Bathroom in Saddle River 

It features a sauna, a steam shower and sumptuous style

The sauna/shower space spans an entire wall. “When you walk into the room, you see one piece of glass across the sauna and steam shower. Aesthetically, it’s beautiful,” homeowner John Cunningham says. Designer Jennifer McGee says of the space, “It’s very now, of the moment, and reflects a modern lifestyle of quiet luxury.”

With their children grown and flown, Katrina and John Cunningham of Saddle River, New Jersey, decided to move out of the second-floor guest room they had previously occupied to be near the kids when they were young. They were ready to make use of the actual primary suite, located on the first floor. But the 1980s-era space needed to be updated. “We envisioned setting up a haven of serenity so that, in essence, we could be transported to a luxury spa without leaving our house,” John Cunningham says.

Designer Jennifer McGee had worked with the homeowners in the past and knew exactly the type of aesthetic they sought. “They wanted it to be a sanctuary,” says McGee, principal of Ridgewood-based Jennifer McGee Design Inc. “The Cunninghams love to travel, so I began this project with the concept of staying at a gorgeous resort. I wanted them to have that same feeling in their home.”

The room’s lavish style begins with a classic stone: marble. The floor’s subtle striations lay a tranquil foundation while bold veining on the walls and in the shower adds movement. “That floor-to-ceiling marble is something you don’t see in every bathroom,” McGee points out. Tambour trim on the custom vanity and bathtub surround brings texture, adding interest to the white fixtures.

The bathtub is positioned in front of a window to take advantage of the view. “It looks out onto our English garden and pond in the backyard. It’s pretty serene,” Katrina Cunningham notes. The shower space features many amenities found at high-end hospitality venues, including light therapy, aromatherapy and steam settings.

McGee suggested the sauna for her energetic, sporty clients. “Saunas have so many wellness benefits,” she says. “It goes beyond just creating a beautiful space.” The Cunninghams were enthusiastic about the addition. “John and I are pretty physically active,” Katrina says. “Using the sauna or steam room at the gym is something we do fairly frequently, so the fact that we could have this in our own home was a game changer.”

The project was a success, thanks to the collaborative efforts of all involved. “We had a really good team,” Katrina says. “Everybody enjoyed working together; it was a fun project.” Now the couple are thrilled with their new space to enjoy as empty nesters. John says, “It’s like the penthouse suite in a hotel.” Katrina adds, “Jennifer did a great job. She had a vision that she brought to life.”

EDITOR’S NOTE: This story was published in the August/September 2024 issue of Design NJ under the headline “A Spa-Like Sanctuary.”
For more spa-like bathrooms, see “Sea, Sand & Spa,” “Guiding Light,” “A Marriage of Tastes” and “Bold & Beautiful.”