Project RRR: How We Designed a Spa That Revitalizes Mind, Body, and Soul + Source Links!
- Burcu
- Jun 18
- 4 min read
Some projects stay with you long after the last throw pillow is fluffed, and this is one of them. We're thrilled to finally share Project RRR: our first-ever commercial design, brought to life in collaboration with the inspiring team at @merheadspa.
If you're new here, Merhead Spa is a head spa—a calming extension of the beloved hair salon DOREMI—specializing in scalp health, holistic care, and deep relaxation inspired by Japanese rituals. It’s more than just a treatment space, it’s an immersive experience. Think BEST Girls US-TIME loading! Trust me.
In this blog post, you'll get a full behind-the-scenes look at how this project came together: from the powerful client connection to a design concept grounded in feeling, flow, and intentionality.
Here's what you'll find:
The story of how we landed our first commercial project
The inspiration behind the concept Relax, Refresh, Renew (RRR)
How we transformed a spa visit into an unforgettable customer journey
Key design elements that breathe life into the space
A complete walkthrough of the final space
Detailed sourcing for fixtures, finishes, and more
This project was unlike any other, full of unexpected moments, creative trust, and design decisions driven more by emotion than trends. We're incredibly proud of the result and can’t wait for you to step inside.
Months in the making, built on trust, intention, and genuine connection, this project was never just about creating a beautiful space. It was about crafting a serene sanctuary, an experience.
But first, the story of how it all began, which still gives us chills...
When our client first reached out, she mentioned something unexpected: “I saw your favorite activity on your website was a spa day, and I knew you’d understand what I was trying to create.”
That simple line meant everything. It reminded us that the energy we put out truly comes back. She recognized shared values: care, restoration, and presence, and knew we were the right partners. The connection was instant and organic, setting the tone for everything that followed.
The Vision: Relax. Refresh. Renew.
From the start, we knew this wasn’t about designing just a commercial space, it was about creating a journey.
The entire concept was shaped around the emotional rhythm of a guest’s experience:
STEP 1: Relax in a soothing ambiance. 🌿🧘♀️
STEP 2: Refresh through intentional, sensory treatments. 🌊✨
STEP 3: Renew your spirit, mind, and body as you re-enter the world. 🌅💖
We imagined this transformation like the feeling nature provides:
Stepping onto a sandy beach to quiet your nerves.
Diving into the ocean to awaken your senses.
Emerging feeling renewed and reconnected.
The Design: A Serene Refuge with a Coastal Soul
From concept to completion, nature and flow guided every choice:
Limewashed walls to softly diffuse light, instantly grounding the space.
Curved sofas with wave-like silhouettes mimicking the gentle movement of water.
A sculptural "rock" coffee table anchoring the space like a tranquil tidepool.
A whimsical yet luxurious 3D mermaid tail tile installation.
Every corner was thoughtfully curated—calm, textural, and purposeful, that blends function with feeling seamlessly.
The Timeline: A Journey of Trust and Patience
The renovation began in January 2024, long before we joined. We came aboard in October 2024 and navigated months of construction, sourcing, refinements, and surprises together.
It was a journey filled with unknowns but always felt familiar because our vision was clear: we weren't just designing a space; we were creating a sanctuary.
The installation wrapped in May 2025. Now, it’s real, open, and more beautiful than we ever imagined.
Walkthrough & Sourcebook
Today, I’m excited to guide you through the completed space.
Every curve, texture, and finish was meticulously chosen to reflect the calm, grounded energy envisioned from day one.
Starting from the Registration Area – the Welcome Desk evokes a sandy beach vibe, minimal and calming.
Then, stepping into the Changing Room – you dip into the ocean, greeted by an aqua 3D tile wall behind an arched doorway.
Next, you arrive at the Waiting Lounge—a place to slow down, with curvy sofas, biomorphic custom seating, rounded edges, sandy-hued walls, and a cozy fireplace.
If you’ve fallen in love with these details (we don’t blame you!), here's where you can find the exact fixtures and finishes we used throughout the space, allowing you to bring a bit of this serene refuge into your own world.
✨ Light Fixtures Used
– Ceiling Pendant in Lobby: Link
– Welcoming Wall Sconces: Link
– Sconces in Treatment Rooms: Link
– Pendants by Changing Room Mirrors: Link
✨ Tiles Used
– Mermaid Tail 3D Tile (Feature Wall): Link
– Mermaid Tail Drybar Tile: Link
– Bathroom Wall Tile: Link
✨ Vanity Design
– Mirror: Link
– Faucet: Link
– Sink: Link
Stay tuned—I’ll be sharing even more behind-the-scenes details, a full gallery, and our complete design board soon!
Dreaming of your own RRR moment? We're here for it.
With love,
Burcu
*This blog post contains affiliate links. If you purchase from me, I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.
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