Bathrooms have always been some of the most important rooms in any home, but these days, baths are really having their moment in the spotlight. More than ever before, homeowners are looking to turn their bathrooms into spa-like sanctuaries, places where they can relax and recharge – not just take care of business.
And while you might dream of the luxurious soaking tub, separate shower, and plenty of space for all of the fluffy towels you can buy, that might not be possible without major (read: expensive) renovations. The good news is that even if your bathroom isn’t much bigger than a closet, you can still create a spa environment without spending a bundle. In fact, with these tips, you can probably transform your bath in as little as a weekend.
Clear the Clutter
The fastest route to a Zen-like space heads right through Purgetown. Multiple studies have shown that clutter increases stress, contributes to depression, and leads to a host of other problems, including physical ailments. Therefore, making your bathroom as relaxing as it can start with getting rid of the clutter. Go through your cabinets and drawers and recycle or toss old, unused stuff, and put everything that you don’t use on a daily basis away and out of sight. Invest in some containers to hold essentials like cotton balls or bath products. Taking items out of their labeled packaging and placing them in clear glass jars or other decorative containers turns them into part of your décor and reduces the visual, stress-inducing, clutter.
Upgrade Your Fixtures
While you might stare longingly at the luxurious soaking tubs at the home improvement store, they can be expensive – and take up a lot of space. And while they look nice, and a long hot bath is a nice indulgence, ask yourself how often you would really use such a tub? Chances are if you are like most people, you will spend more time cleaning your tub than soaking in it.
You can still create a relaxing bathing experience by upgrading your fixtures, in particular, your shower head. Installing massaging or raindrop showerheads aren’t difficult and can make a huge difference in the quality of your shower. You may need to work with a plumber to install complex shower systems or equipment like a shower diverter valve, but the expense will be well worth it when you take a relaxing shower. If you’re happy with your existing shower head, consider adding other luxurious details, such as heated towel bars or bathroom fans equipped with Bluetooth speakers, so you can enjoy your favorite music while you get ready.
Choose Your Colors Wisely
When you have a small bathroom, it doesn’t take much to transform the whole look. In fact, you might even be able to paint the whole room with just a quart of paint. The most relaxing spas are decorated with shades drawn from nature: Think blues, greens, tans, and cream. Soft, pale colors are the most relaxing, and when you choose from a natural palette, you have a wide range of accessories to choose from. Think simple but luxurious. However, many realtors and design experts caution against using an all-white palette, as it can be too stark and sterile looking. If you want to go all white, add accents in other colors to add interest.
Focus on the Senses
You can create a calming and relaxing atmosphere by focusing on the senses, and find ways to incorporate them into your tiny bath. The scent is one especially effective way to set the tone; using oils and diffusers with calming scents like lavender, jasmine, and vanilla can keep the room smelling fresh while also setting the spa tone. Use texture to create interest and make the room feel luxurious. Retire the scratchy old threadbare towels to the rag bin, and invest in fluffy, soft towels and bath mats. It might feel like a splurge, but you can often find bargains at home goods stores. Bring in relaxing sounds with Bluetooth speakers. Use fresh flowers or potted plants in the room to bring in a natural element of visual interest while creating a tranquil environment.
Adding spa-like elements to your bathroom doesn’t have to require weeks of construction or a major hit to your credit card. With a major cleanup and a few tweaks, you can have a spa-like sanctuary that you can’t wait to come home to.
Author: Tiffany Rowe