Everyone deserves a break from life’s hustle and bustle. Sometimes, the sanctuary of a spa isn’t far away — it can be right in your bathroom. Whether splurging on a new smart bathtub or simply giving the walls a fresh coat of paint, there are many ways to elevate an ordinary comfort station into a luxe spa retreat.
Here at GreatBuildz, a free service that connects homeowners in Los Angeles, Orange, and Ventura Counties with reliable kitchen contractors, we speak to homeowners every day about how long it takes to upgrade your bathroom into a Spa Worthy Oasis – read on to learn more.
Add Calming Scents
Fragrances can transport you to a calm mental space and help prevent the buildup of indoor odor. Adding scented candles, hanging a eucalyptus, or using essential oil diffusers are simple yet effective ways to set a spa-like mood in your bathroom. Consider these common scent options:
- Lavender: This scent helps reduce stress and promote a sense of calm.
- Eucalyptus: Its leaves are usually used in a steamy bathroom to help clear congestion.
- Vanilla: This comforting aroma is an excellent choice for a guest powder room.
- Citrus: Lemon, orange and bergamot are famed for their calming and refreshing properties, helping mask odors and leaving the space smelling fresh.
Remember to burn candles in a well-ventilated room. Avoid burning them for more than four hours and keep them cool for two hours before relighting to maximize their performance.
Declutter and Organize Items
You might love organized chaos, but it’s impracticable when creating a relaxing area. Streamline your space by getting rid of expired and unnecessary items. Hide less aesthetically pleasing bathroom items like toothpaste and toothbrushes in a medicine cabinet to lessen visual clutter. As you restock, place products you rarely use daily inside drawers and cabinets. Dedicate your open storage and counter space to the essentials you use daily, such as hand soap.
Consider upgrading your storage if you need more space. An under-the-sink storage is ideal for keeping cleaning supplies, unused toiletries, and other household items out of sight.
Stock Soft Towels
Invest in high-quality towels like those you’d find at a five-star hotel and a spa. Choose soft cotton with a high thread count to wrap yourself in a cozy towel after a relaxing bath. Display your extra stocks on open cabinets — roll them properly or stack them with crispy folded edges.
Consider an Open Shower
An open shower, also known as a walk-in shower, features a curb-less entryway that makes it easier for older adults to enter and exit. Its functional and aesthetically pleasing layout makes the bathroom appear larger without using too much space. Adding a doorless shower also means you don’t need to install special ventilation. The absence of doors decreases the steam inside an enclosed space.
Install Rain Shower Head
Investing in a large rain shower head adds a touch of modern elegance and sophistication to your bathroom. This item has various finishes, including matte black, chrome, and brushed nickel. One of the advantages of upgrading is the added coverage area, which helps disperse water more effectively, ensuring your whole body is evenly drenched.
A rain shower head is also versatile as it can be installed on a wall or a ceiling, depending on your preference. Lastly, it immerses you in a relaxing rainfall experience, bringing an effect that feels and sounds like warm summer rain.
Choose the Right Colors
Opt for soft, muted colors to establish a relaxing environment. Consider a color that works well with your bedroom paint. Pick the right shade if you want to keep it simple and clean with white.
Avoid using bright colors and patterns, as it can energize rather than relax. Instead, stick to neutrals and a splash of colors for added interest. Choosing blue shades can increase your home’s value and transform the bathroom into a cozy retreat where you can eliminate stress.
Incorporate Smart Home Technology
Consider adding a fog-free shaving mirror in the shower or floor heating system when upgrading appliances. You can also install speakers on the wall or a portable speaker next to your tub to play ambient sounds in your bathroom.
If you want to go all out for a next-level spa experience, invest in a smart bathtub that allows you to turn on lights, add fog, and infuse aroma through voice commands or a mobile app.
Bring Outdoors In
Houseplants are great aesthetic additions that serve many purposes — helping filter indoor air, fight toxic pollutants, and boost mental health. Aloe vera and snake plants are excellent low-maintenance choices for an instant pop of green in your space.
Calathea Rattlesnake and Chinese Evergreen are the best options if you love to add patterns in an all-white bathroom. It’s also a conversation piece, making it a great addition to your powder room.
Convert a Stand-Up Shower to a Tub
Transforming your standalone shower to a bathtub or a tub-and-shower combo will give you a place to take bubble baths and relax after a long day. When looking for your bathroom’s newest addition, consider the size of your space, personal style, and budget. Existing plumbing might also need adjustments.
Soften Space with Rugs
High-quality mats help prevent slips and falls, and add an element of relaxation to your bathroom. Choose a rug made of natural, quick-drying materials to help fight bacteria and mold formation outside the shower or tub. Opt for a color or pattern that coordinates with your overall decor.
Add Artwork
Let your bathroom tell a story about you. Elevate it with paintings, quotes, and other soothing artwork that add to the luxurious feel of the space. It could be a tranquil beach photo, a charming garden photo, or an abstract piece that instills a sense of calm.
Install Soft Mood Lighting
Complete a spa-like experience with the perfect bathroom lighting. Replace harsh overhead lights that hurt the eyes and replace them with dimmable options. Opt for lamps beside the mirror to make you look and feel good while preparing for the day.
For an instant spa-like effect, opt for LED underwater lights or strips on the walls to elevate the space’s calming atmosphere.
Upgrade Your Bathroom Today
You can upgrade your bathroom from a usual utilitarian space to a luxurious oasis in many ways. It can be as easy as incorporating calming hues or replacing your items with smart appliances for the ultimate spa experience. Remember these tips when transforming your bathroom into your sanctuary.
When it comes to remodeling your kitchen, you shouldn’t have to go it alone – GreatBuildz can help simplify your contractor search. GreatBuildz is a free service that connects homeowners in Los Angeles, Orange, and Ventura Counties with reliable, thoroughly screened general contractors and provides project support from start to finish. Call us at 818.317.3567 to get realistic, local price estimates to upgrade your bathroom or any other kind of home remodeling project.
Author:
Rose Morrison is a home living writer with over five years experience. She is the managing editor of Renovated.com, a home living site where she loves to cover home renovations and decor to inspire everyone to live their best DIY life. She’s most passionate about sustainable living and incorporating those habits into daily life. Her work has been featured on The National Association of Realtors and American Society of Home Inspectors. When she isn’t writing, you’ll find her baking something to satisfy her never-ending sweet tooth. For more articles from Rose, you can follow her on Twitter or subscribe to the Renovated.com newsletter.
